At Blackburn Center, we envision a world free from domestic and sexual violence and other forms of violence. We can all work toward making this vision a reality through taking action in our own lives. As we discussed in a previous blog post, What Can YOU Do?, there are many ways that you can take action, like donating or volunteering, speaking out, or educating others. This week, we are discussing the importance of standing up against domestic and sexual violence in a visible way in the community.
Taking action in this way can help bring attention to the need for change. It also shows how deeply we care about this issue, and that as a community, we prioritize the need for equality and safety for all of our members. Right here in Westmoreland County, you can publicly take action against domestic and sexual violence in Westmorland Country through our signature annual event, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, which takes place in Greensburg each April.
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes asks all courageous men of Westmoreland County to raise their voice (as you move your feet) in speaking out against the social norms that perpetuate domestic and sexual violence. Women and children are welcome too! Carrying signs, wearing high heels, and signing the pledge to end gender-based violence, we march to speak out and stand up against domestic violence and sexual assault. Walk a Mile in Her Shoes has grown from 300 participants in April 2011 to more than 1,100 participants in April 2016. We are hoping our numbers surpass 1,500 when we meet at St. Clair Park on April 22 this year. Can we count on you to make it happen?
By coming together as a community, we can show our strength in numbers — and raise awareness about gender-based violence right here in Westmoreland County. It is also a place where we can all learn about how to take concrete action against domestic and sexual violence, so that one day, the violence can end. Online registration for the Walk is still open through April 20 at 9:00 a.m. – or you can register in person at the walk on Saturday morning if you don't have a chance to do it beforehand! Click here to learn more about the Walk or to register.
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