Become a Sponsor

Sponsoring this Walk shows your community and employees that your business cares about mental health and preventing suicide. Download the 2023 Sponsor Packet. 

Sponsor T-Shirt Deadline: 9/15/2023

Overall Sponsor Deadline: 10/6/2023 

Resources Fair

Exhibitors are invited to participate in our Resources Fair to present materials related to resources offered by the exhibitor which serve the AFSP’s mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. 

Apply to Exhibit Here

Volunteers Needed

Walk planning committee and day-of event volunteers are always needed, and we cannot be successful without them! 

Volunteer at the Walk: Sign Up to Volunteer Here!

If you are interested in joining the Walk's planning committee or volunteering with the AFSP National Capital Area Chapter: Complete the AFSP-NCAC Volunteer Application

Fundraise to Help #StopSuicide

$150+ - Raise $150 by 10/21/2023 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 Recognition Program Gifts are based only on INDIVIDUAL fundraising.  

More Team & Walker Rewards!

Earn recognition, a team table and/or tent at the Walk, AFSP swag, and more through our locally-offered Team & Walker Rewards! 

Promote the Walk! 

Follow us on social! @AFSP.NCAC on Facebook and @AFSP_NCAC on Instagram and Twitter.

Tag us as you post on your social accounts, and share why you walk with your community! Use #StopSuicideNCAC to connect our local community served by the AFSP National Capital Area Chapter.

Team Corner

Become a Team Captain

Team Central

Be sure to follow all of the steps after registering to get that fundraising going! 

* Update your page and pic 

* Make a self-donation

* Check out our Top 10 Tips & To Dos!

* Utilize Participant Hub

* Create a FB Fundraiser through your DonorDrive account or it will not connect to your page! This is super easy in the app btw (wink wink) 

On-Site Activities

Stop by the AFSP Store for merchandise, visit the photo booth, and more!

Honor Beads

Honor Beads will be available on-site to show your connection(s) to the cause.

Resources Fair

Exhibitors are invited to participate in our Resources Fairs to present materials related to resources offered by the exhibitor which serve the AFSP’s mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Deadline to Apply: October 6, 2023

Apply to Exhibit Here

Hope & Healing

Walkers will have the opportunity to participate in activities of Hope & Healing, including:

* Order a Personalized Honor & Remembrance Sign to be displayed on the Walk Route. Order Deadline: October 6, 2023

* Add to the Honor & Remembrance Chain

* Make a personalized "I'm Walking For" button

Q: What if it rains?
A: The event is rain or shine and would only be canceled in the instance of severe weather that would compromise the safety of our guests.

Q: Is there a registration fee?
A: No. There is no registration fee to participate.

Q: Can I register at the Walk?  
A: Yes! You can register in-person at the Walk from the time check-in begins until the walk starts. Walk donations are accepted until 12/31/2023.

Q: Is there a fundraising minimum?
A: 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!

Q: Is the event/Walk kid-friendly?  
A: Yes!  The pre-event and Walk are both family-friendly, and we will have games and activities to keep you little ones entertained. The pre-walk event is mostly in a grassy field, which can be challenging with some strollers not designed to go "off-road." While the route is paved and stroller-friendly, there may be unforeseen obstructions along the walk route beyond our control (e.g. construction detours). 

Q: Can I bring my dog?  
A: Yes!  Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. We will also have a Puppy Pit Stop tent and doggy accessories at our AFSP Swag tent so you pup can walk the walk in style.

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

Q: If I come alone, will someone walk with me?  
A: Yes! Volunteer Walk Buddies will be on-site to walk with anyone who does not want to walk alone or needs assistance navigating the walk route. You will be able to identify volunteer Walk Buddies by their orange t-shirts that say "Walk Buddy."

Q: Can I bring my own table/tent/chairs for my team?  
A: 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 & Walker Rewards! 

Q: How do I make an offline donation?
A; To send a donation by check, please complete this Offline Donation Form and send it with your check to the address provided. You can also turn in offline funds raised or make a gift when you check in at the walk. 

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

Q: Where do I park?  
A: Limited day-long parking is available along Ohio Drive, SW (along the Potomac River south of the Lincoln Memorial or in Lots A, B & C south of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial). Private paid parking garages and lots can be found downtown north of the National Mall. Free on-street parking is generally restricted to two hours (ticketing/towing enforced). 

Q: What is the closest metro?  
A: The closest Metro Stations are Smithsonian (1.2 miles away) and Foggy Bottom - GWU (0.9 miles away). Information and schedules for Metro can be found at www.wmata.com. AFSP will not be providing shuttles busses from the metro. 

Q: What if my group gets separated?  
A: We advise guests to use the stage as a meet-up location and to alert the DJ to make an announcement over the sound system.

Q: What is the Care Team?  
A: Care Team members are volunteer mental health professionals who will be on-site to talk to anyone who may need support at the Walk. They will be located in the Hope & Healing tent and wearing purple Care Team t-shirts that say "Want to Talk?"

Q: What is the Walk Route?  
A: Due to ongoing construction around the Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial, our route will be along the National Mall this year! It is 2.0 miles, flat, and spans between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. See Walk Route w. Turn-by-Turn Directions. 

Q: Will there be restrooms on-site?  
A: Yes! There will be on-site porta potties available for registered walkers and volunteers. Also, there are restrooms located inside of the Lincoln Memorial which are open to the general public. 

Q: Where do I go for First Aid?  
A: A first aid kit can be found at the Volunteer Check-in tent. The National Park Police and DC Metro Fire & EMS will be on-site to provide first aid assistance, if needed. And, of course, if there is an emergency or you need immediate care while at the pre/post-walk event or out on the Walk Route, please dial 911.

Q: Accessibility Info?  
A: The pre-walk event venue and walk route are both wheelchair accessible. However, the pre-walk event is partly in a grassy field which could pose some accessibility challenges, especially if it has recently rained. Also, there may be unforeseen obstructions along the walk route beyond our control (e.g.: construction detours). See Walk Route w. Turn-by-Turn Directions. 

We will have an ASL interpreter on the stage for the pre-walk Opening Ceremony and post-walk Closing Ceremony.

Reserved seating for those with accessibility needs will be offered in front of the stage for the Opening & Closing Ceremonies. 

Walk Buddies will be available to help guide anyone who needs assistance navigating the walk route.

Q: Where can I find more info about accessibility?  
A: You can find info about venue accessibility on the NPS's Lincoln Memorial website.

Q: Who may I contact with questions?  
A: AFSP-NCAC Special Events Manager Kelly Mahoney at kmahoney@afsp.org.