NAMIWalks day on September 28 is a celebration of mental health in our community and all we have accomplished as we build community investment in this important cause. We invite you to join as we walk on the streets, or in our hearts, for a world where Mental Health is for ALL.
Saturday, September 28, 2024
7:30 a.m. - Registration Opens
Join us to check in, turn in donations, pick up your t-shirt, make a sign, and visit with our partners.
8:00 a.m. - Yoga and Stretching
Join us for a short yoga and stretching session, generously provided by Dane's Body Shop.
8:30 a.m. - Program
Hear from NAMI leaders and volunteers about why NAMIWalks matters to the community and get ready to go!
9 a.m. - 5K Walk
Our 5K walk winds through Downtown Austin and circles the Texas State Capitol. The walk is not a race and takes a leisurely pace.
10 a.m. - Festival
NAMIWalks Day is a celebration of all we have accomplished! Join in the fun with entertainment, food, music, games, and learn more about mental health services and resources with our partners fair, and enjoy late summer in Austin at the beautiful Long Center!
Registration
Check-in at registration:
- Make a donation or turn in cash and checks
- Pick up your t-shirt for raising $100 or more. Limited availability.
Sponsor and Community Partner Fair
Visit our generous sponsors and community partners to thank them for their support and learn about how they are making a difference for mental health!
Why I Walk Graffiti Wall
Share your “Why I Walk” and recognize those for whom you are walking in honor or memory of. You can even bring photos to attach to the wall.
DIY Photo Booth
Take fun photos with our NAMI Central Texas backdrop and props and share them on social media! Don’t forget our hashtags:
#NAMIWalksCentralTX #Together4MH
#ChangeTheConversation Sign Station
You will find everything you need to make a sign with your own personal and inspiring mental health message! You can also pick up a pre-made sign showing your support for mental health.
Family Fun Tent
Activities for kids of all ages include games, temporary tattoos, bubbles, hula hoops, and prizes!
Paws Paradise
Your furry friend is a VIP at Paws Paradise, featuring water, water dishes, and treats for your four-legged family members.
Tiny Tails to You
Furry fun in a tiny package, featuring bunnies, hedgehogs, turtles, and more!
Refreshments
Cool down with complimentary water, generously provided by HEB and Liquid Death at the Long Center Water Station and the Integral Care Water Station (at the Texas State Capitol). Enjoy coffee, donuts, ice cream, and delicious fried catfish at our food trucks, Donut NV, Ernie's See Me Rollin', and Mr. Catfish & More. Also, cool off in our cool zone with a trailer generously provided by We Are Blood.
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Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions!
Walk Day
Where do I park?
Pay Parking in Long Center Garage - $10
https://thelongcenter.org/directions-parking/
Carpooling is encouraged!
Can I volunteer on Walk Day?
Yes, sign up on our volunteer portal here.
Are dogs allowed?
Friendly dogs are welcome at our NAMIWalks event. In fact, we have a special hospitality area for your dog! Please keep your dog leashed and clean up after them. You bring your dog at your own risk.
Can I take a stroller on the walk?
Yes, strollers generally do just fine on the walk. We will be walking in the streets and on sidewalks.
What do I do if I can't keep walking?
Several pedicabs will be following along at the tail end of the walk parade. If you need a rest or a ride to finish the walk, just wave to one of the friendly peddlers.
Do I need to check in when I arrive?
Please do! This is where you will turn in donations and pick up your t-shirt if you earned one!
What should I bring on walk day?
Things you might want to bring:
- Checks or cash donations to turn in
- Water bottle (we will have bottled water if you don’t bring your own)
- A sign with a mental health message (see examples below)
- A picture of a loved one for our memorial, "Why I Walk" wall
- Comfortable shoes
- A leash if bringing your dog
Things you shouldn’t bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Alcohol
- Anything you can't carry with you on the 5k
What should I wear to the walk?
Does your team have a company or team shirt? Wear your team shirt, a past NAMIWalks shirt, or a green shirt for mental health.
Otherwise, wear light and comfortable clothes and shoes. It can be pretty hot in Austin even at the end of September, and it often rains that time of the year. We recommend you watch the weather forecast and dress appropriately.
Fundraising
Is there a fee to walk?
No, it is totally free to participate in NAMIWalks, but we’d LOVE for you to create a fundraising page. Our tools make it very easy to raise money to support our work. And when you do, you also share about our resources and something you are passionate about with your friends, family, and colleagues.
Can I turn in donations on walk day?
Yes, when you check in, we’ll ask if you have any cash or checks to turn in.
Don’t want to wait? You can mail checks to the following address (no cash please):
NAMI Central Texas
Attn: NAMIWalks
PO Box 302398
Austin, TX 78703
Be sure to add the name of who should get credit for the donation on the memo line or in an enclosed note.
Is it too late to sponsor NAMIWalks?
Never! You may have missed some of the print deadlines, but we can work with you on a custom sponsorship to support NAMIWalks and meet your goals. You can learn more on our sponsor page or email Megan Strawn at megan@namicentraltx.org.
I raised $200. Do I get 2 t-shirts?
No, each registered participant who raised at least $100 is eligible for (1) shirt while supplies last.
I earned a gift through the recognition program. Will I receive that on Walk Day?
No. Eligibility for incentive gifts (see flier for those gifts) goes through October 25. After that date, you will be emailed a link to "claim" your gift. This allows you to order the gift and size you want. We cover the cost to ship your gift directly to you. If you don't want your gift, you can just ignore the email.