Will you help save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide?

The Out of the Darkness Austin Walk is a special event that provides community, connection, healing, and hope for survivors of suicide loss and those with lived experience.

By registering for the walk on10/29/2022, you are joining a strong community united in an effort to fight suicide while showing up for yourself, recognizing and honoring those you love, raising awareness, educating communities, supporting one another, and sharing hope.

Every dollar you raise through the Austin Walk allows AFSP to invest in life-saving research, education, advocacy, and support for those impacted by suicide.

Event Details

Walk Date: 10/29/2022
Walk Location: Texas State Capitol
Walk Start Time: 10:00 am

For more information, please contact:
Contact Name: Heather Russell 
Contact Phone: 512-800-0775 
Contact Email: horth06@gmail.com

Volunteer at the Event

Event Committee and Day-of Walk volunteers are always needed and we cannot be successful without them! 

Send an email to horth06@gmail.com to sign-up today! Thank you!

Promote the Walk in Your Community! 

Promotional resources and items are available for you to order to help raise awareness about the walk and suicide prevention. Order items such as yard signs, bookmarks, or flyers today! If you have a printer or somewhere to share a digital flyer, you can also download this flyer to share. 

Share your story, post photos, invite others to join and donate towards your fundraising efforts. Social media is a powerful tool!  Spread the word and ask for support by sharing the videos and social shares in the participant hub.

Post on your social accounts and share why you walk with your community! Be sure to use #afsptexas, #TexasTogether, and #TogetherToFightSuicide, and #HOPELivesinATX.  Don't forget to follow us, too! @OOTDWalks @AFSPCTX  (Instagram & Twitter), @AFSPCentralTX (Facebook) 

Tag us in your posts and you might end up on our stories!

Click HERE to let everyone on Facebook know you are participating or interested in the event!

Participate in the Resource Fair

Each year at the  Austin Walk we try to share local community resources with our attendees. Resources must fit within the AFSP Sponsors and Community Resource Terms and Conditions. If your organization fits within these terms and would like to participate, please complete our Resource Fair Application. 

Fundraise to Help #StopSuicide

In addition to the National Incentive Program, we are offering fundraising incentives exclusive to the Austin Walk. Check them out below. 

Individual Incentives

$150+ - Raise $150 by 10/29/2022 and receive the official Out of the Darkness Walk t-shirt!   _{* Donations can be made to a team as a whole,  but the T-shirt and other incentives are based only on INDIVIDUAL fundraising.}  

$500-$999 - Red Ribbon Walker. Receive a red ribbon on-site.

$1,000+ - Blue Ribbon Walker. Receive a blue ribbon on-site.

Team Incentives

$1,500: Team Sign. Raise $1,500 as a team by October 21st and look for a hand decorated sign with your teams name on the walk route.

$2,000: Team Spotlight: Raise $2,000 and get a spotlight for your team on social media. 

$5,000: Team Banner. Raise $5,000 by October 17th and receive a banner for your team at the event. 

Top 5 Teams: We will have a tent for our top 5 teams as 10/24 the day of the event. 

Be sure to follow all of the steps after registering to get that fundraising going! *Update your page and pic * Make a self-donation* Utilize Participant Hub *

Create a FB Fundraiser through your account or it will not connect to your page! This is super easy in the app btw (wink wink) Follow these quick and easy steps! Prefer the video tutorial? Find it here. 

In addition to fundraising online, you will be able to turn in additional cash or check donations on-site.

Become a Sponsor

Sponsoring the Austin Walk shows your community and employees that your business cares about mental health and preventing suicide. Become a partner to help stop this leading cause of death.

Team Corner

Team Captain Toolkit: Being on a team enhances the experience of each and every one of your team members, providing a built-in support system and a goal towards which you will all strive (and stride) together. A team captain's role is vital to the success of the Out of the Darkness Walks. Click here to access our Team Captain Toolkit and access some tips, tricks, and resources. 

Become a Team Captain

Team Central

Is there a registration fee?
No, there is no registration fee to participate.

What if it rains?
The event is rain or shine.

If I raise enough money, will my whole team get a shirt?
No. The event shirts are only given to individuals who raise $150. If your whole team wants a shirt, each member must raise $150. 

How do I make an offline donation?
To send a donation by check, please complete this form and send it with your check to the address provided.

Is there a fundraising minimum?
No, but we strongly encourage each participant to set a $150 fundraising goal to help support AFSP's work to stop suicide and receive the official walk t-shirt!

Can I register at the Walk? Yes!  You can register in-person at the Walk from the time check-in begins until the walk starts. Walk donations are accepted until December 31st.

What is the Walk Route?  
We are finalizing this year's walk route. We will post it here once it is final. 

Is the event/Walk kid-friendly?  
Yes!  We will have lots of activities for the whole family to enjoy and the route is paved and stroller-friendly. However, some of the pre-event activities will take place in a grassy field  which can be difficult to navigate with a stroller, especially if it has recently rained.

Can I bring my dog? Yes!  Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome at the Walk. 

Must-have items I should bring?  
We recommend bringing comfy shoes, bug spray, sunscreen, reusable water bottles, donations, and money to purchase your AFSP swag!

Where do I park?  
Limited free day-long parking is available in the meter spots around the Capitol ground parameters. The Capitol Visitors paid parking garage can be found one block east of the Capitol. 

Can I bring my own table/tent/chairs for my team?  
No. However, you do have the opportunity to have AFSP provide your team a tent and/or table at the Walk by earning them through our Team and Walk Rewards!

Will there be restrooms on-site?  
Yes! There will be on-site porta potties available for registered walkers and volunteers. There are also restrooms located inside of the Capitol which are open to the general public.

Where do I go for First Aid?  
A first aid kit can be found at the Volunteer Check-in tent. The Capitol has patrol officers who can help with first aid as well. And, of course, if there is an emergency or you need immediate care while out on the Walk Route, please dial 911.

Will there be food/drink available?  
Water and light snacks will be provided by AFSP for volunteers and registered walkers only. 

What if my group gets separated?  
We advise guests to use the Bead Station as a meet-up location or to alert the DJ at the stage to make an announcement over the sound system.

For additional questions, please email horth06@gmail.com

On-Site Activities

Stop by the AFSP Store for merchandise, learn about community resources, pick-up beads at the Honor Bead table, and more!

Honor Beads

Honor Beads will be available on-site to show your connection(s) to the cause. Learn more by watching our honor bead video.

Hope & Healing

The walls are a place to remember a loved one with a message or photo as well as honor yourself or a loved one.