National Walkout Day

Group of diverse individuals peacefully walking together with colorful signs, spreading messages of change and unity.. — National walkout day illustration

Hey there! Get ready to lace up your walking shoes and join in on National Walkout Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about important causes through peaceful demonstrations.

When is Walkout Day?

It's national walkout day on the 20th April.

The Internet History of National Walkout Day

Originating on April 20, 2018, National Walkout Day was organized by students across the United States as a response to the tragic Parkland school shooting. Thousands of students walked out of their classrooms to protest gun violence and advocate for stronger gun control measures.

The movement quickly gained traction on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, with students using hashtags such as #NationalWalkoutDay and #EnoughIsEnough to spread awareness and encourage others to join. The event received widespread media attention and sparked a national conversation about gun safety and the rights of students to feel safe in their schools.

Since its inception, National Walkout Day has taken place on April 20 each year, serving as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need for improved gun control legislation and safer schools.

How to Participate

If you're interested in participating in National Walkout Day, here are a few key steps:

Research: Learn about the causes and organizations that resonate with you and align with the purpose of the event.
Spread Awareness: Use social media platforms to share information about National Walkout Day and why it's important to you. Encourage others to join and support the cause.
Organize or Attend: Find out if there are any organized walkouts or demonstrations happening in your area. If not, consider organizing your own event with the help of friends, classmates, or community members.
Be Peaceful and Respectful: When participating in the walkout, remember to prioritize peaceful protest and respect the rights and opinions of others.
Follow Up: After the walkout, continue to stay engaged with the causes and organizations you're passionate about. Consider volunteering, donating, or advocating for change in other ways.

Did You Know?

Did you know that National Walkout Day is not just limited to schools? People from all walks of life, including individuals, organizations, and communities, can participate by organizing peaceful demonstrations that raise awareness about important social issues.

History behind the term 'Walkout'

1951

Origins in labor unions

The term 'walkout' originated in the labor movement in the United States during the early 20th century. It was first used in 1951 to describe a coordinated action by workers to leave their workplace as a form of protest or strike. The term emphasized the act of physically leaving the premises, distinguishing it from other forms of industrial action.

1968

Student walkouts during the civil rights movement

The term 'walkout' gained further prominence during the civil rights movement in the late 1960s. In 1968, students across the United States staged walkouts to protest racial discrimination and advocate for equal rights. These student walkouts were a powerful display of young people's activism and their insistence on social change.

2006

Immigration protests and walkouts

A significant development in the history of the term 'walkout' occurred in 2006 when it was associated with large-scale protests and walkouts against proposed immigration reforms in the United States. Millions of immigrants and their allies took to the streets to demonstrate their opposition to legislation that they believed would criminalize undocumented immigrants. The walkouts served as a potent visualization of the immigrants' struggle for recognition and rights.

2018

Walkouts for gun control

In recent years, the term 'walkout' has been increasingly linked to student-led movements advocating for gun control and school safety. In 2018, following the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, students organized nationwide walkouts to demand stricter gun control laws. These walkouts received extensive media coverage and sparked a widespread dialogue on gun violence prevention.

2020

Digital and virtual walkouts

As technology and social media play an integral role in activism, the concept of 'walkout' has expanded beyond physical demonstrations. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual walkouts gained traction as a way for individuals to protest or show solidarity without physically leaving their homes. These digital walkouts demonstrated the adaptability of the term in the digital age.