A Love Letter to Our Youngest Advocates
PHOTO: This author enjoying Dressember 2015 on a chilly Toronto evening.
When I was 15, I was introduced to a novel that changed my entire life’s trajectory. Half the Sky, by Sheryl WuDunn and Nicholas Kristoff, explores women’s rights violations around the world. This book prompted me to explore literature about the topic and organizations who were actively fighting for justice. It was because of this book that I found Dressember. By complete chance, I clicked on a link from a simple Google search, and now I am still here almost 5-years later and I am so much better for it.
If I don’t dig too deep, my journey to advocacy is idyllic in nature, and one that I love to share. However, I always have to remind myself that it was hard when I started.
I was a sophomore in high school and felt helpless. I couldn’t drive, let alone help take down the multi-million dollar industry that human trafficking has become. Doubt and hopelessness started to creep in, and it seriously impacted the way that I viewed myself as an advocate.
In the past few months, I have watched Greta Thunberg fight for what she believes in, and take on several powerful politicians with the poise and grace that many of us can only hope to evoke. She reminds me of everything that even our youngest advocate can do!
PHOTO: Greta Thunberg leading the Youth Climate Strike. Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images
There is no age-limit when it comes to advocating for Dressember!
Here are some tips on how anyone can advocate, no matter their age:
Social Media Campaigns - By posting your progress in the style challenge along with information about human trafficking, your followers will gain awareness and you can start some wonderful dialogues. If you don’t have a social media account, you can ask one of your parents or a sibling if you can use their account as a platform!
Old-School Fundraising - Grab a friend (or two) and bake cookies for a bake sale, or team up with a group at your school to host an event!
Involve some adults around you - Instead of asking for birthday or holiday presents - ask for donations instead! You can post a fundraising link on Facebook and share your story. Mention Dressember at a family dinner and ask if anyone would be willing to help you raise money.
Find some cool people and start a club - Check to see if you are able to start a club at your school. This way you’ll have support all through December, and be able to have a space for meaningful discussions and possible fundraising!
Write Letters - To your family, friends and neighbors, and local politicians. Don’t underestimate the power of words. Ask them to support the fight against human trafficking.
PHOTO: Mari “Little Miss Flint” Copeny during the 2018 March for Science. Hillel Steinberg / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
In recent years we have seen many young advocates rise to the occasion and really make a difference. Young women like Mari “Little Miss Flint” Copeny, Malala Yousafzai, and Greta Thunberg show us just how powerful words and meaningful actions can be. While most young advocates are not in a position to travel the world or meet with world leaders, there is something that everyone can do to make a difference.
To all the young people looking to change the world, never underestimate your passion, your strength, or your vision. I believe in you!
About the Author
Elisha Stauffer is a junior at THE Ohio State University studying Writing, Rhetoric, and Literacy with a minor in Slavic Studies. Her daily life is consumed by reading Czech literature, weird yoga poses, and rewatching episodes of “Brooklyn 99.” She is certified by the Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, and plans to make advocacy a focus for the rest of her life.