Walk a Mile
Tradition
“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” has been a long-running awareness tradition across the united states. The national organization Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® has been helping to organize the annual walks since 2001, but the event has not been held in the Augusta area since Augusta University’s Alpha Chi Omega sorority hosted it in 2023. SARC has not organized the event since 2019 when we were known as RCSAS.
The original purpose of the walk is for men to pledge to push back against sexual and gender violence by walking an entire mile in women’s high heels. It is based upon the common idea of putting oneself in another’s place, or shoes. It is an expression of empathy. The pain of walking in heels is tied to the pain of experiencing gender violence, as both are associated with the experiences of women. The hope is to gain a better understanding and respect what women often go through.
Change
SARC is working to revive the Walk a Mile event for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in April 2026. Historically, this has been “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes,” but as we revive the tradition, we would also like to refresh it. Women are not the only people who experience sexual assault, rape, coercion, or harassment. Men, transgender, and gender-nonconforming individuals have all survived and struggled with sexual violence. To honor all those who have fought and continue to fight for their voice to be heard and autonomy to be respected, we walk.
Our goal is to invite not just men but all genders, ages, and backgrounds to participate in the walk. You can dedicate your walk to a survivor in your life, even as anonymously as “my mom” or “best friend,” by writing the dedication on one of our teal ribbons and hanging it up.
Family Fun
Educational material and local resources will be available for anyone to look at, but no one is required to. If you are interested in just having a fun family activity out in the sun on a warm spring afternoon while supporting the cause, the Walk a Mile is the place to be!
For your convenience, entertainment, and comfort, the Walk a Mile event will offer…
- Food trucks and other refreshments
- Chalk art for all ages (themed to saying “no!”)
- Vendors from our sponsors and local partners
- Trained therapy dogs
Register Here
The goal for Walk a Mile is awareness and education. We want everyone to have the chance to participate, so registration is COMPLETELY FREE. All you have to do is complete the registration seen in the portal right here on our page, and select the option “General Admission”. We are excited to see you take on the Walk A Mile challenge!
Sponsorship
We welcome local businesses and corporations who would like to help sponsor the event. In exchange, your organization can receive social media and website shoutouts, mentions on the back of our 2026 Walk a Mile T-shirts, or other ways to show you support survivors. You can explore these options using the link below.
T-Shirts
If you would like to show off your support and participation, one of our T-shirts is the best way to go! You can raise funds (either on your own or with a team), and after $100, you will receive a free T-shirt. If you want to go ahead and purchase one yourself, you can do that here. There will be other swag available on the day of the event, but if you want your 2026 shirt, order now with the provided link!
Donations & "Why I Walk" Ribbons
You can help us to raise funds for the costs of running a large event such as Walk A Mile or just in general to support our mission and day-to-day services. If you or your organization are interested in donating to SARC, please see the provided link. We are extremely grateful for any contribution; every dollar counts.
If you would like to use your donation to purchase a Why I Walk ribbon, you may also do this here. The ribbon will be displayed at the Walk a Mile event and is one way to show your support for the survivors in your life. You can write something as anonymous as “My Mother” or “My Best Friend.”
Fundraise as a Team
If you want to work with friends, family, or as an organization to raise funds together, you can create or join a team using the button below! Teams who have the highest participation or the most funds raised will win a prize!
