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Walk for Change: A Fun and Family-Friendly Respite and Celebration

In the #MeToo era, there is more public awareness than ever of the scourge of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. Offenders are being held to account. The chorus of survivors speaking out is growing—and they’re being believed and supported. That’s the good news—and it’s where the Walk for Change comes in.

The Walk for Change is a reminder of the healing that's possible for survivors, advocates, allies, supporters, their families, and their loved ones. It's a chance to connect with a community of people who are dedicated to ending sexual violence, and it reminds us that there is hope in this movement. The 13th annual event takes place Sunday, April 28,at an exciting new location: DCR’s Constitution Beach in East Boston. The Walk for Change will follow a 2.8 mile loop around the gorgeous East Boston Greenway—accessible for both mobility devices and strollers.

We’ve got fun for your whole fam: face painting, bubbles, temporary tattoos, crown crafts, superhero masks, sign making and fun buttons, gentle standing yoga, chair massages, a photo booth for team pics, treats and #BARCC4Bark bandanas for Fido and Fifi; live screen printing with Inbound Ink; beach volleyball, badminton, corn hole, ladderball, Jenga, and Connect Four; and other interactive escapades for the kiddies courtesy of Knucklebones.

Though BARCC designed the Walk for Change to be a comfortable place for family members of all ages, we realize that explaining the event’s purpose to younger kids might give parents or guardians pause. Indeed, you’re the best judge of whether the Walk is right for your child(ren). If you’re looking for help talking about the event in age-appropriate ways, we’ve prepared this guide.

We’ll have plenty of nummy noshes to fuel your fun, of course. Free granola bars, fruit, coffee, and water will be available while they last. Along with a fleet of food trucks to satisfy whatever appetite you work up on the walk, including the Bacon Truck, Ben & Jerry's Catering, the Chicken & Rice Guys, Chubby Chickpea, and Pennypackers Food Truck.

Be sure to check out Inbound Ink’s live screen printing, or pick up a tasty treat from Top Shelf Cookies. Sunny Window will be on hand with some of their amazing lavender-infused products and Porter Square Books will have a survivor-inspired list of titles to check out.

Most importantly, you’ll see plenty of friendly faces (and wagging tails) at the Walk for Change—including Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, this year’s Beacon Award honoree. People will be cheering you along the route. If you go on your own but want to walk with others, keep an eye out for the folks wearing yellow “Walk with Me” buttons. Either way, you’ll feel the excitement of being surrounded by others who are dedicated to supporting survivors.

We can’t wait for you to join us at Constitution Beach on April 28 for this fun and inspiring day of community, awareness, healing and hope! Learn more about the Walk for Change and register today!

Our mission is to end sexual violence. We empower survivors of sexual violence to heal and provide education and advocacy for social change to prevent sexual violence.