End of Year Giving - Can We Count on You? 

Each year, our staff reflects on the meaningful things our participants tell us they gained in their unique experiences as Girls on the Run San Diego team members. One program participant shared in a thank you letter, “My favorite tool is positive talk. When I was running, I wanted to give up, but I remembered positive talk, and kept going.” One of our coaches noted, “My very first season coaching GOTR, a girl in my class had significant difficulty making friends and struggled to read. As a result of her participation in GOTR, she improved her reading scores by 2 grade levels. She participated in 4 seasons before moving on to middle school. At the end of her 5th grade year, she wrote, ‘Thank you for coaching Girls on the Run. Now I have friends, and I know I am finally good at something.’”

Without a doubt, our coaches and volunteers tell us how much they have gained, as well. Our program is truly a celebration of the child in all of us and the potential that lies within us all, both young and old. Coach Tiana shared, “The girls’ energy is contagious. Even if I had a bad day before practice, I can’t help but leave that all behind when I get to GOTR and a 4th grader runs up to me saying ‘Coach coach look what I made in class today!’, beaming as she pulls out some drawing she is so proud of. Whatever stress from work or worry I had melts away as I share a special moment of joy with her. Being involved in the program helped me put things into perspective.”

As we approach the New Year, we hope that you can help us continue to give the gift of confidence to our participants. When you support Girls On The Run San Diego, you are investing locally in:

• Financial assistance so all can participate

• Training our coaches to be supportive mentors

• Supplies to fuel participant needs for joining a team

• A special confidence building 5K  

Will you help give the gift of confidence to our participants this season?  

With gratitude for your support,

Natasia, Izabel, Kayla, Lauryn and Sandy

Girls on the Run San Diego Team 

Submit Your Coach Application Today!

You have the power to support our next generation of fearless women. With your commitment as a coach, you can ensure more girls discover their inner power and ultimate potential. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of a program that’s transforming communities across North America, including right here at home in San Diego County. Get involved today! Questions? Email coach@gotrsd.org. 

Save the Date - Participant Registration Opens January 3

The moment you’ve been waiting for is just around the corner! Participant registration for the Spring 2024 season will open on January 3, 2024. Mark your calendar and keep your eye on our social media for more details!

Volunteer for Coach Supply Bag Packing on January 16!

Looking to start the New Year on a high note? Spend a few hours at our warehouse and help prepare for the upcoming Spring season! 

We are looking for 5-8 volunteers to help pack our coach supply bags. We will guide you through how to pack each bag with program curriculum, general supplies, and other fun goodies. And of course, we’ll have a bumpin’ music playlist going to bring the good vibes!

When: Tuesday, January 16, 6:00 - 8:00pm

Where: GOTRSD Office in Kearny Mesa

Why: Ensure all of our coaches & teams have the supplies needed for a successful season

Sound like something you want to do? Let us know and your spot will be confirmed!

GOTRSD x SD Mojo x My Yard Live Fundraiser: January 28!

We're teaming up with the San Diego Mojo pro volleyball team and My Yard Live Beer Co for a fun day of food, raffles, prizes, and more! Save the date for this fun event - Sunday, January 28th from 12-4 at My Yard Live Beer Co in San Marcos. 10% of all sales will go to GOTRSD! We'll see you there! 

Girls on the Run Holiday Wreath Making… Was So Much Fun!

The GOTRSD Community got creative this month and came together at Vinya:vino+vinyasa’s beautiful space to craft beautiful and unique wreaths. Instructed by Laura Kunoth of Bluebell Florals, the wreaths all turned out fantastically! We had a great time getting in the holiday spirit while raising funds for GOTR. Thank you to all attendees, Vinya:vino+vinyasa, and Bluebell Florals for supporting an unforgettable event! 

Advancing Empowerment: The Continuous Growth of Girls on the Run in San Diego, CA

By: Stephanie Silverberg

GOTR Head Coach, La Jolla Elementary School

In 2011, I embarked on a coaching journey with Girls on the Run (GOTR) in San Diego (Carmel Valley) and what transpired over the years has been nothing short of inspiring. As the program has evolved, so has its impact on the lives of young girls. I was motivated to create that same opportunity and GOTR environment in La Jolla by working towards the establishment of a GOTR team at La Jolla Elementary School (LJES) in 2022.

From its inception, the GOTR program in San Diego has grown exponentially, fostering a sense of empowerment, resilience, and community among young girls. What started for me as a coaching endeavor in 2011 and a way to meet others, has transformed into much more that goes beyond running, emphasizing vital life skills and building lasting self-esteem.

In 2022, a new chapter unfolded as I worked with others in our La Jolla community to introduce the Girls on the Run program to LJES. Witnessing the positive impact it has had on girls' lives in other schools and communities, it was a natural progression to extend this opportunity to LJES. The enthusiasm and support from the school community have made the launch of the program a resounding success. We started with a smaller group and now this Fall season in 2023, I’m anticipating 15-20 girls. Our LJES GOTR coaches and I are enthusiastic about this expansion and the upcoming season. Big thank you to Coach Nancy Rice, Coach Catie, Coach Kris, and Coach Nassim. 

Starting a Girls on the Run team is a rewarding endeavor that requires dedication and community involvement. Here are some tips for those who are initiating a GOTR team in your community:

1. Build Community Support: Engage with parents, teachers, and local organizations to garner support. A strong community foundation is key to the success of the program.

2. Recruit Passionate Coaches:  Enlist coaches who are not only passionate about running but also committed to empowering young girls. Their dedication will shape the girls' experience and create a positive environment.

3. Incorporate Diverse Perspectives: Ensure the program reflects the diversity of the community. Our coaches and participants have a wide range of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, fostering inclusivity.

4. Curriculum Matters: The GOTR curriculum is designed to instill confidence, resilience, and empathy in girls. Embrace it and adapt it to the unique needs of your community.

5. Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate both small and significant achievements. Creating a culture of positivity and encouragement reinforces the girls' belief in their capabilities.

As Girls on the Run continues to thrive in San Diego and takes root at LJES, the impact on the lives of young girls becomes increasingly evident. Through a combination of running, mentorship, and empowering curriculum, Girls on the Run is not just a program; it's a transformative journey that builds a foundation for confident, resilient, and empowered women of the future. I am thankful to be involved in this journey, both for every girl participating and for my own daughters.