Beginning May 4, a group of New York City Quakers from Brooklyn Monthly Meeting’s Peace and Social Action committee will be leading The Quaker Walk to Washington, An Interfaith Pilgrimage for Migrant Solidarity and Universal Freedoms. The group will walk 300 miles from Flushing, Queens to Washington D.C. and expect hundreds to join along the way while drawing attention to migrant persecution and free speech rights.

The goal of this three-week walk is to invite faith communities and concerned neighbors across the country to stand in unity with migrants and all individuals who are being unfairly and unconstitutionally targeted by this administration, while sending a message about our shared
humanity.

The walk will build energy through events and demonstrations in locales along the way, mobilizing communities to defend our democracy and protect our free speech rights. Upon reaching Washington D.C., walkers will deliver the historic Flushing Remonstrance petition, a document considered the direct precursor to the Bill of Rights, along with specific demands to Congressional leaders.

To walk, support, sign up to volunteer or view the route map visit: https://www.quakerwalk2025.org

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Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Information

Email: organizers@quakerwalk2025.org

What is Quaker Walk 2025?

Quaker Walk 2025 is a journey organized by Quakers from the Brooklyn Meeting House, walking from Flushing Meeting House in Queens, NY, to the National Mall in Washington D.C. The goal is to carry a message of solidarity with migrants facing renewed persecution and to amplify this message widely.

When will the walk take place?

The walk starts on May 4th, departing in the morning from Flushing Meeting House, and concludes on May 22nd at the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall.

Who is walking?

A group of Quakers are walking, joined by friends and others who share their message and desire to stand with migrants.

How many people are walking?

• A core group of approximately 10 will start from Flushing, Queens.
• Walkers will join and leave along the way.
• Organizers expect at least 100 people to gather at the National Mall on May 22nd.
• Everyone is welcome, potentially resulting in a large number of participants.

Why walking?

Walking symbolizes solidarity with migrants, reflecting their challenging journeys. It connects historically with activism and pilgrimages, including routes like those of the Underground Railroad. Walking demonstrates collective persistence, showcasing the power of community action in pursuit of justice.

What is the route of the walk?

The route of the walk starts in Flushing, Queens, and ends in Washington, D.C.

Important Locations & Dates:

• Flushing, Queens: May 4
• Brooklyn, NY: May 4 at 6 PM
• Princeton, NJ: May 7-8
• Philadelphia, PA: May 10-12
• Washington, DC: May 22

Do I need to register?
Registration is helpful for organizing purposes, but not required. Friends are encouraged to sign up to better manage logistics.

What’s planned for Germantown and Central Philadelphia?
The walk in Philadelphia begins at Germantown Monthly Meeting and ends in Central Philadelphia. Participants will hold a rally and a walking demonstration around Central Philadelphia, possibly near City Hall or Liberty Bell.

Other PYM regional waypoints on the walk include Princeton Friends Meeting, George School, Springfield Friends Meeting, Westtown Friends Meeting, and London Grove Friends Meeting.

What are our demands?

• Participants walk to demand the government honor the rights and freedoms granted to all human beings, particularly free speech and due process, owed to citizens and noncitizens alike.
• The walk is undertaken in stewardship of the American experiment in pluralism and democracy.
• The action seeks to call communities into greater integrity, moral courage, and active solidarity with those who suffer.
• Participants walk in faith, trusting that the way to justice will open as they proceed.

What accommodations are available?
Participants will mainly be hosted overnight by Quaker meetinghouses, providing floor space for sleeping. Friends will need to bring their own sleeping gear.

What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes, appropriate clothing, sun protection, bug spray, a water bottle, snacks, necessary medications, and sleeping gear for overnight stays. Friends are encouraged to pack needed items in a soft duffel bag that can be transported in support vehicles.

What about meals?
Meetinghouses will provide potluck dinners, and basic vegetarian breakfasts and lunches will be prepared by organizers. Bringing personal snacks, especially if you have dietary restrictions, is encouraged.

How is safety managed?
There is no guarantee complete safety, so participants must weigh risks personally. There will be vehicle escorts on dangerous roads, designated safety marshals, and visibility flags. There will be no walking after dark.

How to support without walking?
Holding participants in the Light, promotion, financial donations, and possibly additional vehicle support are excellent ways to support.

How to donate?
Donate via Brooklyn Monthly Meeting’s PayPal account, earmarked for the walk.

Where to find updates?
Live updates will be posted on Instagram (@walktowashington) and the official website.

What is the plan upon arrival in DC?

A Quaker Meeting for Worship will be held in silence at the Lincoln Memorial at 10 AM on Thursday, May 22nd. This gathering aims to highlight an entreaty to federal representatives present, urging action in accordance with foundational documents of United States governance, notably The Bill of Rights and The Flushing Remonstrance.

What is the Flushing Remonstrance?

The 1657 Flushing Remonstrance was a plea from the earliest European settlers of Flushing, Queens, to Governor Peter Stuyvesant. It demanded an end to persecution of Quakers and is considered the precursor to the Bill of Rights. The document exemplifies early American compassion and tolerance, illustrating the enduring importance of delivering messages of justice to those in power.