Walk for Democracy Walkathon Sunday

Hang Out Do Good (HODG), the Windsor Square-based grassroots action organization, is presenting its second annual Walk For Democracy walkathon on Sunday, September 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“It’s a community-powered fundraiser and a community-building event to raise funds for political candidates in 10 key states,” explained Jennifer Levin, a HODG founder and one of the organizers for the event. Windsor Square resident Zoe Corwin is co-chairing the effort, along with fellow HODG member Illyse Pallenberg.

“We have about 40 volunteers working on ten different teams to organize each stop on the walkathon,” Levin told the Buzz. “Each team decides which candidates or organizations they want to highlight. The funds go directly to the candidates or the organizations; nothing comes to HODG.”

Levin is part of the North Carolina team, which is focusing its efforts on the candidates for the North Carolina State Supreme Court. The team working on Pennsylvania is raising funds for an attorney general candidate. These are important races in each state, but they often don’t capture much media attention, explained Levin.

Also, while the event is a fundraiser, Levin is quick to point out there’s no pressure to donate.

“I think of it like Halloween without the costumes,” said Levin.

Last year, the effort raised $100,000 for candidates across the country.  The team that raised the most was the teen team, which organized for Montana. This year the teens are focusing their efforts on races in Wisconsin.

“They are much more comfortable asking for donations than the rest of us. They ask for money all the time,” joked Levin. “Teens are welcome to get involved. They can just show up or contact us here to sign up in advance.”

All the stops are located between First Street and Beverly Blvd., Arden and Van Ness, close to Larchmont Blvd. Walkers can do as much or as little as they like.

“The walkathon is very pet friendly, child friendly, neighbor friendly. Everyone is welcome to learn more about these races that you don’t hear much about but have a big impact on how our democracy works,” said Levin.

In addition to information, the state teams will be offering food from their state to sustain walkers as they make the rounds to all the stops.

“It’s just a fun way for people to take a walk around the neighborhood, visit friends and get informed about the upcoming November elections,” said Levin.