Long-time staff, Lauren Akin is back from sabbatical and in addition to starting a new program with Britt (The Dandelions Program), will be working with our staff and other organizations in the Burlington-area to put us in closer alignment to our mission when it comes to fighting issues of racial and social justice. We’re “running” a fundraiser to support this work for our organization and Lauren’s work as she points a more critical lens at how our organization can better serve as an ally to racial and social justice organizations.

The fundraising gimmick: Teage will be attempting to break the world record for fastest barefoot 100km ever run by a human being!! At $10 a kilometer you can help sponsor his run to raise our goal of raising  $1,000 to get this position wings (All contributions and donations will directly benefit Crow’s Path). He’ll be running it on UVM’s outdoor track on August 13, beginning at 5am (somewhat weather dependent). If you’re wondering what on earth seems appealing about running that far – 250 laps in 7 hours – then ask him! 

Fundraiser: by the Numbers

Fundraising Goal:
$1,000+ in financial contributions

What you can do:
Sponsor a kilometer
Come out and help Teage run!

Amount to sponsor a kilometer:
Just $10 (but you can always give more!)

The Attempt: by the Numbers

Date of attempt:
Sunday, August 13, 5am at UVM’s track

Current record:
8hr 49m 42s  /  8:31 per mile 
(Wayne Botha at Self-Transcendence, 2013)

My time goal/pace
6hr 59m 59s  /  6:45 per mile

How do I participate?

Donate your money: You can sponsor a kilometer of the attempt for just $10!! Don’t worry, there are 100 kilometers, so plenty of spaces for you to contribute. Feel free to give more. We trying to raise at least $1,000. 

Donate your time: The second way you can participate is by coming out and crewing the run. Teage can use lots of help the day of. So whether your skills are in taking photos, keeping splits, refilling water bottles, setting the pace, or providing support and cheering, you can find a way of contributing during the actual attempt. Email teage@crowspath.org for details on being part of the crew.

 

What will the funds be used for?

Lauren ignites a tinder bundle

Some context
Crow’s Path has provided magical, nature-based experiences to the Burlington community since 2010. Amazing, dedicated parents and curious, inspired kiddos have spread the word about our programs as we have grown into a wonderful, vibrant community whose central fire is a connection to the natural world! We are committed to serving the whole of the Burlington community by offering financial aid to all families who need support to participate in our programs.

A challenge
But there are many barriers beyond the financial that can prevent families from participating in our programs. There are also ways in which our program dynamics, staff/participant demographics might serve as barriers for people to show up at Crow’s Path as their full selves, something we aspire to.

A solution
While on her sabbatical, Lauren Akin’s focus shifted from learning different song and music traditions and skills to looking at systems of oppression and the cultural forces that reinforce these. Through her work on sabbatical (and as a volunteer with Black Lives Matter and the Peace and Justice Center) she has brought a new lens with which we can look at the work we do and how we do it, to look for ways in which our programs might unintentionally reinforce larger patterns of power and privilege.

We’re looking to support her in a new part-time staff position that will help us self-reflect, adapt, and connect our organization as an ally to organizations and individuals in the Burlington area who are working to address these issues as we seek to create a open community where everyone can truly show up as their full selves.

Why run 100km as a fundraiser?

 ”What are you doing when you are at your happiest?” It’s a question my mom has asked me many times over the years. And it’s a question that I’ve in turn asked many kiddos in our programs. In many ways, Crow’s Path has sought to creatively connect staff, families, and participants with that secret yearning desire latent in our bones that calls us to adventure. It is these secrets of the heart that we as staff, or to many, mentors, attempt to reveal to kids. We do this through play, exploration, song, story, skill building, asking deep questions, and provide a safe space for kids to be kids. And it is in these spaces where we as a community are able to find those things that make us happiest.

My answer to that question has changed many times over the years, but one recurring thread is the simple art of running. Running has brought me to the top of Mt Olympus, the bottom of Death Valley, shoulder to shoulder with Sammy Wanjiru, Kara Goucher, and some of the greatest athletes of all time. While most of the 30,000+ miles that I’ve run in my life – more than enough to circumnavigate the globe – have been run in solitude, or at least without the companionship of another runner, many of my best moments have been those where I get to share this passion with others. I love running the Vermont City Marathon, giving out high 5s to kids and families along the way. In this way, running has been a way of both being inspired and inspiring others. 

My inspiration for running always leads me to the questions: “What am I capable of? Are my limits mental or physical? How do I push those limits back beyond view of the next horizon?” In finding that answer I wanted to share this process with others. So I’m inviting you to participate!

Don’t forget to donate!

Donate your time: The second way you can participate is by coming out and crewing the run. Teage can use lots of help the day of. So whether your skills are in taking photos, keeping splits, refilling water bottles, setting the pace, or providing support and cheering, you can find a way of contributing during the actual attempt. Email teage@crowspath.org for details on being part of the crew.

 

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