A new season, a powerful leadership transition, and a renewed commitment to walk, talk, and solve problems together. Here’s what you need to know as we step forward as one movement.
October We Want Power
We Want Power: October National Demand
In October, GirlTREK moves with one clear declaration: We Want Power.
This month’s Joy & Justice Agenda demand is about Black women having a real voice in the decisions that shape our lives, our communities, and our futures. Power is not something we wait for. It is something we practice together.
We walk in the footsteps of Black women like Fannie Lou Hamer, Septima Clark, Shirley Chisholm, and many others who organized, taught, and led their communities into civic action. Their legacy lives on every time we speak up, share information, and support another sister stepping into leadership.
This month also connects to our Joy and Justice Academy, where members deepen their voice, advocacy, and community action, and our PrayerTrek, where we gather in faith, reflection, and collective strength. Both remind us that power is spiritual, civic, and communal.
In the Underground App, members choose how they want to experience this month’s demand. We are putting the power in your hands. You can create your own challenge based on what you need most: streak, mileage, leaderboard, or target.
We have made it simple because members are meant to lead their own motivation and their own communities. GirlTREK is not assigning the challenge. You are creating it. That is the point of power. Click HERE for everything you need to know about how challenges in the Underground App work.
Every walk becomes a practice in building it. Talking with a sister, learning what is happening in your community, and showing up with intention.
We walk for joy. We walk for justice. We walk for power.
September Care for the Caregivers
Care for the Caregivers: September National Demand
Q: What is the GirlTREK September 2026 National Monthly Walking Challenge?
A: The GirlTREK September 2026 National Monthly Walking Challenge is a free, 30-day experience on the GirlTREK Underground App that invites women across the country to walk together under one shared theme: Care for the Caregivers. It is a national call to honor the women who care for families, communities, and movements, while also naming ourselves as worthy of care.
During September, members are encouraged to:
Join the challenge for free on the GirlTREK Underground App. No sign up required.
Choose a walking style that fits their goals (streak, mileage, leaderboard, or personal target)
Walk throughout the month and track progress in the app
Participate in weekly Sisterhood Saturdays in solidarity with caregivers
Dedicate their walks to someone who has cared for them using #IamWalkingFor
Through this challenge, every step becomes an act of care, remembrance, and collective strength as we walk together across generations and across the country. And best of all, there is no signup required. Simply log into the Underground App, start a walk and dedicate that walk to a sister.
Black August Walk. Talk. Solve.
We Want Safety & Decarceration: August National Demand
Q. What is GirlTREK’s Black August Campaign?
A.GirlTREK’s Black August Campaign is a national call for women to walk with purpose under the theme I Am Walking For. It invites members to honor Black freedom fighters, uplift justice-impacted women and families, and turn each walk into an act of remembrance, healing, and advocacy.
During Black August, members are encouraged to:
Dedicate their walks to someone they are walking for
Walk at least five times throughout the month
Log their walks in the GirlTREK Underground App to earn the Black August badge
Participate in Advocacy Training and community conversations
Listen to and carry the stories of justice-impacted women
Through this campaign, every step becomes a way to honor, remember, and move us closer to freedom together.
A: There are multiple ways to help shape the future of GirlTREK through your wisdom, lived experience, and perspective:
SOS: Sacred Society of Sisters is a trusted Steering Committee that helps protect GirlTREK’s mission, honor our legacy, listen to members, and guide the movement forward.
WOW: Women of Wisdom is an Advisory Board designed to offer wisdom, insight, and strategic guidance to help shape GirlTREK’s path.
LOVE: Leaders Offering Vision & Experience is a member input circle where sisters can share their voices, lived experiences, and perspectives through listening sessions, focus groups, and other opportunities.
SOS protects. WOW advises. LOVE speaks.
SOS is a selected committee, while WOW and LOVE provide additional pathways for members to lend their voices and wisdom.
Your voice matters. Your lived experience matters. And there is a place for your wisdom in the future of GirlTREK. Learn More about our SOS Steering Committee and ways to share your voice.
Q: Is the upcoming membership meeting in-person or virtual?
A: The 2026 Membership Meetings are an audio meeting, so you can join from wherever you are. Everyone will be walking during the session, including Morgan, who will also be walking and listening in.
Q: How should I participate in the audio membership meeting?
A: Simply log in using the link shared via email. Make sure your phone or device is ready to walk with you. Walk safely and enjoy connecting with the movement while you listen.
Q: How will GirlTREK support members and crews this season?
A: Our goal is to walk, talk, and solve problems together with support through our Regional Care Villages. Regional and Impact Coaches will connect with crews to provide tools, training, resources, and ways to engage,both online and in person,making walking, organizing, and building community easier and more fun.
Q: How do I unlock my 20% off hookup to the GirlTREK store?
A: Easy! Join your Regional Care Village in the app by April 30 and we’ll send your 20% off code your way as a thank-you for stepping into community and sisterhood.
What is a Meet & Greet?
A Meet & Greet is a virtual monthly gathering where you come together with women in your Care Village to connect, get grounded, and get plugged in.
It’s a simple, welcoming space where you:
Meet your Care Village leaders
Connect with women in your region
Hear what’s happening this season
Find ways to walk together and stay engaged
There’s no pressure and nothing to prepare. Just show up as you are.
Think of it as your starting place. This is where names become faces, and connection begins so that when you step outside to walk, you know you’re not doing it alone.
Regional Care Village Managers:
Care Village East | Siobhan Ollivierre | east@girltrek.org New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, Delaware
Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Louisiana, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas
Care Village West | Marcie Thomas | west@girltrek.org California, Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, New Mexico, Utah, Hawaii, Idaho, Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Texas, Oklahoma
Q: Are there new tools, resources, or training being introduced?
A: Yes! The team will walk members through these updates at the quarterly membership meetings and provide ongoing opportunities throughout the year.
Q: How can members give feedback on programs or leadership changes?
A: You can share feedback through your regional care villages, during membership meetings, or directly with the national team via email (info@girltrek.org) or our member support channels.
Q: Does Morgan’s transition signal any change in GirlTREK’s long-term vision?
A: No, our vision remains the same: to connect women, increase health and well-being, and empower communities. This transition strengthens our ability to scale and serve members.
Q: How will these leadership updates help the organization grow or scale?
A: The new structure allows for clearer roles, more support for members, and the ability to expand programs, training, and resources nationwide.
Q: How can members stay updated on other upcoming organizational changes?
A: Stay connected through our newsletters, emails, social media, and quarterly membership meetings.
Q: Why is Morgan stepping down as CEO?
A: Morgan has made a powerful, thoughtful decision to transition from her role as CEO so the organization can continue to evolve and grow. She wants to focus on supporting the movement in new ways while remaining a vital part of GirlTREK.
Q: Will Morgan be participating in the upcoming membership meeting?
A: Yes! Morgan will be walking and listening in during the audio membership meeting, just like everyone else.
Q: Can members connect with Morgan personally during the transition?
A: While Morgan may not be able to respond individually to every message, you can celebrate and connect with her by sharing stories of how GirlTREK has impacted your life. Stay in touch with Morgan on Instagram @morgantreks or via email at morgantreks@gmail.com.
Q: Will Morgan still be involved with GirlTREK?
A: Absolutely! Morgan will continue to serve on the National Board of Directors and, of course, as a Trekker in the streets. She’s still very much part of this movement.
Q: How was the decision for Morgan’s transition made?
A: This was a personal decision for Morgan and was made with love and care and reflects her confidence in the maturity and health of our organization. It’s a natural evolution for both Morgan and GirlTREK as the movement grows.
Q: How will this transition affect GirlTREK’s mission and activities?
A: The mission stays the same: connecting women, keeping us walking, and empowering communities. These changes are designed to better support members, expand resources, and make it easier for everyone to participate in the movement.
Q: Can members reach out to Morgan personally?
A: Morgan remains deeply connected to the movement and will continue interacting with members, especially as a Trekker in the streets and through events.
Q: Are there in-person or virtual events planned to celebrate this transition?
A: Yes! The membership meetings and other community spaces throughout the year will include moments to honor Morgan and celebrate our collective accomplishments.
Q: Who should members contact if they have questions about this transition?
A: Members can reach out to their crew leaders or the national support team via the contact info shared in emails and the newsletter.
Q: How will these changes affect communications from GirlTREK (emails, newsletters, social media)?
A: Communications will remain consistent, with updates on programs, events, and organizational news coming through the usual channels.
Q: Where can members find resources about the national team and staff roles?
A: Resources and staff info will be shared at the membership meeting and made available online afterward for easy reference.
Q: What will Vanessa’s role as President include?
A: Vanessa will lead GirlTREK’s strategic direction and fundraising efforts, helping ensure we have the resources and vision to keep the movement strong and growing.
Q: How does Vanessa’s new role differ from her previous role as COO/Chief of Recruitment?
A: While Vanessa has always focused on operations and member engagement, her new role allows her to focus on big-picture strategy and building the resources the movement needs to thrive.
Q: Who will Vanessa be working with most closely in this new role?
A: Vanessa will collaborate closely with the Executive Director, national staff, and Board of Directors to ensure the organization runs smoothly and members get the support they need.
Q: How will Vanessa’s leadership impact members’ experiences?
A: Vanessa’s focus is on strengthening connections, growing programs, and making sure every member has access to resources, training, and tools that make walking, organizing, and connecting easier and more fun.
Q: Who is Ayanna Taylor and what will she do as Executive Director?
A: Ayanna joined GirlTREK five years ago, serving most recently as Chief Growth Officer. As Executive Director, she will lead and support the national staff, ensuring programs, operations, and external efforts run smoothly.
Q: How are the national staff roles organized now?
A: We now have three departments: Programs, External Affairs, and Operations,each designed to scale support to members and crews nationwide.
Q: What are the responsibilities of the Programs, External Affairs, and Operations departments?
A:
Programs: Manages Regional Care Villages, Organizes walks, conversations, and problem-solving spaces.
External Affairs: Amplifies member voices, showcases impact, and secures resources.
Operations: Manages technology, our store, and impact tracking to understand how we’re changing lives.
Q: Will these changes affect local crews or volunteer opportunities?
A: Local crews and volunteer opportunities remain central to GirlTREK. These changes are meant to strengthen support for them, not reduce access.
Q: When is the next membership meeting?
A: The first quarterly membership meeting is Wednesday, April 1st at noon ET.
Q: How often will membership meetings be held going forward?
A: We will host these meetings quarterly to provide more consistent opportunities for members to connect.
Q: Can I listen to the meeting recording if I cannot attend live?
A: Yes, we will share a recording after the meeting so you can catch up anytime.
Q: Will members have opportunities to meet the national staff directly?
A: Yes! Membership meetings are just the first opportunity. Throughout the year, there will be in-person and online spaces to connect with the team.
Q: Will these leadership changes affect walking programs?
A: No, the programs will continue and even expand with more support, resources, and opportunities for connection.
We have all been there. Text WALK to 741741 to chat with a certified Mental Health and Crisis Counselor. It’s FREE and 24/7. Check out our featured Resource highlight for more details. Our National Resource Toolkit has FREE resources to help you navigate your situation.
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