For all 31 days of December, advocates from around the world are dedicated to wearing dresses and ties to combat human trafficking. This is known as Dressember; an awareness campaign that has not only become a movement, but a testimony to freedom.
Human trafficking is a $236 billion dollar industry according to the International Labor Organization, with roughly 26.7 million victims affected world wide. The opposition to human trafficking by efforts like Dressember, are steadily decreasing human trafficking rates according to the 2023 Federal Human Trafficking Report.
Dressember was founded by Blythe Hill in 2009 and has since then grown from an individual effort to an international movement. The Dressember Foundation has successfully raised $20 million dollars to contribute to one of the most influential human trafficking prevention organizations in the world, known as the International Justice Mission (IJM). IJM provides support to rescue victims of human trafficking, restore survivors, prosecute criminals, and advocate to improve the justice system.
This international campaign is also highlighted locally at SJHHS, as the Dressember Club amplifies the voices of advocates within the student body. Led by president MJ Chapman (11), her efforts contributing to Dressember has been one of her great endeavors over the past 3 years. Annually, the club raises around $2000.00 – $3000.00, and the funds are issued directly to the Dressember Foundation. Their primary focuses during their meetings consist of publicizing and raising money for Dressember through social media platforms, developing their advocating pages, and teaching club members the impact and significance of Dressmeber. Chapman plans to continue contributing to Dressember in the future and expand her impact beyond high school.
“This year we started helping as many people that wanted to do it, do it, and raise as much money as we can,” said Chapman.
Participants are free to embrace their creativity, by pairing together different pieces of clothing or creating their own dresses, skirts, or ties. Some have even made dresses for their plants, such as Katie Leistman, showing that “Plants Can Wear Dresses, Too”.
Dressember is a huge step towards amplifying the voices of human trafficking victims. Since 2013, Dressember has gained 200,000 supporters. You can be a part of this fight through local efforts by joining the SJHHS Dressember club or by registering for Dressember at the comfort of your home.
Visit Dressember Foundation to help fundraise and register to support the cause.
To contact human trafficking services and support, please CALL 888-373-788 or TEXT 233733.
