SISTERS, Ore. — An Oregon mother and daughter are turning their political frustration into action, step by step across the country.
Emily Waugh has begun a cross-country walk in what she hopes will become a relay-style effort called the “Women’s Walk Across America.” The protest is meant to highlight women’s rights and other issues she believes are not receiving enough attention from leaders in Washington. Her mother, Amy Peck, has joined her for part of the journey to offer support and help ensure her safety.
Waugh said the idea started as a powerful impulse to simply leave home and keep going.
“I had this really strong urge to walk out my front door and just keep walking until I got to Washington, D.C.,” Waugh said. “The thought that came into my head was that I was going to pull a Forrest Gump and just walk out my front door and not stop.”
Within about six weeks, the idea turned into a plan. Waugh said the concept became more realistic once she realized others could join along the route, creating a relay that could continue across the country.
“I think people in Washington need to understand how many Americans are deeply dissatisfied with what they’re doing,” she said. “I want this to be a slow, steady march across the country that doesn’t go away. Even if people want it to disappear, it won’t. It will keep growing.”
She said the response so far has been stronger than she expected.
“I’ve been blown away by the response,” Waugh said. “It shows me that I’m not the only one feeling this way.”
The walk began in Salem and has since moved east through Oregon. Waugh and Peck are now passing through Central Oregon as they continue the journey.
The trip has brought both physical and emotional challenges. Waugh said the mountain pass roads are narrow and winding, with trucks often speeding by. But the most difficult part of the journey has been being away from her children.
“I’m a mom, and my family means more to me than anything,” she said. “Being away from them is really hard. But I also believe strongly in what I’m doing, and I want my kids to see that I act on what I believe in.”
Peck said she supported the idea as soon as her daughter called to tell her about it.
“If this is what you feel strongly about, then it’s important to act on it,” Peck said.
She agreed to join Waugh for part of the trip, though she admitted she felt a little nervous afterward. Several days into the walk, Peck said the experience has been both physically demanding and rewarding, noting that she feels stronger each day.
Spending time with her daughter during the journey has also meant a great deal to her.
“She came up with this idea and she’s making it happen despite a lot of obstacles,” Peck said. “Being able to be part of it and see it firsthand makes me incredibly proud.”
Safety remains a constant concern for the two women as they travel and camp along the road.
“You have to think carefully about what it means to stay safe,” Peck said.
Waugh agreed, pointing out that long stretches along highways can be tense as vehicles pass at high speeds and drivers don’t always move over.
Despite the challenges, both say the journey has strengthened their resolve. Waugh said the walk has already helped her connect with others who share similar concerns.
“It’s helping me find community with people who feel the same way I do,” she said. “Even if that was the only outcome, that alone would be something really meaningful.”
Her goal now is for more people to join the walk along the route and keep the effort moving east. Peck said they welcome anyone who wants to participate.
“We are not forgetting, we are not distracted, and we will not be ignored,” Waugh said.
For now, the two continue their journey together, facing long miles, traffic and changing weather while staying focused on their shared mission.
“If you have a big idea that excites you and scares you at the same time, you should go for it,” Peck said. “What’s the worst that can happen? At least you tried.”