18th Annual Walk for Change

April 21, 2024 8:30 am

A group of people in raincoats and hats smiling at Boston's "Walk for Change" event, standing on a paved path near a grassy field. They are raising awareness and support for the vital services provided by a local rape crisis center.

Who

You! Survivors, friends, family members, colleagues, partners, activists, volunteers, staff, interns, community members, and even your four-legged friends (on leashes) are welcome to join us.

What

Walk alongside us, in solidarity with survivors. Choose to walk in-person or walk “from anywhere.” No matter where you walk, you are showing survivors that they are not alone, and we are all in this together!

When

Sunday, April 21, 2024 | 8:30 a.m.– 12 p.m.

Where

DCR’s Constitution Beach in East Boston

Why

Help raise awareness and funds to support survivors of sexual violence. Your support helps BARCC continue to provide free, trauma-informed care to survivors. It also enables BARCC to advocate for policies and strategies that help prevent sexual violence from happening in the first place.

How

Secure your spot at the 2024 Walk for Change now by registering! You can participate as an individual or as part of a team.

Sponsorship opportunities are available now!
For more information, contact fundraising [at] barcc.org.

Here are more details about what to expect at this year’s event:

Schedule of Events

8:30 a.m. Registration opens and festivities begin

  • Fun and entertaining activities! Music, face painting, sign making, bubbles, temporary tattoos, team photos, button making, dog goodies, and more!
  • Clothesline Project display (content note: this display features personal stories of sexual violence )
  • Messages to Survivors display
  • Complimentary granola bars, fruit, coffee, and water will be available while supplies last.

9:30 a.m. Walk kick-off rally begins

10:00 a.m. Walk begins – The walk will be a nice 2.8-mile loop along the East Boston Greenway.

11:00 a.m. Post-Walk celebration

  • Lawn games, continued activities, food trucks, team photos, and more!
  • Fun and interactive activities for kids

12 p.m. Event concludes

Walk with Me

Are you a little nervous about attending the Walk? Attending alone and want to meet fellow BARCC supporters? This is the place to be!

You’ll find the Walk with Me tent near the registration area. Chat with our staff and volunteers there, and they’ll connect you with someone to walk with. You can also find Walk with Me volunteers wearing yellow Walk with Me buttons around the park and route.

What to wear

It will be the end of April in New England, so be sure to dress in layers. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared for rain. It’ll be cooler in the morning but then hopefully, warm and sunny as you walk and hang out afterwards for the post-event celebration. You should also wear comfortable shoes.

Food, water, and restrooms

Complimentary granola bars, fruit, coffee, and water will be available while they last.

Bottled water and restrooms will be available at Constitution Beach as well as at a rest area located at the halfway point in Bremen Street Community Park on the Walk route

Location & Transportation

The Walk for Change takes place at DCR’s Constitution Beach located at 799 Bennington Street, East Boston.

MBTA

DCR’s Constitution Beach is conveniently located a short two minute walk from the Orient Heights Blue Line T stop.  Volunteers will be visible to direct you to the park from there. Additionally, a police detail will ensure you can safely cross the street.

Driving/parking

Limited street parking may be available, but we strongly encourage participants to take the T or use the MBTA lot.

If you require ADA-accessible parking, you may park in the main lot at Constitution Beach. Please use 199 Coleridge Street, East Boston as the address to access the parking lot.

Ride sharing

If you live nearby, you may find using a rideshare most convenient. Please use 799 Bennington Street, East Boston as the address and arrive at the park via the footbridge/ramp.

Arriving at the Walk for Change

When you arrive at the event, please proceed to the registration tables to check in and receive your t-shirt. If you registered in advance, please proceed to the tables labeled “Pre-Registered Participants.” If you didn’t register online in advance, please proceed to the tables labeled “Walk Day Registration,” and we will get you signed up!

Event Location

DCR’s Constitution Beach in East Boston

Our Sponsors

FAQs

Don’t see your question? Send us an email at info@barcc.org

What Do I Do Immediately After an Assault?2024-10-22T16:47:12+00:00

The first few days after a sexual assault can be a very confusing time. You may have questions and be faced with difficult decisions. During this time you may not want, or be ready, to make many of these decisions. This is normal and okay.

You can call our 24-7 hotline at 800-841-8371 any time or chat online 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. to talk to a hotline counselor about your options.

To learn more about your choices after an assault, visit Immediate Actions.

How Do I Get In Contact with BARCC?2024-10-22T16:48:18+00:00

You can call our 24-7 hotline at 800-841-8371 any time or chat online 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. to talk to a hotline counselor.

If you are interested in time-sensitive medical care and evidence collection options, we recommend that you call the hotline 24-7 at 800-841-8371 or chat online [Link to Chat Online] 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.

If you would like to begin counseling, legal advocacy, immigration, or case management services at BARCC, please submit a request online on our Request Services Page or by phone at 617-492-8306, and our service access team will explore your individual needs with you.

To protect the privacy rights of survivors and their families, we do not communicate about cases via email. Please call us at 617-492-8306 during regular business hours to talk about how we can help you.

Legal process notices, summonses and court orders should be sent to:

Keeper of Records
BARCC
99 Bishop Allen Drive
Cambridge, MA 02139

Office: 617-492-8306

What Happens When I Reach Out to the Hotline?2024-09-06T09:54:58+00:00

We support people in all stages of their experience. This could be immediately after an assault or years and even decades into the healing process. Here what will happen when you contact either the phone hotline or webchat.

  • A friendly, nonjudgmental person who believes you will answer the call. The person will tell you that if you share that you plan to end your life and are unable to engage in safety planning, they may call 911. You always have a choice to share or not to share.
  • The person will ask some questions to identify what will help you in this exact moment.
  • The person will share ideas and options about what to do next, but how to move forward is your choice.

BARCC will not share your information with anyone unless you provide consent. You do not have to share any information you don’t want to. You can call anonymously by choosing option 2 in the main menu or by using our web chat.

What Happens After I Submit a Request For Services?2024-10-22T16:49:54+00:00

A trained rape crisis counselor will respond to your request within three business days. If you want to talk to someone before that, please call the hotline 24-7 at 800-841-8371 or chat online 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. If you have not heard from someone after several days, please call our office at 617-492-8306 to request services.

How Do I Get Training for My Business, Community Group, or School?2024-10-22T16:50:17+00:00

Request a Training, Workshop, or Speaker or e-mail engagements@barcc.org. You will hear from BARCC’s training intake coordinator within 24 business hours regarding your request. Submitting the form does not confirm your requested training; you must speak with the intake coordinator first to assess the needs of your organization and confirm logistics. We kindly ask that you make requests three weeks prior to the date of your event.

Are BARCC’s services confidential?2024-10-22T16:50:42+00:00

Yes. All written and verbal communication concerning a client is kept private and will not be shared with anyone outside BARCC unless the client says it’s OK in writing—except as required by law in three cases:

  • If we believe that a client is at high risk to hurt themselves or someone else
  • If we believe that a child under 18, an adult 60 and over, or a person 18–59 with a disability requiring assistance with activities of daily living, is being physically, emotionally, or sexually abused, or neglected
  • If ordered by a court; if you think you might be involved in a court case, please talk with a BARCC legal advocate about your privacy and confidentiality rights

We will tell you when we are required to make a report and what information we will share. We will not share more than what is required by law.

You may choose what information you want to provide to BARCC. You will not be denied services if you choose not to tell us certain identifying information, including immigration status. Learn more about our confidentiality policies.

Are BARCC’s services free?2024-09-06T09:55:40+00:00

Yes. BARCC’s services are free and confidential for survivors of sexual violence and their families, friends, and partners.

I don’t live in Boston. Can I still call BARCC?2024-10-22T16:52:04+00:00

Our service area is generally defined as within the Greater Boston area, covering 29 cities and towns. If you live in this area or were assaulted in this area, please don’t hesitate to reach out to BARCC through our 24/7 hotline 800-841-8371 or send us a chat from 9:00 a.m–11:00 p.m. daily. If you are beyond our service area, we can connect to your local rape crisis center and other resources that may help yo

2024-09-10T13:53:06+00:00
Go to Top