Girls across the region are lacing up their sneakers for more than a 5K event. Thanks to Girls on the Run of Southeastern Wisconsin (GOTRSEWI), they’re meeting each new life milestone with a strengthened sense of joy, belonging and self-confidence.

GOTRSEWI is one of 175+ local councils across the United States and Canada that operate under the parent GOTR organization. Since its 2007 launch, GOTRSEWI has served more than 23,000 girls across the region. Through eight-week programs featuring 16 lessons led by volunteer coaches, girls improve their running skills while being immersed in social and emotional lessons surrounding diversity, confidence, friendships, self-talk and more.

“The unique design of really having the social-emotional lessons and the critical life skills intertwined with physical activity is what sets us apart from other youth development organizations or sports organizations,” said GOTRSEWI Executive Director Tina Jones.

95% of the nonprofit’s programming is run through local schools. This is by design. The schools are a safe and accessible space for participation, and teachers, counselors and school psychologists can recommend students who may benefit from GOTR.

According to Jones, 50-60% of participating families are on financial assistance. The nonprofit offers a sliding scale option for registration to combat financial barriers that may deter a child from participation. GOTR also serves kids with a range of physical and mental needs.

“A big piece of our program is that we believe in access for all girls. That is at the forefront of what we are doing as an organization — making sure that all girls and families are able to participate in this program,” she said.

At the end of the eight-week program, the girls participate in a celebratory 5K event at American Family Field, surrounded by family, friends, and hundreds of volunteers cheering them on. However, the lessons taught through GOTR extend well beyond the 5K finish line.

“The program really flows into the classroom, into the hallways, into the home,” said Jones.

In a world where social media usage is at an all-time high and is leading to declines in girls’ confidence, GOTR has created accessible opportunities for personal transformation. The numbers speak for themselves:

  • 95% of GOTR participants report feeling more confident after completing the program.
  • 97% of caregivers describe their child as confident post-program.

In fact, GOTR headquarters is currently conducting an alumni study to capture the long-lasting impact of the nonprofit’s programming.

“These kids are coming out more confident. They believe in themselves. They understand that you have to work hard toward your goals,” said Jones.

Community members and businesses can help advance GOTRSEWI’s mission. Whether you become a community coach, show your support at a 5K cheer station or join a team at the Golf Fore Girls outing, your support is brightening the futures of girls in the Milwaukee region.

“A great first step for corporations is that volunteer piece because once they get their foot in the door and really get to see the program in action, it’s just so easy to want to stay engaged,” she said.

To learn more about GOTRSEWI, visit: https://www.gotrsewi.org/