Our origin story, sort of:

We began in 2013 “The Long Road to Freedom Project,” (Shannon Sprowal & Jay Atlas) bringing attention to human trafficking by speaking to individuals and communities across the country, following Jay's return from a conference hosted by Passion City Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Together, They walked ~3400 miles from Atlantic City, New Jersey to Los Angeles, California; hosting events in 11 states, & finishing in 115 days (July 15, 2013 - November 7 2013).

Upon Returning, Jay Continued to Lecture and Volunteer in Philadelphia & the Surrounding Area, Meeting Future Teammates Sylvester WillIams & Timothy Sammartino at A Young Adults Group (Thrive) In Montgomeryville, PA. Nathaniel Erb, Of Maryland, later Joined at the 4 set out on The 2nd venture, in 2014; cycling Seattle, Washington to Miami, Florida, in 65 days, covering ~5050 miles (July 2, 2014 - September 5, 2014) with An extension of the tour stretching between Columbus, Ohio and Kansas City, Kansas (September 8-23) adding 750 miles.

Our final group endeavor took place in 2015. Another team of 4: Jonathan Moore, Gabriel Fenerty, with Sylvester Williams and Jay Atlas returning. The team cycled from Moorehead, Minnesota to San Antonio, Texas logging 3900 miles in 87 days. (May 13, 2015 - August 8, 2015) in Partnership with Worthwhile Wear, under the name "Worthwhile: GO."

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Jay set out for a solo adventure in 2018, taking the Northeastern coastal US. Adding ~600 miles (May 16, 2017 - June 6, 2017). The tour ended early after news of his grandfather's unwellness. Needing to tend to his own mental health, the tour was ended early.
 

The nonprofit, "The Bad Activist" as we are, was formed after ridicule by a lecture attendee in the Midwest. A senior citizen took to social media sleuthing, finding a picture of Jay drinking a beer. Of age, at the time, and 6 years removed from when the photo was taken, Jay shameless admitted to enjoying the beer, before being called "a bad activist." 

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With a smirk on this face, the mantel was assumed. None of the tour participants look like their counterparts on the road. Likewise, many of our partners here at home feel like they fit in with their peers. And that's where we belong.

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We celebrate, integrate, and accentuate folks doing good. Whether co-venturing (raising funds on their behalf), or doing good (volunteering), we're looking to inspire everyone to support those changing the world, locally.

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After years of self-reflection, and mental wellness treatment, and local community engagement, and paperwork... Jay says he's got something left in the tank. Haha! Keep an eye out for one final tour... 

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