How to plan a Walk for Water
Every year on April 22nd more than 1 billion people in 192 countries around the world demonstrate their support for environmental protection, and many of them organize events to commemorate the day. From river cleanups to planting trees or eating a plant-based diet, the opportunities to pitch in are endless. One activity in particular has gained popularity as awareness about the global water crisis has grown, and that’s a Walk for Water. But how in the heck do you plan a Walk for Water?
Let’s take a closer look.
Download our free step-by-step guide to planning a Walk for Water
Why should I plan a Walk for Water?
A Walk for Water provides a unique opportunity to engage your community in a life-changing experience while raising funds for a global partner school. Participants in the walk will gain a new perspective on the reality of the Global Water Crisis and in turn inspire support for your global partner school in its journey to safe water.
Immersion is an incredible way to gain empathy and understanding. Implementing a Walk for Water will, without a doubt, bring your community running alongside you to help solve the Global Water Crisis.
What are the basics?
A Walk for Water is simple to orchestrate and more impactful than a normal 5K run. During the event all participants will travel 5 kilometers carrying 1 gallon of water. This approximates the average distance people walk every day to access water in areas of need. The walk is not only long, but individuals in the developing world carry an average of 5 gallons, weighing nearly 42 pounds, throughout their walk.
Before you begin
Many groups read A Long Walk To Water, by Linda Sue Park, before planning their own Walk for Water.
Based on a true story, A Long Walk To Water is the compelling and inspiring account of two young Sudanese people caught in the midst of war, drought, and famine. The story unfolds through the dual narrative of Nya, a girl living in a small village, and Salva, a boy running for his life during the Sudanese Civil War.
Your event might hold even more meaning after reading this powerful story.
Four easy steps to planning your Walk
Each of the following items can be broken down into actionable steps. You can get all of the specifics in our free Walk for Water Toolkit. For now, though, here are the 4 steps.
- Choose a global project and make a pledge
- Identify a Walk date, location, and route
- Decide how to raise awareness and funds
- Acquire water jugs to use during the walk
This immersive experience is a great way to relate to peers around the world who don’t have easy access to water. Not only will you have a better understanding of what people must do to get this basic resource, but you can help a community dig a well or built a rain catchment tank. It’s a great Earth Day activity, and now is a great time to start planning it!
If you want more detailed step-by-step instructions, download our free Walk for Water Toolkit here.
Questions before you get started? Call H2O for Life at 651-756-7577. Good luck, and let us know how it goes!