8 Signs that Dressember has Turned you Into an Advocate
You’ve watched Blythe Hill’s TED Talk.
Blythe wanted to tell you how a dress could change the world…and you definitely listened! In just a few years, the Dressember movement gained enough momentum to become the life-changing foundation it is today. You’ve had a positive impact on countless lives through your excitement about participating in Dressember and your willingness to spread awareness.
You’ve thought about how you can use your own talents to change the world.
Since we’ve established that you’ve already watched Blythe’s TED Talk, you know that Dressember is how she used her talents to spread awareness of human trafficking. Dressember is not just about Blythe’s style challenge though; it’s also about how you can use your own unique talents to help raise awareness and funds. Whether it’s giving away your art as a fundraiser or using your intense organizational skills to plan an exciting kick-off party, there is some way you can use your talents to fight trafficking and change the world.
You’ve checked out Dressember’s online dress and tie collection.
Not to be dramatic, but there has never been anything more innovative than Blythe Hill’s “Jordan” Dress. It’s gorgeous and nursing-friendly; we should just give her the keys to the Met Gala right now. The 2019 collection also features eight other stunning dresses, and six classic ties created by incredibly talented designers. The pieces are all handmade by artisans and trafficking survivors in Nepal.
You’ve started talking to people you barely know about human trafficking.
You know how your dentist asks you questions, and all you can do is make some general noises because you really want to say, “Um, hello, you’re kind of working in my mouth, I can’t really talk right now?” Well, my dentist actually had to stop working because I would not stop talking about Dressember and human trafficking. She was riveted and ended up asking me to repeat some facts on my way out of the office so she could discuss them with her daughters. That’s one way to spread awareness.
You’ve used the Dressember blog to help educate yourself on human trafficking.
Okay, you’ve clearly found your way to the blog if you’re reading this post, so you definitely have this one checked off! The blog posts from Dressember are a great way to keep up with what the foundation is doing, but it’s also an important tool you can use to learn more about the complexities of human trafficking. The blog serves as a resource for the “everyday advocate,” meaning you don’t have to be an expert on human trafficking to learn more and help spread awareness. Now, you too can overload your dentist with facts about human trafficking!
You know the signs of human trafficking.
Resisting physical touch, living in a place with high security, and showing signs of physical injury are just a few of the signs that someone might be in a human trafficking situation. Dressember is committed to helping us recognize the signs so we can become better advocates. You can find more ways to recognize and prevent human trafficking on the Dressember Instagram.
You’ve started noticing how much of your clothing was ethically made.
I recently purchased a sweatshirt from a fast fashion establishment only to return it less than a week later, so I could put the money towards an ethically made top instead. Participating in Dressember and reading stories of advocacy has caused me to think critically about where my clothes come from, and if the people who made them were treated ethically and paid a fair wage. Dressember’s ethical fashion directory makes it easy to find ethically made products within your budget, and DoneGood can also help you to discover ethical brands that you’re excited to support. (They even have an awesome browser plugin that can help you to discover sustainable alternatives when shopping online).
You’re excited to wear a dress (or a tie) in winter.
The Dressember movement is made possible by your willingness to brave the cold in a dress or tie for 31 days straight. When you participate in the annual style challenge and show your friends, coworkers, and followers how much fun advocacy can be (even in the cold), you’re inspiring them to be advocates as well. Your participation in Dressember helps make the world a better, fairer place and allows you to make a global, tangible difference no matter where you are.
About the Author
Victoria Shircliffe is a superfan of the television show, "Once Upon a Time," and when she’s not working at the public library, she’s travelling across the country to fan conventions! She recently graduated from Bellarmine University with a degree in English and Marketing Communication, and hopes to pursue a Masters in English. She is passionate about feminism, fairy tales, and fighting human trafficking.