Dressember is the brainchild of Blythe Hill, who combined a personal fashion challenge with a desire to fight human trafficking, particularly in the sex industry. The idea is simple: women commit to wearing a dress every day during December. Exceptions may be made for work uniforms, exercise, cleaning, and sleeping. Participants use their commitment both to generate awareness of human trafficking and to raise funds to fight it. The Dressember Foundation gives 80% of the money raised to its partner organizations. This year, those organizations are International Justice Mission, A21, and McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center.
Yes, it would be more effective to donate money directly to Dressember Foundation’s partner organizations. Yes, there are many ways you can raise awareness of human trafficking. So why participate in Dressember?
- First, it helps you make a month-long commitment to actually fight human trafficking, instead of simply putting it on your to-do list.
- Second, people respond to activities like this. You could donate money to an anti-trafficking organization and ask your friends to do the same. But there’s something about saying, “I will do x for organization y. Will you contribute money to support that organization?” Perhaps we feel more comfortable asking people to make contributions when we’re willing to do something to demonstrate our own commitment. Perhaps people are more willing to give in those circumstances. Whatever the reason, these things work. I’d be willing to bet that Dressember could be particularly effective if you don’t normally wear a dress.
- Also, while you can collect money from friends and mail it directly to an anti-trafficking organization, you and your friends may feel more comfortable if you set up a fundraising page through an organization like Dressember. It allows each contributor to get a receipt for their donation, and it removes the trust issues that might be involved if they sent the money to you.
Although Dressember is geared toward women, men are welcome to participate. One pastor wore a dress for a day, but men may feel more comfortable committing to wearing a bow tie, suspenders, or some other distinctive piece of clothing.
Essentially, Dressember can be an effective, easy way to fight human trafficking. If it appeals to you, why not give it a try?