The 2025 Seacoast Walk is on!

Join us on July 6th at 3 pm at Rock Street Park in Portsmouth.  (Ample parking is available at the 100 Foundry St. parking garage, which is immediately diagonal from Rock St. Park.)

The theme of this year's walk is "Steps Toward a Democracy Money Can’t Buy".   We will gather at the Park to hear inspiring words from a variety of speakers, then we'll march through Portsmouth to Market Square to join with Civil Rights Sundays! We'll be joined by members of the Leftist Marching Band who will march with us to Market Square!

Our speakers:

Allyson Ryder is the Executive Director of NH Civics.  Prior to joining NH Civics, she worked in higher education at UNH in the Office of Community, Equity and Diversity and was a Fellow for NH Listens through the Carsey School of Public Policy.  She has extensive experience serving in nonprofit and public sectors across Northern New England and has held key leadership roles in program and curriculum design, fundraising, community engagement, and strategic change. Allyson was born and raised in New Hampshire and is passionate about community and civic engagement; she’s thrilled to be leading an organization whose mission embodies that commitment.

We'll also hear from Emmett Soldati, local small business owner and former Democratic candidate for NH Executive Council, District 1 will address the group when we reach Market Square.  

April Richer is a Cary Fellow with AFSC's New Hampshire Program, serving as an Interfaith Organizer since January 2025. Her work includes mobilizing faith leaders to advocate for robust public education, protect the rights of LGBTQ+ people, demand a good state budget, and ensure that all workers are treated fairly.

Growing up in New Hampshire, April always felt a great sense of community and was raised to believe that all members of a community have unique and valuable contributions.

She is a 2022 graduate of Northern Essex Community College and a 2024 graduate of the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Creative Writing.

April was a Teamster for 16 years while employed at United Parcel Service as a Preload Package Handler.

She is currently a Dover City Councilor, serving on the Transportation Advisory Committee, the Energy Commission, Land Steering Committee, and the Board of Health. In addition, she serves as a member of the Home for All Coalition in the Seacoast of NH.

Miles Borne is the son of Steven and Amy Borne and lives in Rye. He will be attending Middlebury College and plans to study Political Science and International Relations. Miles can’t wait to learn about how the world functions and learn a new language.

At PHS, Miles served as Co-president of Model UN for 3 years, president of the Student Senate, and Captain of the Varsity Swim team. Miles was also a member of the varsity math team, the Varsity Debate team, the Student to Student mentors, the sailing team, and a part of the outing club. Miles is a tri-sport athlete and runs Cross country, swims in the winter, and runs track in the fall.

Outside of PHS, Miles is a counselor at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Camp and also an active volunteer for the Rye Civic League. He was also on the Governor's Youth Advisers Council and on the executive board of Seacoast Students for Sustainability. Miles is also an active participant in the Civics Unplugged community after completing their Civics Innovation Academy and Digital Fellowship. Miles also works at the Indoor Pool on Mondays as a lifeguard and teaches swim lessons, too. Miles also loves hiking and exploring the swimming holes in New Hampshire. Miles is a member of the NHS, was the recipient of the University of Rochester Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award, and received his seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and English along with a coach's award in cross country. Miles also received the Open democracy civic leadership award, along with seacoast student of the week. Miles also served as a page at the Democratic National Convention and attended the Young Innovators Climate and Energy Program.

Download, print and complete the Walk Waiver and bring it with you to save time.  Remember your hat and sunscreen!

There will be free Ben & Jerry's ice cream!

Cosponsors include: