Passing the Peace Walk across Chatham County

Moving Together for Hope and Healing

Sunday, November 8, 2026 A 21-Mile Relay Journey

Seeds of Inspiration Behind the Journey: From Planting Seeds of Peace to a 21-Mile Movement

The true seed of inspiration for the Passing the Peace Walk came earlier this year, when a group of Buddhist monks moved through Chatham County on their nationwide Walk for Peace. Watching hundreds of our neighbors line Highway 64 in the winter cold just to share a quiet moment of compassion, safety, and connection was deeply moving. It proved how much our community hungers for active, visible expressions of unity, and care.

That display of shared humanity inspired a question: How can we channel that same collective energy to support the survivors right here in our own backyard?

Healing from trauma cannot happen in isolation, yet for many survivors of domestic and sexual violence, isolation is the heaviest burden they carry. Our county is vast, and the distances can feel immense. On November 8th, this 21-mile journey will quite literally bridge those gaps. As our peace token is handed off across the county, it symbolizes the continuous, unbroken line of safety, advocacy, and service that Second Bloom of Chatham provides every single day.

Markers of Resilience: Symbols of Hope Along the Route

As you follow the relay across Chatham County, you will guide your way by unique landmarks created specifically for this journey. In place of standard trail markers, local survivors are collaborating to paint and decorate the route's boundary poles.

These peace poles will be transformed into vibrant, visual testaments to resilience, healing, and community solidarity. They serve as a beautiful reminder to our walkers—and to anyone currently facing abuse—that they are surrounded by a network of care, hand-painted by those who understand the journey to peace firsthand.

These Peace Poles will be auctioned off at our Finish Line Celebration at the NC Arts Incubator beside The Chatham Rabbit in Siler City.

Partner With Us (Sponsorships): Champion the Cause

We are actively seeking local businesses, civic organizations, and community partners to anchor this inaugural event. Sponsoring the Passing the Peace Walk offers meaningful, high-visibility alignment with a vital local cause throughout the autumn while directly funding Second Bloom’s essential crisis services, local advocacy, and shelter programs.

Every mile of this walk represents a survivor finding their footing. We invite you to stand with them.

Event FAQ & Contacts

Where does the money go? 100% of the proceeds directly fund Second Bloom of Chatham's services, advocacy, programs, community education initiatives, and efforts towards shelter needs.

How can I participate if I'm not a sponsor? We need a vibrant community presence! We invite everyone to save the date, find a spot along the route to line the roads, and cheer on the relay as the peace token passes through. Detailed route maps and cheering zones will be posted here in October. Check back soon for details about our Virtual Walkers Sponsorship Packages.

Who do I contact with questions? For logistics, volunteer inquiries, or custom sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to us at caitlin@secondbloomofchatham.org or call 919-533-6864.