What is the Challenge?

Starting on September 1st and throughout the entire month, we're inviting you to gather virtually and walk, run, or roll a collective 25,000 miles in solidarity with immigrant children and families.

Every step and every dollar raised moves us closer to a future where each child’s journey is safe and welcoming.

This mileage challenge honors the legacy of Elizabeth Frankel, one of the Young Center’s first and most dedicated Child Advocates, whose commitment to immigrant children continues to inspire our work today. Her example reminds us that each of us has the power to be a Waymaker — to move alongside a child and their family on their journey to safety.

Why be a Waymaker?

We started the Waymakers Challenge to give everyone in our community, around the world, a way to fight for immigrant children and families. The money we raise every year means more children with advocates at their side in court, more habeas claims filed to get children out of detention, more deported parents reunited with their children. 
You can set small mileage and fundraising goals or big ones. Walk with your mom group? Bike on the weekends? Kayak to work? Make those miles count for immigrant kids!
Vulnerable immigrant children live in all our communities. By becoming a Waymaker, you make an immediate difference. Raise money, protect immigrant children, celebrate immigrant families, and let your community know where you stand.

🏃‍♀️‍➡️ #BeAWaymaker FAQ: Step-by-Step Answers for Your Journey

You asked, we answered! Read below for everything you need to know to go the distance in this year's Waymakers Mileage Challenge.

General

Q: Is this a race? When is race day?

The Waymakers Virtual Mileage Challenge is not a single-day event. It’s a month-long, virtual, and completely asynchronous challenge taking place September 1–30.

You can walk, run, roll, or move however you like, any time, anywhere in your own community, and your miles logged will count toward our collective goal of 25,000 miles to support immigrant children and families. 

Q: When can I start logging miles?

You can log miles between September 1–30 following the three steps in our "How to Log My Miles" page. Until then, warm up, form a team and invite friends to join, create a fundraising page, and check out our Fundraising and Outreach Toolkits to help spread the word.

Q: How do I track my miles?

You can self-track your miles however you prefer: a fitness app, smart watch, pedometer, or just your own notes. 

Q: Are the miles self-reported?

Yes. Even if you don’t track every step precisely, you’re welcome to log an estimated total and still make a meaningful contribution.

Q: How do I form a team?

When you register for the challenge, you'll have the opportunity to form a team. If you'd like to form a team after you register, visit the Groups page and click "Create a Team".

Q: How else can I participate?

There are many ways to make an impact as a Waymaker! Choose your own adventure:

1. Register as an individual Waymaker & lace up to log your miles from September 1-30th.
2. Create a personal fundraiser and help raise critical funds.
3. Invite friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers to join your team.
4. Organize your own in-person Waymakers event to grow the number of Waymakers in your community.
5. Spread the word about the Waymakers Challenge on social media and with local businesses.
6. Can't participate? Donate directly to the Waymakers Challenge to help us meet our fundraising goal.

Q: Is the Waymakers Challenge only about raising awareness for the fight to protect immigrant children's rights?

No. It’s both a fundraising event and a community awareness campaign!

Fundraising helps the Young Center continue to stand alongside unaccompanied and separated children facing deportation alone. Community awareness helps more people learn about immigrant children’s journeys and how to support them. Throughout September, we’ll share the stories of brave children and families navigating the U.S. immigration system with the support of Young Center staff and encourage participants to post their own progress on social media using the hashtag #BeAWaymaker!

Q: What’s the difference between registering for Waymakers and making a donation?

• When you register for the Waymakers Challenge, you become a participant in our month-long virtual event. You can log your miles, create your own personal fundraising page, form a team with your friends and family, access resources, and be part of a global community moving in solidarity with immigrant children.
• When you make a donation (without registering), your gift supports the Young Center's mission, but you’re not logging miles or participating in the challenge activities.

Fundraising

Q: Do I have to find a sponsor to match my miles?

No. It’s not required, but finding your own sponsor or starting a personal fundraiser is a great way to boost your impact as a Waymaker!

Q: Do I have to set a per-mile donation amount for myself?

No. Some participants choose to set a personal per-mile pledge, but it’s optional. Others simply log their miles and invite friends or family to donate in honor of their total. 

Mileage & Activity Logistics

Q: How do personal mileage goals work? Do I have to set a personal mileage goal?

Setting a personal mileage goal is completely optional! If you’d like to, you’ll have the chance to add your goal when you log miles in RunSignUp. 
As you make progress, you’ll unlock digital badges along the way, celebrating milestones and learning the stories of children supported by Waymakers like you.

Q: Do I have to log my miles every day?

No! Log them when it’s convenient for you: daily, weekly, or even once at the end of the month with your cumulative total.

Q: Do I have to run?

Not at all; any purposeful movement counts! Walk, run, hike, bike, swim, or even dance if you want. If you’re moving and logging miles, it counts!

Prizes

Q: Will there be prizes this year?

Yes! We’ll be introducing badges and swag prizes for different achievements, with details coming as we near the Challenge kickoff. Stay tuned!