Seeking Volunteers

Still trying to decide if you want to get involved as a volunteer with GOTR?  Wondering if we even really need you?  Well, wonder no more, WE DO!!!

Specifically we need assistant coaches (committed to once a week). Ideally, we'd love to have assistant coaches this season who want their own site in the fall - is this you????  I really think YOU should come to volunteer orientation Thursday night from 6-7 at DLT (6217 Blue Ridge Blvd. Raytown, MO 64133) and see for yourself!

Volunteers Needed

Hello WORLD!!!!  Very soon, all this snow will melt and the arctic tundra living conditions will pass, then it will be time to head OUTSIDE!!!  And do I have a super outside event for you: Rock the Parkway.  Girls on the Run of Jackson and Johnson County are the exclusive charity partners for this event.  So, if you're looking for a 5K, 10K or half to train for in the early spring, HERE YOU GO!!!  This event takes place down Ward Parkway, so it's FLAT and BEAUTIFUL. Just talking about it makes me want to lace up my sneakers and RUN.  Unfortunately, my commitment is to volunteer.  What am I saying, unfortunately, I LOVE to volunteer, and I LOVE to cheer people on.  "RUN RUN RUN, YOU CAN DO IT!!!" Now if that's more your gig, then contact me at jaco.gotr@gmail.com.  We need you!

It's never too late

Ever seen the movie Julie and Julia? Over the last two weeks, I've rented and watched lots of movies, but none of them has touched me quit like this movie did.  While this movie focused on food, the universal theme was living your dream and realizing your passion.  At the same time, what struck me about this movie was the message that it's never too late.


So, here it is, January of a new decade, who's ready to live their passion?  To get involved in something they've always wanted to, but never really new how.  For me, my passion is Girls on the Run.  The mission of healthy living and self-respect for girls is something I wish I felt as a child, teen and young woman.  Now, to get the opportunity to instill that in our girls and help them find their own passion, dreams and goals, is something I'll do forever.


Stop, right now, make a list of the things you want to accomplish, of the things your passionate about, of the legacy you want to leave behind. Go ahead, make your list.  Now, look at it, what is getting in the way of you living it?  What if you could put those obstacles aside and do what made you happy?  Would you do it?  What if you new it was going to be hard, of course it is, what if you new people would question you, would you still do it?  That's what this movie was about, and you know what, both ladies did it.  They set a goal and achieved it, with immeasurable results! 


My challenge to all of you is to find your passion and LIVE IT!!!!!  There will be challenges along the way, but in the end the rewards will be so worth it!  Just look at me, I get to change lives, and 5 years ago I was an obese couch potato who had no clue what I wanted to do with my life. 

New Year, New YOU!

This year, pick a race to participate in and raise money for GOTR through SoleMates, get lots of support for event and for fundraising including your own fundraising page. What could be a  better healthier way to celebrate 2010?


www.jacogotr.org or http://www.girlsontherunsolemates.org/ (Be sure to sign up for Jackson County, Missouri)

Here's two events we're partnering with: Hospital Hill - http://www.hospitalhillrun.com/ and Rock the Park Way http://rocktheparkway.com/ or there's always New Balance Girls on the Run 5K on May 22.

"Run at your Happy Pace!"

The beauty of an organization like GOTR is that you never really know where it's going to lead or the people you may meet along the way.  As 2009 comes to a close, I thought it would be fun to remember all the cool people and places we've been this year.

This year we had our first site down town with Janelle as our coach.  What an amazing woman.  She shared lots of uplifting stories about her girls and how they were being changed.  How for many of these girls this was their first after school activity, and who could forget the story about the little girl who came from a war zone in Africa only to not be allowed to play outside in her new home in the city.  How GOTR allowed her that freedom for 2 hours a week!

2009 also brought Katie Visco into our lives.  We had a gathering for her in August and our entire board showed up.  I think we were all moved in some way.  For me, her visit brought an understanding of empowerment and how doing what your passionate about can lead to amazing things!

2009 also brought many fun events our way.  Emily, Sarah and I got to hang out at the Martini Mile (really a 1 mile run that ends with a martini.) We got to promote GOTR EVERYWHERE - Independence Center, KC Marathon Expo, Power and Light Family Day, KC Women's Triathlon.

Emily spearheaded some awesome new relationships including Paradise Park where we got to host our Spring 5K, and the American Heart Association where we got to hang out at the Royals Game in their booth promoting GOTR.  Emily also took charge with "Sing for Your Supper" providing us with a tear jerking performance showing all 500 guests what GOTR is all about!

And we got to hang out with dear friends.  2009 saw our relationship with RCG YMCA take off, they hosted our fall 5K, allowed us to meet there when we needed to, and provided a space for our bake sale.   DLT continued to be a great place to host a site and a great location for coach's training and volunteer orientation.

Oh, and National came to town.  I got to hang out with lots of GOTR staff from around the midwest as well as Molly and the gang from Charlotte.  Now that was a great time!

What are your GOTR memories of 2009?

Spring Season Rapidly APPROACHING

This March marks our 6th season of Girls on the Run of Jackson County.  What started as one site and 6 girls has grown to 6 sites and up to 90 girls.

As we gear up for the spring season, it feels like we're exploding, and  needing more volunteers than ever before. I want to urge you to GET INVOLVED!!!

Volunteer orientation is January 14, 2010 from 6-7pm at DLT (6217 Blue Ridge Blvd. Raytown, MO 64133.)  Come, meet other women who are passionate about GOTR, ask questions, learn more about the program and decide where you want to help.

This orientation is open to anyone who wants to attend, but please RSVP so we know you're coming - jaco.gotr@gmail.com.

If you've been to volunteer orientation before, feel free to come again, it's a great chance to meet new people and share your experiences with new volunteers.

You know you've been wanting to get involved, NOW'S YOUR CHANCE!!!!!

Why GOTR?

My goal for GOTR is to SATURATE the county. To offer the program to EVERY 3rd-5th grade girl REGARDLESS of athletic ability, finances or anything else that might get in their way.  For me, this is my dream. I want to change lives and offer girls more options than I had. I want them to know that they have the power to make GOOD choices and AVOID risky behavior.

What about you? What makes GOTR unique to you? What keeps you here?  What keeps you coming back?  What keeps you spreading the word? Share with all of us as we continue to build a community of empowered women and girls!