Waymakers Virtual Mileage Challenge

👟 Challenge Overview

Throughout September 2025, the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights will host its 5th Annual Waymakers Mileage Challenge to celebrate 20 years of advocating for the rights and best interests of immigrant children. To mark this milestone, we invite you to help us reach an ambitious goal: to collectively walk, run or roll 20,000 miles in solidarity with the immigrant children we’ve served over the past two decades. Each mile equals $1 for our mission and get us closer to our 20,000-mile goal in honor of 20 years of advocacy for unaccompanied immigrant children.

This race also 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 walk with a child and their family on their journey to safety. 

🏃‍♀️‍➡️ #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 Virtual Mileage Challenge.

General

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

While we sometimes refer to it as a “race,” 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.

There’s no set start time, no finish line, and no need to be first. Winners aren’t the fastest! They’re the ones who log the most miles in their own time. You can walk, run, roll, or move however you like, whenever it works for you, and your miles will still count toward our collective goal of 20,000 miles to support immigrant children.

Q: How are the miles I log supporting immigrant children?

Thanks to generous donors, every mile you log will unlock $1 to support immigrant children facing deportation. This matching gift means your movement directly translates into real-world impact for immigrant children navigating the immigration and child welfare systems alone.

Q: How 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. Donate directly to the Waymaker Challenge.
3. Start a team and invite friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers to join.
4. Launch a personal or team fundraiser and ask others to give in honor of your miles.
5. Organize an in-person event to grow the number of Waymakers in your community
6. Spread the word about the Waymakers Challenge on social media and with local businesses & press!

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 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 navigating the U.S. immigration system with the support of Young Center Child Advocates and encourage participants to post their own progress on social media using our toolkits and 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 a team or fundraiser, access toolkits, and be part of a global community walking 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.

Mileage & Activity 

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. Accuracy is up to you, no odometer required. 

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: 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, invite friends to join, and check out our Fundraising and Outreach Toolkits to spread the word.

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!

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. Pledge or no pledge, as a community of Waymakers we will all work towards raising $1 per mile logged!

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!