We did it. After walking the final miles of our pilgrimage, the power of this journey and the collective prayers of our community have been delivered—by hand, by foot, by heart, and by voice—with determination, truth, and soul to those we have elected to serve us in New Mexico.

Our final miles began at the Rail Trail trailhead on Rabbit Road, where a dedicated group of climate advocates gathered in the early morning light. These concluding steps of our pilgrimage carried the weight and intention of all that had come before. From the trailhead, we made our way to the Railyard, then the Open Circle Church, where we were welcomed with a beautiful ceremony and blessing that honored both the journey behind us and the critical miles still ahead.

Growing Stronger with Every Step

As we walked these final miles, something remarkable happened: our numbers grew. More and more people joined us at several stages along the route, each new arrival adding their voice and energy to our collective purpose. It was as if the final stretch of our pilgrimage called people forward, drawing them into the movement with an urgency that could not be denied. By the time we completed our final miles and arrived at the Roundhouse, we were more than 70 people strong—a moving demonstration of collective will that had gathered momentum with every step.

These final miles transformed from a simple walk into a powerful statement: we were not just arriving at a destination, but delivering a message that had been carried in our bodies, our hearts, and our shared commitment.

Voices That Carried Us Through the Final Miles

We are so inspired and grateful for all of our partners in the Climate Coalition, the incredible children who stood with us, the youth who showed up from across the state and who spoke from their hearts and their bones, our state representatives who stood and spoke with power - all who rose up for our Earth that is our HOME... not just our resource.

We are humbled, awed and emboldened by this action, by all of you who supported us in every step, and we are threaded now in voice, presence and hope with all who are working, loving and living for our Earth, our Waters, our Air, our climate... our home.

A Call to Action in the Rotunda

In the heart of the Roundhouse, our Executive Director, Desirée Bernard, stood in the Rotunda and addressed hundreds of gathered citizens, legislators, and advocates. She reflected on the pilgrimage and our purpose of creatively and soulfully responding to the call to change in the face of our current planetary crisis. Throughout the pilgrimage, we had carried the hopes, dreams, and prayers of people across the state of New Mexico to this very moment at the Roundhouse—calling for boldness from New Mexico legislators to address climate change and implement climate-friendly policies that match the scale of the crisis we face.

Desirée challenged everyone present to tap into the sacred power within each one of us to "do the right thing" and overcome the danger of human apathy. Then, in a moment that transformed the solemn space of the State Capitol, she led an activity inviting everyone to "be the storm." The Rotunda filled with the sound of hands clapping, feet stomping, and voices rising—recreating the sound of a storm building and breaking within the very halls of power. It was a visceral reminder that the people, when united, are an unstoppable force of nature.

Assistant Executive Director Rev. Clara Simms then delivered a blessing, asking that we "flood the place with an integrity of purpose that is capable of cracking all stones of complacency and despair."

After the event, advocates delivered the hopes, dreams, and prayers we had carried to the legislators.

Legislative Update: Clear Horizons Act Advances

The Clear Horizons Act (Senate Bill 18) has passed its first significant hurdle, clearing the Senate Conservation Committee with a narrow 5-4 vote. Just as we walked our final miles to deliver this message in person, the bill is now walking its own journey through the legislative process, moving to the Senate Tax, Business & Transportation Committee for consideration on Saturday, February 7.

The Journey Continues: One Step, One Mile at a Time

We are humbled, awed, and emboldened by walking these final miles together and by all of you who supported us every step of the way. The pilgrimage may have reached the Roundhouse, but the journey for climate justice continues. As we move forward, may we "flood this country with an integrity of purpose, and patience and persistence capable of cracking stone."

The final miles are often the most important—they are where determination meets destination, where intention becomes action. Your voice can help us walk these legislative final miles to victory. Together, we can create the change our planet desperately needs.

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