NARROWSBURG – One Sunday each October, the Upper Delaware Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (UDUUF) has a tradition of hosting its Bud Rue Walk for Social Justice. Started in 1993 by the late Bud Rue, the walk and subsequent fund-raising efforts by the fellowship have distributed more than $4,000 per year since 1993 to local organizations that work for social justice and community wellbeing. 

“A walkathon is a way of holding space with groups whose missions and work we support,” said UDUUF vice-president Tom Rue, a mental health counselor in Narrowsburg, a son of the late Bud Rue. “The act of intentionally walking together for a united purpose is a sort of kinetic prayer intended to energize the universe in the direction of justice. It’s a prayer kind of in the sense that voting is,” Rue said.

Of course, the event’s primary pragmatic purpose is raising money for local use where it is needed. Walkers solicit tax-deductible contributions of any size from their friends and acquaintances earmarked for the BRM Social Justice Fund. Distribution of proceeds, divided by four, will occur in the spring after all pledges and donations have been collected.

The 2025 walk will commence on October 26, meeting in Room 102 of the Narrowsburg Union, 7 Erie Avenue, Narrowsburg. Prior to the walk at a short worship service will begin at 10:15 am. The Rev. Laurie Stuart, President of the UDUUF, will explain the walk and invite representatives of the recipient organization present to say a few words.

All funds raised will be divided among: Wayne County Habitat for Humanity (HFH), Wayne County’s Victims Intervention Program (VIP), Sullivan Allies Leading Together (SALT), and Growing Older Together (GOT).  These groups were selected based on financial need and the direct services they provide to local communities on both sides of the river. Recipient groups are invited to provide additional walkers, making the event a great opportunity to network and socialize with neighbors.

This year’s walk will be an easy five-mile stroll through the Narrowsburg flats, beginning and ending at the Narrowsburg Union. A sweep car will continually make the circuit. Tired walkers can take a ride at any point, organizers said. Refreshments will be provided by the fellowship to all participants upon return.

 The public is invited to participate and/or to donate. To attend the walk, register online at upperdelawareuu.org and download a Pledge Sheet or donate on the same website. For more information about the walkathon or the UDUUF, call 845-252-6783 or email uduuf2022@gmail.com.