Girls on the Run stays in the race despite virus
Before the coronavirus shut down the nation in March, Girls on the Run of Southeastern Wisconsin had enrolled over 1,600 participants in its 2020 season.
The nonprofit, founded regionally in 2007, works to empower third- through eighth-grade girls to explore both healthy physical activity and their fullest selves. Girls on the Run’s programming typically builds community while preparing entrants for a 5K road race, but this year the organization has reworked its curriculum to function across the social distance.
“Right now, we’re trying to figure out how we can serve our girls and our families without being face to face,” said executive director Tina Jones.
Jones said the biggest element of her chapter’s continued outreach is the POWER UP kit, which includes a Tshirt, a conditioning plan, a certificate and 50 at-home activities, among other items meant to encourage girls stuck at home for the summer. The kit sells for $49, but Jones emphasized her commitment to access for all.
“About 60% of our families are in financial need, and they are able to get the program and cost that works for them,” she said.
Girls on the Run of Southeastern Wisconsin prices all programming on a sliding scale, Jones said, starting with free participation for families unable to pay. The POWER UP kits work similarly – members purchasing a kit are invited at check-out to donate another for a family in need. Jones said that thanks to generous sponsors, Girls on the Run has so far been able to fulfill every request for a complimentary kit.
Ann Rovito, a former Girls on the Run board member and a volunteer of six years, said her hope for the POWER UP kit is that it offers girls the same sense of connection and purpose achieved through in-person programming.
“(Girls on the Run) was an afterschool activity, but we were very regular,” Rovito said. “We met twice a week. We did the same routine.… if we can provide an hour and a half of stability and familiarity, I think that is so important for this day and age.”
Jessica Grusnick, who has enrolled two daughters in Girls on the Run and plans for her third to participate, echoes Rovito’s belief in the program’s importance. Grusnick and her husband are deep believers in the benefits of physical activity, but she said Girls on the Run has offered their family more than exercise alone.
“I remember somebody early on telling me, ‘It’s not about running; running is the vehicle to empower girls into a community, into themselves, and to get those life skills,’” Grusnick said.
Grusnick said her daughters have each grown thanks to their experience in Girls on the Run. Her eldest daughter Keira has uncovered natural leadership talent, she said, while her younger sister Cailin learned to set goals.
“Building stamina allowed her to get the sense of like, ‘Hey, I am strong enough. I can do that. I need to give myself the benefit of the doubt and not let my worries hold me back,’” Grusnick said of Cailin.
Rovito said she has lost sleep trying to envision a safe and meaningful fall season for her trainees. Grusnick, however, is confident that Girls on the Run will be valuable for her family, no matter the format.
“It brings so much to them that it’s just worthwhile regardless,” she said. “I would love someday to coach myself as my work schedule allows.”
Jones said of all participants in her programs, “I would hope that we’re just some little bright light in their day to keep them moving and active.”