In the past six months, issues that have long been central to our agency’s mission, such as ending domestic and sexual violence, have become topics of national conversation. From the #MeToo movement that brought issues of sexual assault and sexual violence to the forefront to the controversy surrounding White House staff with histories of domestic violence, we have been talking about important topics in a way that many never thought possible.
Many of these conversations are taking place on a national scale. While this news coverage brings awareness and helps to educate the general public about topics such as sexual assault and sexual harassment, it can often feel remote. National movements pack power, but they often leave people in smaller cities and towns feeling as though they can’t participate.
Yet there is a way for people in Westmoreland County to get involved: by committing to #WalkBlackburn. Each year, we invite men, women and children to “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” in downtown Greensburg. Our eighth annual #WalkBlackburn event will take place on April 21, 2018 at a new location: Offutt Field. As always, we will have plenty of opportunities for participants to learn about gender-based violence and how they can get involved in national movements on a local level. We’ll also provide coffee and breakfast, take team photos, and have some fun planned for the morning! In 2017, despite cold, rainy weather, more than 1,100 walkers joined us. This year, we are hoping for sunny skies — and to see at least 1,500 participants fill up the walkway around Offutt Field!
Signing up for Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is easy — you can register online, or fill out a paper registration (available here) and mail it to our office. It costs just $5 to participate, although additional donations to support our mission are always welcome! Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is a great opportunity for sponsors as well! If your business or organization chooses to support the Walk, you will join this list of great sponsors from the 2017 Walk.
Sponsorship forms are available for download here.
Please note that only service dogs will be allowed in the stadium.
We can take action right here in Westmoreland County by deciding to show up, and stand up for what we believe in: a community that is free from all forms of violence. We invite you to join us as we #WalkBlackburn on April 21, 2018 at Offutt Field!
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