Vanguard's Big Climate Problem Walk
Monday, April 18 to Friday, April 22 -- Click here to sign up!
Why are we walking?
One of the biggest asset managers in the world, Vanguard's business strategy makes it a major driver of climate destruction and environmental racism. It is one of the largest global investors in coal, oil, and gas and it's also a top investor in polluting industries close to home.
Whether we are living on the frontlines of environmental injustice, students who know their futures are in jeopardy, or elders worried about their grandchildren, we all desperately need Vanguard to change course. It could vote for climate-friendly shareholder resolutions in the short run, and over time, move its investments out of fossil fuel and forest-destroying companies if those firms don't come up with a plan to transition out of climate destruction. With over $8 trillion under management, Vanguard could be a leader instead of a laggard.
That is why, from Monday, April 18 to Friday, April 22 (Earth Day), we are walking to Vanguard's southeastern Pennsylvania headquarters! Starting at the industrial banks of the Delaware River, our route includes sites of environmental injustice and climate destruction, as well as opportunities for intergenerational training in nonviolent direct action and for reaching out to Vanguard customers. Because this is happening during Passover, we are partnering with the Exodus Alliance to hold a special interfaith action highlighting the powerful symbols of the Passover story and the role of Chase and Vanguard as "climate pharaohs" of our time. We will conclude with a powerful action at Vanguard's global headquarters in Malvern on Earth Day.
Who will be walking?
As people of diverse faiths, youth, elders, Vanguard customers, residents of frontline communities, and people from all over southeastern Pennsylvania and beyond, we will be coming together powerfully to take action.
|
"We’re showing up together to make a powerful and visible statement that we are determined to become “good ancestors,” and that we care for and stand with the younger generation in their work to create a thriving and just future. We see ourselves as “consumer activists,” demanding that our financial resources -- our savings and investments -- be allocated to companies that are creating a healthy, sound future and not be used to damage and destroy our Earth, the future home of our great, great, grandchildren."
-- Lynne Iser, Elder Action Network
|
 |
|
"Growing up in the Adirondack Mountains has given me a deep appreciation for nature and a sense of urgency around its preservation. I have seen first hand the effects of climate change on my home community as shifting weather patterns disrupt families, businesses, animal populations, and whole ecosystems. I find the work I have been doing with EQAT extremely meaningful and look forward to joining the walk."
-- Simon Thill, student at Haverford College
|
(photos by Rachael Warriner and Corinne Austen)
Let us know if there is a financial barrier to participating in the walk, such as transportation, childcare, or lost wages. We have funds available. Please email Ryan at [email protected] for more information and to share what would support you to attend.
Where are we walking?
Our walk route is:
|
Day Plans: |
Walk Start | Walk End | Miles | Evening Program |
|
Chester Friends Meeting |
John Heinz Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia 6:00 PM |
11 | Chester Friends Meeting Chester 7:00 PM |
|
| Tuesday, April 19 | John Heinz Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia 8:45 AM |
Overbrook Train Station Philadelphia 5:30 PM |
9 | Friends' Central School Wynnewood 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday, April 20 | Overbrook Train Station Philadelphia 8:30 AM |
Chase Bank Wayne 5:30 PM |
10 | Radnor Friends Meeting Villanova 7:00 PM |
| Thursday, April 21 | St. Davids Train Station Wayne 8:30 AM |
Paoli Train Station Paoli 4:00 PM |
8 | |
|
Paoli Train Station |
Vanguard Headquarters |
1 |
-- |
Whether you want to walk one half day or all five days, you're invited to join us.
Actions at a Glance:
If you can't walk with us, you're still very invited to join these key direct actions.
Interfaith Street Seder
|
Grand Finale Action for
|
And click here to sign up for the rest of the walk!
Evening Programs:
If you can't walk with us, you're also very invited to join our evening programs.
How Vanguard Contributes
|
Why Pressuring Vanguard Might Be
|
The Vanguard S.O.S. Campaign and
|
Training for Vanguard's Big Climate
|
And click here to sign up for the rest of the walk!
Frequently Asked Questions
You are welcome to come for as many or as few days as you would like. No need to walk for all five days, though we welcome people to do that if they can!
Most of us don’t regularly walk 10 miles per day, so you may realize partway through a day that you need to be picked up. Or you may only be able to take a few hours off work. Not to worry! We’ll have support vehicles that can pick up walkers who get tired or need support. Your walk lead for the day will be able to contact the drivers to come pick you up.
Yes! You may have to arrange your own transportation there and back. RSVPing will help us know to expect you. We particularly welcome people to join the final action of the walk on Friday, April 22.
Yes! We plan to provide lunch each day, plus some light breakfast options (granola bars, etc.) and snacks. We will have dinner at our evening events, should you choose to stay for those. Please be sure to fill out the RSVP form, including your allergies and food needs. We’ll have a support vehicle with water, but advise carrying your own water bottle and just refilling at breaks.
Yes, housing will be provided if you would like, as long as you RSVP by April 1st. If you RSVP after that, we will do our best to find housing but cannot guarantee it.
If driving, we generally recommend that you park at a suggested location at the beginning of each day’s walk route. At the end of the day, you can either wait for a ride from one of our support vehicles back to the start, or take public transportation to the location you left your car. If taking public transportation from your home, plan to join us at the start of the walk for the day, and we will ensure that you are dropped off at an appropriate public transportation stop to get back home.
We expect to wear bright colors, have flags, and generally be highly visible to cars. We will be walking during the daytime and anticipate walking mostly on sidewalks or walking trails. We will also have several people each day looking out for the safety of the group.
While we will be on sidewalks and walking paths almost all of the time for this walk, there may be places where the sidewalk is in disrepair or we have to step over a curb. We cannot guarantee that the entire walk will be wheelchair/scooter/walker accessible. If you have specific questions about if the walk would be doable for you, please reach out to Ryan Leitner, [email protected]. We can talk through what we know so that you can make the best decision for yourself.
We expect that the large final action on Friday will be wheelchair accessible.
Generally speaking, we are following the City of Philadelphia health department guidelines and, in some circumstances, choosing to be more strict than government guidelines. EQAT will expect that everyone who is eligible will be fully vaccinated and, and if vaccinated more than six months ago, boosted in order to participate in any in-person activity. We will evaluate current conditions and may change our behavior based on what is most appropriate for the situation. Read more about our policies here.
We have specifically chosen a route that offers ample opportunities for bathrooms along the way. Please speak to the walk lead of the day if you would like to make a bathroom stop, and they can point the group towards an appropriate business or park bathroom. Rest assured we will make ample stops but prefer to do it in a way that keeps the group together.
There will be shirts, both for the walk and for EQAT, available for a sliding scale donation. Please dress in comfortable layers, and wear comfortable shoes. We will walk rain or shine.
Yes! If you are available April 18-22 to help, we have many support roles to fill and we would love your help. Please reach out to Ryan Leitner, [email protected], to let them know you would like to play a role.
Absolutely! If you would like to support the walk, please consider holding the walkers in prayer, signing up to call Vanguard (link coming soon), and/or making a donation to support the walk.