Walk for Justice

Progressive organizations throughout Minnesota are encouraged to sign up for Headwaters Foundation for Justice's Walk for Justice (WFJ), launching from Boom Island Park in northeast Minneapolis on Sept. 17.

In its 11 years, the 3-mile walk has become the largest gathering of progressive organizations in the state and one of the most resourceful and accessible fund-raising events for community groups in Minnesota. The walk is organized and financed by Headwaters - which coordinates online fund raising, insurance, publicity, trainings and other logistics, allowing walkers to focus attention on raising money for their groups. Unlike similar events, funds raised through the walk go to individual organizations, not its sponsor.

"The walk provides a unique opportunity for the progressive community to come together to celebrate its work, to increase visibility and to raise money for critical issues in our community and state," said Headwaters Executive Director Steve Newcom. "With the midterm elections this fall, it is particularly important that the grassroots community be visible, vocal and supported."

The event specifically targets grassroots nonprofits and small community groups to raise awareness, visibility and financial support. But any organization of any size working for social justice is invited to participate. Groups should sign up early to attend training sessions (if they want to attend) and to maximize their online fund raising.

Last year, 1,200 walkers raised more than $212,000 for 110 organizations throughout the state. In its history, the walk has brought together more than 12,000 walkers from 330 organizations and raised $882,000.

For more information or to sign up as a walker for a group, go to www.walkforjustice.org or contact Walk Coordinator Cynthia Moothart at cynthia@headwatersfoundation.org or 612-879-0602, ext. 19.

Minneapolis-based Headwaters Foundation for Justice was founded in 1984 with the belief that the power for fundamental social change is in the hands of ordinary people. Through its grant-making and capacity-building programs, Headwaters supports grassroots communities working to create social, economic, racial and environmental justice. In its history, Headwaters has granted more than $3 million and provided organizational support to 850 projects.