Building Momentum from Coast to Coast

by Rachel Held

In the National Federation of the Blind, we often talk about building our movement in practical terms—growing our chapters, strengthening our connections, and increasing awareness in the communities where we live and work. These are not abstract ideas; they are the day-to-day actions that shape who we are and how we move forward together. The 2026 Coast-to-Coast Movement Challenge brings all of those ideas into focus, giving us a clear and timely opportunity to turn intention into action and purpose into measurable progress.

At its core, the challenge is a nationwide effort designed to encourage chapters and affiliates to organize movement-based activities that promote awareness, build relationships, and raise funds to support our mission. It is both structured and flexible, offering a shared framework while leaving room for creativity at the local level. This year, the initiative will connect to larger events such as the Bay Bridge Run, the California International Marathon, and, new this year, the Philadelphia Marathon. These anchor events provide visibility and energy, but they are only one part of a much bigger picture.

What matters most is what happens locally, when chapters take ownership of the challenge and design activities that reflect their own communities. No two chapters are exactly alike, and the strength of this initiative lies in that diversity. A chapter in a rural area may organize a community walk through a local park, while a chapter in a larger city might participate in a citywide race or attend a group fitness class.

Each of these approaches contributes to a shared goal, but each is shaped by the people and places involved. This local focus is what makes the effort meaningful and sustainable. We know that changing public perceptions about blindness does not happen all at once. It happens gradually, often through small, everyday interactions that challenge assumptions and open minds. When a chapter organizes a walk, participates in a community race, or hosts a wellness event, it creates opportunities to be seen, to be heard, and to engage in authentic ways. These are the moments when misconceptions begin to fade and understanding begins to grow. A conversation during a water break, a shared mile on a walking path, or a simple introduction at a community dance class can have a lasting impact.

At the same time, these activities strengthen our chapters from within. While meetings are essential to our work and provide structure and direction, they are not always where relationships are built most naturally. Shared experiences—especially those that involve effort, teamwork, or stepping outside of one’s comfort zone—create a different kind of connection. When members walk side by side, train together, or support one another through a challenge, they build trust and camaraderie. These experiences foster a sense of belonging that extends beyond formal gatherings and help to create a more cohesive and resilient chapter.

The Coast-to-Coast Movement Challenge also serves as a coordinated fundraising effort, aligning financial support with meaningful activity. Contributions raised through chapter-led events support the work of our national organization and help ensure that we can continue to expand programs, advocate effectively, and reach more blind people across the country. Fundraising becomes more than a task; it becomes part of a shared story. A walk becomes more than a walk; it becomes a statement of purpose and a contribution to lasting change.

To support participation and coordination, each chapter is asked to designate a Movement Champion. The Movement Champion serves as both a leader and a facilitator; someone who keeps the effort moving forward, encourages participation, and helps share the chapter’s progress and experiences. This role is essential, not because one person does all the work, but because effective coordination helps everyone contribute more fully. The Federation has set a goal of engaging at least thirty-five chapters in movement activities during 2026. Reaching that goal will require broad participation and a willingness to embrace a variety of approaches. Some chapters may choose to organize larger, highly visible public events that draw attention and media coverage. Others may focus on smaller, more informal activities that prioritize things like personal connection. Both approaches are valuable, and both contribute to the overall success of the initiative. What matters is not the scale of the activity, but the intention behind it and the impact it creates.

As with many of our most effective initiatives, the long-term value of the Coast-to-Coast Movement Challenge will be reflected not just in numbers, but in experiences. Chapters will discover new ways to connect with their communities, often building relationships that extend well beyond a single event. Members will find new ways to engage with one another, strengthening the internal fabric of the Federation. The stories that emerge, from first-time participants to seasoned advocates, will help illustrate the power of collective action and reinforce the message that blindness does not define or limit us.

These stories matter. They become part of how we communicate our mission, inspire new members, and demonstrate the impact of our work. A successful event is not only one that raises funds or draws a crowd, but one that creates a meaningful experience worth sharing. When these stories are told within chapters, across affiliates, and at the national level, they amplify the reach of our work and help sustain momentum over time.

Chapters that are interested in participating can begin with a few simple steps: attend an informational session, select a Movement Champion, and start a conversation about what kind of activity makes sense for their members. Planning does not need to be complicated. In fact, the most successful efforts are often those that are simple, intentional, and grounded in what people are genuinely excited to do. It is also important to remember that participation can evolve. A chapter might start with a small event and build on that experience in future years. Lessons learned—what worked well, what could be improved, what sparked the most engagement—can inform future efforts and help chapters grow stronger over time.

When chapters from coast to coast take part, each in their own way, shaped by their own communities, but all connected by a shared purpose, we create something larger than any single event. We create alignment, awareness, and most importantly, we create momentum. That momentum, built step by step and mile by mile in communities across the country, carries our movement forward. To learn more and to keep up with the Coast-to-Coast Movement Challenge, please visit nfb.org/movers or contact Rachel Held via email, [email protected].