Advocate Spotlight: Tyler + Beth on Creative Advocacy in the COVID Era
We love highlighting our hard-working advocates, and today’s feature is on a special duo who have been able to raise over ten thousand dollars over the 2020 Dressember season collectively! Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Tyler Fidanzo is the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis for tech company Lattice Semiconductor. Meanwhile, Beth Cirlincioine runs a web and branding design studio called Bravely Inspired. The couple took the time to chat with me about who they are and why Dressember is important to them. They also give encouraging tips for how to spread the word about fundraising during Dressember, even when you’re working from home!
How did you both begin advocating for Dressember?
Tyler: Beth pulled me into it! I admired from a distance last year as she raised funds and awareness. This year, we were looking for a way to give back and be on mission while the world is still largely closed around us. This cause was already near to Beth’s heart, but I’ll let her go on about that. :)
Beth: I first learned about human trafficking about five years ago through an organization called World Help, which was building homes of hope for girls who had been trafficking victims in India and Thailand. Since then, I've been continuing to learn about the issue and ways people can help to prevent it, and support operations that rescue and restore people's lives and dignity. I actually found out about Dressember in the Spring of 2019 while I was sitting at the computer doing some research. I was actually learning about the organization A21 at the time, and an internet rabbit trail led me to Dressember! As soon as I learned about it I put a reminder on my calendar to take part in it that December!
What have you learned through being an advocate?
T: Friends, family, and colleagues will ask questions and are eager to get involved if you’re ready with a concise and compelling elevator pitch.
B: I've gotten better at approaching such a heavy topic with people, and like what Tyler said, most people I get a chance to really talk to about it do want to help. Even talking with people who don't or can't donate, I know they've learned something and will carry that knowledge with them, and that awareness could be like planting a seed that will lead to more change in the future.
Have you done anything special to bring in more funds this Dressember that could encourage others?
T: I think being on Zoom for 4-6 hours every day increased exposure. Being present, visible, consistent, and ready made a difference. Also, not being afraid to set a big goal. Some of my network was very active in rooting for me to make my goal, and they appreciated updates along the way.
B: Telling Tyler about it, and him getting on board and cheering him on was the biggest change! I'm at home during the day and not on zoom-calls, so I didn't have a lot of daily interaction outside of my house! Tyler wearing a tie on video daily led to so many people asking him about it from day 1! I can see the value in encouraging more people to be advocates, and I think next year it would be awesome to create a team!
What is your experience like as a male advocate for an organization called Dressember, Tyler? Any tips for other males who advocate if they’re nervous to get involved on a mostly female platform?
T: My experience was extremely positive! I wasn’t nervous but thought of the word “Dressember” more from the angle of getting dressed up rather than wearing a dress. I also appreciated the hashtag including “dress or tie”. Often, I found myself leading with the cause and purpose of wearing a tie all month and not necessarily the name of the organization, but the cause is a human one and both men and women reacted very positively to what I was doing.
Do you have any advice for what people can do from now until next Dressember to advocate against human trafficking?
T: Honestly, as I’m new to this cause my advice is the same as my plan. To keep learning and raising my own personal awareness. To look for connections from the products and clothes I buy to the organizations I support. Also, to follow along with those leading the charge and hear about what they are doing year-round.
B: I agree with what Tyler said. I would add that researching the organizations that Dressember funds go to and finding one to donate to monthly, even if it's a small amount, helps people stay engaged. Following along with anti-trafficking organizations on social media also helps me to stay aware and gives me a chance to see and celebrate the victories when they share about rescues and stories of hope. Getting to see the impact that takes place from the funds that were raised keeps the momentum going. Trafficking is such a dark and heavy topic, and it can be daunting when people first learn about the magnitude of the issue and wonder at what change they can make. So, definitely take time to read about the rescues, the victories and the power and dignity that is being restored, and let those stories inspire you to keep learning and advocating.
If you need a little encouragement for your advocacy journey, we know Tyler and Beth offered just that through their interview. We are so grateful to have gotten to know them; we feel inspired to creatively continue on our advocacy journey as well!
About the Author
Erin Diaz Cleveland is a writer and planner from Central Virginia. Her life goal is to use her passions to inspire and encourage others to serve and better themselves and their communities. She loves spending time with her family, instructing yoga and drinking iced espresso in the afternoon.