When I think of one thing that makes Running Mums Australia a success one word comes to mind. CONNECTION. RMA exists to give voice to women in a real and tangible way. It is so much more about the running. It is about what the running can DO for us. It is the vehicle that connects us, from that first step on that journey that is bursting to make its way known.

Chances are you have been introduced to RMA through a friend, colleague, or fellow runner. Maybe you just saw someone sporting the logo running around your local suburb. Maybe you saw the many many women who line up with it on at events on the roads and trails, maybe you googled ‘running mum’. However you found us, we are glad that you are here.

The reason we are glad is not to make ourselves appear better than the rest, because, well, we are the rest. We are made up of many many passionate and powerful women from all over this vast land, from owners of big organisations, people in sporting clubs, running groups, walking groups, full time employees, home-makers, olympians past and present and women who just want some adventure in their life. We are women who come with one purpose. TO CONNECT.

It is through this connection that the real power comes. It IS the power of RMA. Because when we connect together we share with each other our dreams, desires, goals, hopes and plans and through this sharing we can truly make a change to the world that we live in. Issues become real, ideas become realities and thoughts become impact.

We are really excited to be able to use RMA as a vehicle for change in our communities and our country at large. When connection is possible, REAL WOMEN use their POWER to create change. We see that in the power of our community every single day played out on our screens and in person through your sharing.

This year we are holding our virtual event again. Much like the one we ran in 2016 that raised just under $24,000 for Bravehearts. This year our virtual event will be held with all proceeds going straight to Share the Dignity. Share the Dignity is a women’s charity that makes a real, on-the-ground difference to homeless women and victims of domestic violence. Share The Dignity collects thousands of pads, tampons and personal hygiene products every YEAR for women experiencing homelessness and poverty. Small dignities make a big difference. They also fund funerals for victims of domestic violence, and campaign for justice for women in Australia.

Our choice of charity to show our support as a whole is always connected to the heart of a mother. It is always about women and children, and we believe that our choice for 2018’s virtual run will make a huge impact in the lives of many many vunerable women and their families in relation to issues that we take for granted each and every day. Everyone should be able to have dignity, and we will work hard to make sure our impact is felt.

So I ask that you think about the fact that as women we take no thought in rocking up to our local supermarket, and purchase our pads, tampons, deodorant, toothpaste or shampoo without even thinking about it. Imagine being a woman who doesn’t have that luxury. That has to use the 99c napkins every month just to be afforded some dignity when it is her time of the month. I want you to think about that woman, and then I want you to imagine that this is you. How would that make you feel? Then I want you to go to Share the Dignity and register for our virtual event. For $25 you are giving a woman dignity and hope and a reason to go on, not only giving her dignity, but giving her hope.

Register here, commit to your distance for the month of October and share with friends far and wide that you know could also make an impact in other women’s lives. Together we can make a difference. #run4dignity #runningmumsaustralia.