Dear friends,
If 2020 made one thing clear, it is that walking is a solution for climate, health, social, and transportation justice. The pandemic, protests, and politics overwhelmed us this year. Walking and rolling outside kept us connected to our bodies and communities.
Oregon Walks has been working for decades to promote walking and make sure every Oregonian has access to safe, convenient, and attractive walking conditions. 2020 was no exception. A few ways we’ve continued our work, even as we’ve adapted to the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020, include:
- Creating and distributing 2,400 walking kits (which contain face coverings and public health guidance for how to walk “Covid-19 aware”) to our partners.
- Working to get all of the 2019 NeighborWalks posted to an on-line interactive map so that folks can have access to high-quality, accessible walking routes
- Serving as a steering committee member of the Getting There Together Coalition where we advocated that pedestrian safety and accessibility be an integral part of the 26-218 Let’s Get Moving Measure. While the measure did not pass, important relationships were forged between climate, transportation, and social justice organizers. We are more committed than ever to working in coalition to create a just transportation system.
We do not know what tomorrow will bring, but every day we’re demonstrating our ability to meet the challenges of the moment – whether transitioning our staff to teleworking or adjusting our programs to better support racial justice. One thing you can count on is for Oregon Walks to continue the fight for walking as a solution for health, climate, social, and transportation justice. Our work will only happen because of the generosity of donors like you. We need your support now more than ever! Please include Oregon Walks in your year-end giving plans.
Sincerely,
Jess, Izzy, and the Oregon Walks’ Board of Directors