“The interest is a lot more than I expected,” says Bushey. “The momentum here is incredible and the need has been validated 80-times over.”

To become a part of GoGirlGo! Chicago and help the nonprofit meet its goals, check them out online at www.gogirlgochicago.kintera.org, call (773) 478-8839 or email gogirlgochicago[at]womenssportsfoundation.org.

Hear from a Volunteer

Maggie Long, a 23-year-old college student and GoGirlGo! volunteer, was not active as a young girl. “I participated in some after-school sport activities in grammar school, but after that I stopped playing sports and began to lead a not-so-healthy lifestyle,” she said. “[For me,] volunteering for an organization that has a goal of keeping girls [active] is crucial.”

Long spends most of her volunteer hours manning educational tables at events and educating kids, parents and organizations about the program. She also works in the GoGirlGo! office, posting events on the website and keeping in contact with colleges and universities about the program.

Long says the best part about volunteering is seeing the kids and their parents get really excited about the program.

“I believe that keeping girls active will decrease their chances of falling into some bad habits and leading not-so-healthy lifestyles,” she says. “I don't want girls to go down the same path that I did.”

Since GoGirlGo! is still taking off in the Chicago area, they are always looking for volunteers to help with office work, promotion and other areas, as well looking for community groups to team up with.