Planning for Walk in My Shoes 2012 is Underway

The third annual Walk in My Shoes event will take place this year January 14th – February 22^nd.  As in years past, rape crisis centers will be featured prominently as sexual abuse survivor Lauren Book journeys across Florida to bring awareness to communities about sexual abuse.  Kicking off the event in Key West, Lauren and friends will be walking incredible lengths each day as they make their way to the Capitol steps in Tallahassee for the Rally in Tally on February 22^nd. 

Rape crisis centers are serving as a critical component of this effort and have been planning events to coincide with Lauren’s arrival in their communities.  At each stop along the way, program staff and patrons will have the opportunity to meet with Lauren to discuss their achievements and challenges.   Many centers are planning events that will incorporate community members to increase awareness of the services available in their area and the overall support for survivors.  For example, some centers are working with local dignitaries to secure city wide proclamations and others are recruiting walkers to accompany Lauren along the way so that they can partake in this powerful journey.  For those that would like to support the Walk but are unable to physically join Lauren as she travels through their area, there is the 39 Mile Challenge.  The “39” in the 39 mile challenge refers to the estimated 39 million living survivors of sexual abuse in the United States.  This “virtual fitness challenge” is summed up here:

During this period, Lauren would ask you to start your resolution for physical fitness off on the right foot by pledging to donate 39 dollars and then logging an average of a mile a day walking or running during this 39-day period on your 39Mile Challenge page. Of course you can walk or run more if you would like. On February 22, 2012, Lauren will stand on the steps of the Old Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida and announce the cumulative accomplishments of this effort of everyone who has registered.

The event will culminate with the Rally in Tally on February 22^nd.  This will include the final leg of Walk in My Shoes where supporters will join Lauren on her final mile as she makes her way to the front steps of the Old Capitol.  Once there, supporters will be able to hear Lauren tell about what she learned along the way and what she is encouraging the Florida legislature to do during this critical legislative session to further assist survivors of sexual abuse.  For more information on how you can get involved with Walk in My Shoes 2012, please contact Micheala Denny or visit the Lauren's Kids website.