Report to the Movement

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We've compiled our official "Walk for Reform" report.  You can download the full version as a PDF here, but here are some of the highlights from the report:

Over ten chilly days, nearly 500 registered walkers logged 12,081 miles carrying signs and American flags to raise awareness and demonstrate to the presidential candidates that the people demand reform of money in politics. The walkers held 34 public engagement events across New Hampshire involving over 2,000 citizens and caught the attention of thousands more Granite Staters and millions of Americans through 132 media reports in over 50 state and national publications. On January 21st, the four walks converged on the state capitol in Concord for an historic Rally for Democracy and “Granny D Gala: Walk the Talk” on the 5th anniversary of the Supreme Court Citizens United decision.

Building on the success of the inaugural 190-mile New Hampshire Rebellion walk from Dixville Notch to Nashua, NH in January 2014, the January 2015 walk added three additional routes totaling 300 miles. An estimated 500 walkers participated, including 441 registered walkers from 42 states and seven foreign countries; 132 individuals signed up to walk for multiple days. The walkers logged a combined 12,081 miles before arriving together in Concord for a State House rally and celebration on January 21st.

To maximize exposure and increase participation, the four simultaneous walks departed from four corners of the state in Dixville Notch, Keene, Portsmouth, and Nashua, NH. The walks covered between 40 and 150 miles each over 4 to 10 days, reaching 47 New Hampshire cities and towns home to 37 percent of the state’s population. Each walk featured daily outreach, educational, and/or theatrical events free and open to the public in libraries, churches, community centers, parks, etc.

The walks were organized by Open Democracy’s team of field managers and pro-bono partners, and supported by over 100 volunteer drivers, hosts, and community organizations. Volunteers provided meals and accommodation in churches, community centers, home-stays, and motels. Walkers wore safety vests and carried signs, American flags, and educational materials for general public distribution. Participation in the walks was open to the public and free of charge.

NH Rebellion Walks Overview, 2014-15
  Launch Walk,
January 2014
Independence Walk,
July 2014
Cross-NH Walk,
January 2015,
Total
Results
Route Distance (mi.) 190 16 300 506
Distance Walked (mi.) 6,581 8,352 12,081 27,041
Total Walkers 207 520 500 (est) 1,227
Multi-Day Walkers 19 n/a 132 151
NH Cities/Towns 22 5 47 51
NH Population Covered 29% 4% 37% 40%
Media Exposure (hits) 115 35 132 282
Temperature Range -3°F to 40°F 65°F to 74°F -37°F to 39°F -37°F to 74°F