Today, over 50 million people worldwide are being trafficked or live in modern slavery.
Take part in raising awareness. Join the movement by filling sidewalk cracks with red sand and documenting your sidewalk transformation on social media using #RedSandProject.
How to participate
Participating in Red Sand Project is as easy as ordering your supplies and gathering a group of people together. And it’s free! (We only ask that you pay for shipping.)
Get people and supplies
Red Sand Project is a way for people to come together and connect, raising awareness about human trafficking, modern slavery, and exploitation. You can take part in Red Sand Project with a group of friends or family, with a team or an organization, as a youth group or community group, and even in your classroom. All you need is a group of 15 people or more.
Order the sand — it’s free!
Once you know how many people are in your group, and where you’re going to have your event, order your sand from us on this website. We’ll send you red sand and informational materials, free of charge. We only ask that you pay for shipping. (Please allow up to 7 business days for processing, plus an additional 5-7 business days for shipping.)
Create your sidewalk installation
Find a location to pour the sand, gather any materials you might need (cups, sidewalk chalk, posters, etc.), and then you’re all set to do your Red Sand Project event. As a group, pour the red sand in sidewalk cracks and highlight the ways people are vulnerable to exploitation.
Share your experience
Make sure to take photos and videos of your sidewalk transformation, and share them on social media using #RedSandProject. Your event will be connected to the thousands of other Red Sand Project actions worldwide, expanding the movement to end human trafficking and modern slavery.
Take the first steps
If you know how many people will be in your group, go ahead and place your order for sand. (Your event should be no fewer than 14 business days from the date of your order.)
Still unsure? Read the frequently asked questions below.
How many people will be participating?
Give us your best estimate of the approximate number of people with whom you’ll be doing Red Sand Project. This number helps us figure out how much sand to send you.
- It’s okay if you’re not exact — we’ll provide enough extra materials in case you need to add 5-10 more people.
- Make sure your event date is no fewer than 14 business days from the date of your order.
Great, 15-50 people. We recommend 1 box of sand.
We encourage groups to use our large, 25-pound boxes of red sand for their events. Large boxes allow us to minimize waste and be more efficient with shipping. Most groups will use one box of sand per 100 people.
- If you have fewer than 50 people, or don’t plan on pouring sand at your event, we recommend that you only use our smaller toolkits.
Select the number of toolkits you need. We recommend 50.
Toolkits allow people to take Red Sand Project home with them and share it with their community! This is how we can spread the word and grow the movement to end human trafficking.
- If your group is smaller than 50, we encourage you to use toolkits for pouring sand instead of a large box.
- If shipping costs are a concern, you may opt to order ONLY toolkits OR bulk sand. You may edit or remove items from your cart at checkout.
To participate in Red Sand Project, we ask that you gather a group of 15 people or more.
This can be a group of friends or family, a team or organization, a youth group or community group, a classroom... there are lots of options! If you have any questions, feel free to send us an email or give us a call.
For groups of 300 or more, please reach out to us by email or phone.
Due to the large amount of sand required to accomodate groups of this size we recommend getting in contact with us directly. We'll work with you to figure out how to best meet your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I participate by myself?
Unfortunately we no longer provide Red Sand Project as an activity to be done individually. However, you can still participate in a group! You can do Red Sand Project with a group of friends or family, for a team or organization, as a youth group or community group activity, and even in your classroom. If you can gather a group of 15 people or more to participate, let us know and we will send you Red Sand Project toolkits, large boxes of sand, and informational take-home materials to help you with your event.
Where can I do Red Sand Project?
Red Sand Project can take place anywhere there are cracks in sidewalks or pavement! People have organized installations on neighborhood sidewalks, in parks, at schools and universities, outside community organizations, and in other public and private spaces. You can participate on your own or bring together friends, family, colleagues, or community members.
We also recommend using the Global Modern Slavery Database to find local anti-trafficking organizations and explore opportunities to collaborate on installations outside their offices or buildings.
Do I need permission to use red sand in a public space?
You don't need permission from Red Sand Project to organize your own installation. However, you may need permission to use red sand in certain locations. Public sidewalks and other public spaces may have local rules or restrictions, and locations such as parks, schools, and college campuses may require approval. Always get permission before organizing an installation on private property.
We recommend checking with the appropriate local authorities or property managers before your event if you're unsure.
How can I pitch Red Sand Project to my school, workplace, organization, or local government?
Red Sand Project is a participatory public art project that invites people to fill sidewalk cracks with red sand, calling attention to people who can fall through the cracks of our social, economic, and political systems and become vulnerable to human trafficking and exploitation.
When introducing Red Sand Project to others, feel free to use language and information from our website and adapt it for your audience. Think about why the project is relevant to your particular community and what you hope an activation might make possible. This could include raising awareness, creating space for conversation and learning, connecting people with local organizations and resources, or inspiring further action.
Every community is different, so there isn't one right way to make the case for bringing Red Sand Project to yours. We encourage you to consider what will be most meaningful and relevant where you are!
How much does Red Sand Project cost?
We provide the materials for you, free of charge — we only ask that you pay for shipping. We know that shipping costs can be expensive, and we appreciate your help in keeping Red Sand Project functioning. Shipping costs vary depending on location and quantity, and we do our best to keep costs as low as possible for you.
What is a Red Sand Project toolkit?
A toolkit is a small, pre-filled bag of red sand that participants can take home after an installation or share with others who couldn't attend. Each toolkit includes our contact information, instructions for using the sand, and statistics about human trafficking and modern slavery.
Toolkits fit in the palm of your hand, measure approximately 4 inches wide by 5.5 inches high, and contain about 4 ounces of red sand.
How many toolkits should I request? Should I request a box of sand?
It depends on the number of participants you're expecting and the type of installation you're planning. You can order bulk sand, individual toolkits, or both.
For group installations, we recommend using bulk sand to fill sidewalk cracks. Participants can use 4-ounce cups to distribute the sand, which creates less waste and is easier to manage. In general, one 25-pound box of sand is enough for approximately 100 participants.
If you'd like participants to take red sand home or share it with others, you can order toolkits as well. The number you request will depend on how many you'd like to distribute at your event.
What if I can’t afford shipping?
If shipping costs are a concern for you, please let us know — we do not want shipping costs to be prohibitive. We are happy to work with you to help ensure your Red Sand Project event can happen. Just email us at orders@redsandproject.org and tell us your situation, and we’ll figure it out together.
You may also opt to order ONLY bulk sand OR toolkits, instead of both. Editing/removing items from your cart at checkout can lower the shipping costs.
What if my event is fewer than 14 business days away? Can I rush my order?
We're a small team, so please allow up to 14 business days from the date you place your order for it to arrive, including processing and shipping. All orders ship via standard FedEx Ground, and we don't offer expedited shipping.
If your event is fewer than 14 business days away, please email us at orders@redsandproject.org before placing your order. We may be able to expedite processing on a case-by-case basis, but we cannot guarantee delivery in time for your event.
Do you ship internationally?
We do not ship outside of the United States due to customs issues and shipping logistics. However, we would love for you to be able to participate in Red Sand Project and can direct you to a few options! These include ordering directly from our sand manufacturer or from a resource more local to you.
To get started, email us at info@redsandproject.org and share a little about you, your organization, and your event.
Is the red sand safe?
Yes! The sand is colored using special pigments and resins, all of which are tested and certified non-toxic. Since the intended use of the sand products includes children ages 3 and up, our sand manufacturer is extremely careful. No plastics/polymers/BPA are used during the manufacturing of the sand.
The sand is made from the feldspathic rock family, a known source for producing a natural, non-toxic material completely void of carcinogens like crystalline silica, quartz, tremolite asbestos and more. It’s colored red using organic pigments and resins, encapsulating each grain with only organic ingredients and processed to sparkling perfection. The sand also does not contain any nuts (including peanuts), gluten or wheat; and it is tested annually with safety standards for children of all ages. Here is a downloadable sand safety data sheet, if you need more information.
In terms of environmental impact, our sand manufacturer uses only natural and organic ingredients to manufacture our sand products: sand (crushed feldspar rock) and color processing (organic pigments and resins).
Will the red sand stain my skin or clothes? Is it difficult to clean up?
The red sand won't stain your skin or clothing, and it's easy to clean up. Because the grains are very fine, they may cling to skin and clothing, especially when there's moisture or static electricity. The sand brushes off easily, and soap and water can help remove any remaining sand. Sand can be cleaned up from sidewalks and other surfaces by sweeping or vacuuming, and will also wash away naturally with rain.
Do you provide flyers, signs, or other promotional materials?
We don't currently provide ready-made flyers, yard signs, or other promotional materials, but we encourage you to create your own! Our brand guide includes downloadable Red Sand Project logos and guidance on how to use them. You're also welcome to draw from the language and information on our website when creating materials for your installation.
We love seeing the creative ways people bring Red Sand Project into their own communities, and encourage you to make materials that feel meaningful and relevant to yours.
Questions? Email us at info@redsandproject.org.
How do I watch the short documentary film We Ride for Her?
There are currently over 5,500 missing or murdered Indigenous women and girls in the United States.
Murder is the third leading cause of death for Native women. The crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Relatives, and People (MMIW/R/P) remains largely under the general public radar.
We Ride for Her is a documentary short film produced by Red Sand Project that sheds light on the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women and relatives.
Watch the film for free, download our community screening guide, take action, and learn more at werideforher.com.
Do you offer internships?
Yes! We typically host one to two undergraduate or graduate interns each summer. The internship application process begins each January. Follow us on social media and check back here for updates and application details.
How do I apply to be a Red Sand Project High School Changemaker?
We're currently accepting applications for our 2026–27 High School Changemaker program! Changemakers are compassionate, creative high school students from around the world who raise awareness about human trafficking, modern slavery, exploitation, and other issues that may be hidden in plain sight. Through the program, students engage their schools and communities, spark conversations, and inspire action.
Interested in becoming a Changemaker? Learn more and apply here.
Still have questions?
If you have any questions, please get in touch at info@redsandproject.org or 832-899-4688.