Everything You Need to Knowabout Welcome Walk 2026
We are SO excited to see you Saturday, November 7th, for Welcome Walk 2026! Our students and Village can't wait to see you! Please read this carefully, it has everything you need to plan for this amazing day.
*Note: For the first time ever, the Welcome Walk is a MUCH shorter 2.5 miles, and starts and ends in the same place at Clarkston Market! Hooray!
About the Walk 🧡
🎉 What is the Welcome Walk?
The Welcome Walk is an annual fundraising event for Global Village Project. The walk celebrates our commitment to building our Village into a community where every refugee girl belongs, where every girl can step into her unstoppable power to learn, grow, and lead.
🧡 Why should I fundraise for GVP?
The purpose of GVP's Welcome Walk is not only to welcome refugees, but to peer-to-peer fundraise to raise critical funds for GVP to grow its mission and keep the school tuition free for each student. Fundraising can be daunting, but it's much easier than you'd expect with the tools we provide for you! By setting up your fundraising page and sharing it within your networks, YOU can help us reach our $225,000 fundraising goal. Visit our "Fundraising Tools" dropdown menu at the top of the site for where to start and best practices.
🥳 Who can register and walk in the Welcome Walk?
Everyone! This is a family friendly and kid friendly event! The Walk does cost money to produce (t shirts, signage, vendors, city permits, etc.), so we do have a walk registration fee for all participants. This helps cover our event costs so that money donated through the event can directly support our mission and students. Children under 6 are free. Please do not bring your dogs.
Day of registration: Yes! Tell your friends they can register the day of. Alternatively, they can pre register at gvpwalk.org. If they wait, t-shirts may become limited since registered walkers get priority.
Event Schedule 🗓️
- 9:00 a.m. — Registration & t-shirt pick up begins
- 9:35 a.m. — Zumba warm up
- 9:45 a.m. — Remarks from students & top fundraisers announced
- 10:00 a.m. — Walk begins! Follow behind the drummers
- 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Finish line celebration (Clarkston Market, 980 Rowland Street, Clarkston, GA 30021)
Start & finish line: Clarkston Market, 980 Rowland Street, Clarkston, GA 30021
The Route 📍
The Walk is 2.5 miles long, in a loop around Clarkston, GA, starting and ending at Clarkston Market. Check out the route map below.
You don't have to walk the whole way. GVP's buses will be available all day along the route in case you need assistance, want to only do a portion of the Walk, need a bathroom, or simply want to get to the finish line celebration quickly.
Parking 🚘
Park at the starting line, Clarkston Market (980 Rowland Street, Clarkston, GA 30021), in one of the open spaces. We encourage you to carpool with friends or use a ride sharing service like Uber or Lyft.
Buses & Bathrooms 🚌 🧻
There will be two "Bus Stop" locations along the route, marked with a "Bus Stop" sign and balloons. Unless there is an emergency, please find this stop and wait for a shuttle to take you back to the finish line celebration.
If you can't reach a bus stop, bus liaison contact info will be shared at check in. For emergencies, call 911.
Bathrooms are available at Clarkston Market.
Food & Drink 🍎
During the Walk: One free water station with light snacks and fruit.
Finish Line Celebration: Join us for an exciting celebration with our GVP Ensemble, vendor tables, music, and more!
- Free: Henna tattoos from GVP alumni (please tip them, they keep it!) and face painting
- Available for purchase: Delicious food from the Refugee Women's Network Chefs Club, plus craft and jewelry vendors like the Refugee Sewing Society
- Bring cash and credit cards, not all vendors accept cards!
What to Bring 💳
Cash, credit card, water, sunscreen, good walking shoes, and your energy! A welcoming attitude never hurts either.
What to Wear 🩳
ORANGE everything! Show your spirit in orange as we walk unstoppable together for refugee girls! Bright accessories, funky sunglasses, colorful socks, hats, boas, high energy fun vibes! We LOVE corny, and it's a chance to continue the festive costume energy from Halloween. All pre registered walkers receive a t shirt. It will be chilly but sunny, so wear layers as you see fit.
Pets 🦮🚫
Please do not bring your dogs. We love your furry friends, but Clarkston Market's Green Space does not allow dogs, and GVP can be fined for violations. It's also a chance to be mindful that not every culture shares the same relationship with dogs that many Americans do. Dogs also are not allowed on our buses if you require assistance. Thank you for understanding, and give your pup a treat from us. 🐾
About Global Village Project
What is Global Village Project?
Global Village Project is a nonprofit middle school in Decatur, Georgia dedicated to educating newly arrived refugee girls from all over the world. To learn more about us, visit www.globalvillageproject.org.
Who receives funding from the Welcome Walk?
The Welcome Walk benefits Global Village Project (GVP). GVP is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the only middle school in the U.S. dedicated to serving recently arrived refugee girls with interrupted education. EIN # 26-4152199. To learn more about GVP and our programs, visit www.globalvillageproject.org.
Questions?
Reach out to Kara McKinley at (770) 726-5886 or kmckinley@globalvillageproject.org.
We're so incredibly grateful for you and are excited to see you on Saturday November 7th!
In excitement and solidarity,
Kara McKinley 