Grantee Spotlight - GOTR
Girls on the Run at Hailey Elementary School, 2024
Last year, Spur granted $5,000 to Girls on the Run Southern Idaho, which teaches girls in 3rd-8th grades about so much more than running. While the girls work hard to put one foot in front of the other, they are also learning life skills such as confidence, empathy, and conflict resolution, and how to recognize their inner strengths.
GOTR, as it’s known informally, is really an early intervention program addressing girls’ emotional as well as physical health and well-being. The program centers on these particular grades to help girls learn resilience skills they’ll need as they encounter puberty and other challenging life and social situations.
“At GOTR, running is really a medium for teaching,” the Southern Idaho chapter’s executive director Teressa Johnson says. “Our evidence-based programming inspires girls to increase their level of physical activity, yes, but it also motivates them to imagine their possibilities and confidently stand up for themselves and others. We strive to ensure each and every girl gets what she needs, whether that’s more activity, making a new friend, gaining certain skills, or building social connection. We are so proud to have been supported by Spur in this important work.”
Notably, the spring season saw a return to pre-pandemic participation numbers (with more than 90 girls running) as well as the reinstatement of the Heart & Sole program at the Wood River Middle School, which is specifically for girls in grades 6-8. “These programs have become a real anchor for girls with limited positive social interactions both in and outside of school,” Johnson notes. “The relationships they build during the season are such a core component of our success – and theirs – and we’ve seen a huge boost in self-esteem and confidence.”
Other highlights include:
Nearly 60% volunteer coach retention over the course of the year, with 24 coaches total. Each site requires two coaches to implement and teach the GOTR curriculum, with continuity key to cementing bonds and mentoring new volunteers.
Impactful community service projects conducted by the fall 2023 teams at Alturas, Hailey, and Hemingway elementary schools. 80% of those participants also attended the season-ending 5K at Swiftsure Ranch, sporting tutus, snow boots, costumes, and capes in the impromptu snowstorm! [photo: Alturas team]
Teaching realistic goal setting through lap running as the girls build up to their 5K celebrations. The program uses repetition and exercise to help reinforce the skills learned in each lesson and to counteract the instant gratification they experience in other aspects of their lives.
Excellent ongoing coordination with the Blaine County School District, with Teressa able to go to participating schools and speak with students directly to build excitement about the program and encourage participation. This hands-on, direct marketing was crucial to boost numbers at lower enrollment sites.
Several 5th grade graduates have already enrolled in the Heart & Sole program.
Continued and expanded programming not only in Blaine County, but also at sites in Twin Falls, Buhl, and Jerome.
“We have so much positive momentum going into the 2024-2025 school year,” Johnson says, “and the money from Spur was a big part of that. We were able to secure new curriculum from GOTR International and make each season fun, memorable, and truly special. Being able to address unexpected expenses and focus my energy on the girls and their well-being, rather than solely on fundraising, was a huge gift.”
In particular, Johnson cites the affirmation of having local funders like Spur. It demonstrates community knowledge of, belief in, and commitment to their work, and helps make the case for support to other funders. In the coming year, Johnson plans to focus her efforts on recruiting incoming third graders, boosting enrollment at all sites, and securing coaching so that she can reinstate programming at Bellevue Elementary.
Article by Lindsay Boeger
GOTR Alturas team 2024.