Dressember is a worldwide movement where women wear dresses and men wear ties for the entire month of December to raise money and awareness for human trafficking. I wrote an article in November explaining more about why I am participating, but I am officially more than halfway through and wanted to share some things I have learned through wearing dresses, sharing on social media, and educating myself and others on the prevalence of human trafficking.
1. I have a lot of insecurities.
I knew I had insecurities, many directly related to social media, but I thought I had worked through them to the point that taking a picture daily would be no big deal. I was quite wrong. Day three I hated the way I looked and really did not want to post a picture of myself, but I had never been in a situation where posting on Instagram was about more than just my life and wanting to share it so I knew I couldn't let my insecurities win. Of course being a person who needs to be authentic on the Internet, or rather as authentic as one can be in little squares, I shared how I was feeling, and I got lots of positive feedback.
2. It's not about me.
This is following point number 1 for a reason. Dressember is not about me. No matter how much compassion I have for victims of human trafficking I myself have never been a victim myself. I did not embark on this challenge because I wanted to post daily pictures of me in dresses, I did it to raise awareness about the prevalence of modern day slavery. This is why I will press on even when insecurity comes out.
3. Human trafficking affects so many.
Not only are millions of people currently enslaved, but the family and friends they were taken from. Trafficking affects everyone.
4. We all can be advocates.
Working together, modern slavery can be ended.
5. Dresses are fun!
I have had more fun than I thought I would wearing dresses and coming up with new outfits. Dresses are a lot of fun! Maybe I'll start wearing them more regularly.
6. You can make some interesting fashion choices when you are wearing a dress everyday.
Leggings, tights, sweaters, sweatshirts, scarves, boots, shirts under, shirts over, I have tried it all.
7. Showing up is important.
It makes a difference, showing up consistently. People see you are committed and pay attention to what you have to say.
8. Likes on Instagram do not matter.
No matter how many people like my posts with trafficking statistic, it will continue to be more important that I post them.
9. Victims of trafficking are worth it (and so am I).
I show up in my dress for everyone who has been affected by trafficking. I also show up for myself.
10. You can do anything in a dress!
Including playing in the snow!
Claire Fox
This isn't just a slogan for Dressember, it is the truth!
Dressember has challenged and stretched me in ways I never expected. I thought it was going to be all about what I was doing for Dressember and its partnership with IJM, but Dressember has done more for me than I could have imagined. It is funny how everytime I think I am going to make a difference, the difference ends up being in my life.
