go doo

a new app to find places in Fargo-Moorhead Developed by kids for kids

By Jessi Larson

Photography by Dave Arnston at Milestones Photography www.photomilestones.com

I have a love/hate relationship with technology. On one hand, I have easy access to thousands of recipes, books and yoga blogs that help me learn and grow as a person. On the other hand, I can completely disengage from my surroundings and before I know it, I have wasted the last hour on Facebook. Recently, I went out to dinner and was seated next to a family. While the parents carried on a lively conversation, both kids’ faces were illuminated from the glow of their smartphones, not even needing to look up to place their order as mom took care of that. Were they even aware of what was happening around them? I would’ve bet my enchilada, probably not. Kids, just like us, struggle to balance mobile activity with authentic engagement. Is there a way to bridge that gap? What if mobile technology could encourage community engagement in kids of all economic levels? Venture Youth Alliance (VYA) has developed an app that does just that.

Godoo is a free app available for IOS and Android that gets kids engaged in our community by putting Fargo-Moorhead youth activities at their fingertips and customizing it to their lives. Developed for kids, by kids, Godoo uses an intelligent mapping system to track their location and filter nearby activities according to type, such as “hangout” and “eat,” or how they’re feeling. It tells them how far away each activity is, how to get there using different forms of transportation, and how much it costs. “Godoo is for anyone that sees a need for a kid they love to be involved in a high quality program,” said VYA’s Strategic Initiatives Specialist Courtney Quist.

“If we’re going to do things for young people, we really need them authentically engaged from the ground up,” said VYA Director Karen Olson. Throughout the summers of 2012 and 2013, kids ages 12-18 from all walks of life worked in tandem with NDSU’s Ideaspace and college interns researching and building the app. They were involved in everything from contacting organizations about programming, riding the MAT bus to determine transportation routes, and even geocoding organizations into Godoo’s mapping system. “I feel smarter just being here!” was a common comment from the kids. By actively involving youth in the development of Godoo, critical thinking and problem-solving skills were honed and sparks were even ignited for future careers. “I didn’t know I could do this; this is really cool!” said one boy after realizing his ability to geocode. In addition to building an app, they also worked on interview skills, resume writing, and team building.

It was apparent within the first five minutes of sitting down with Olson and Quist that Godoo was much more than just an app; but I didn’t realize the full impact it’s had on youth until they shared the story of Kula Dorley. She was part of the Godoo development team from start to finish. Originally from Liberia, Dorley moved to the United States at age eight and has been on her own since 16. “I could’ve used this information for the last couple years and it would’ve been such a valuable tool for me,” said Dorley about Godoo’s capabilities. After the development workshops wrapped up, VYA connected her with PCs for People, where used computers are collected, refurbished and given out to low income families. Dorley was chosen to receive a computer and is able to come full circle and access the app she helped develop. Now 20 years old, she just finished her first year in nursing at Minnesota State University Moorhead. “Kids like her is why we do this,” says Olson. Most of the development team were not your typical kids that are involved in activities like this, but VYA wanted their perspective because those are the ones they’re trying to reach. By creating teams of young people from different economic levels and cultures, they got glimpses into each other’s lives and learned how to relate to one another.

Godoo is creating change. It’s fostering independence at a young age, challenging our community to think outside the box as to how we can be involved and engaged with youth and creating opportunity for all. [AWM] Visit