The TOMS flag chalked on sidewalks, airbrushed on tees, and painted on bare feet. Facts put to posters, on pamphlets, in bookstore windows. This is the imagery of a college campus on One Day Without Shoes!

On campuses throughout the US, and now in growing numbers abroad, we’re seeing students use One Day Without Shoes as a golden opportunity to grow a movement. Not only are students going without shoes so that kids don’t have to, they’re also demonstrating the depth of the need.

In 2011, we saw students ‘experience the walk’ by setting up samples of rocky, dirty, or harsh terrain to simulate how even the shortest walks are difficult without shoes. They used stencils, similar to the ones that are available this year [link to toolkit], to leave facts chalked on the pavement, and carried posters and banners through out their college towns.

The most empowering way to inspire people to help others is to educate them on what, explain to them why, and show them how.

If any group is to align learning with having fun, it’s surely the campus crew. In addition to a desire to educate fellow classmates, students hosted bake sales, lead marches, speeches, and discussions, put on parties and inspired art projects. There were even barefoot group training events at college gyms!

If you’re part of a TOMS Campus group, hopefully you’ve already heard from the HQ team about how to get involved with One Day Without Shoes this year. If you aren’t part of an official Campus group, there’s still time to organize an event! Email us at CampusPrograms@TOMS.com for more info.