Dressember Canada Returns for 2020
Here at Dressember, we are actively thinking of ways we can expand our reach and continue to advocate against human trafficking. Just last year, Dressember had the opportunity to create Dressember Canada, a campaign focused to directly support International Justice Mission (IJM) Canada and the work they continue doing to provide Canadian advocates with direct access to support from our team and tax receipts for their donations.
Although human trafficking is prohibited by law in Canada, cases of human trafficking continue to happen, especially in urban areas. Nine in ten incidents of human trafficking in 2018 were reported in Canadian census metropolitan areas. According to the Global Slavery Index, on any given day in 2016, there were an estimated 17,000 people living in trafficking conditions in Canada.
That is why we call for Canadian advocates to get involved in the fight against human trafficking both locally and globally. Thanks to the efforts of advocates and donations, Dressember Canada 2019 raised nearly $230,000—enough to fund 28 rescue missions through IJM Canada.
But the question remains: How can I be an advocate?
Learn As Much As
You Can
Human trafficking is a complex subject, and it takes time to understand all the components that intersect with it. Here at Dressember, we provide resources for people to learn through our blog.
Our blog provides articles and statistics that shape our mission. You can also visit the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking (CCTEHT), a non-governmental organization that launched the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline to continue to provide resources to survivors.
We even got a chance to speak with Tamara Cherry, a journalist and advocate who launched her business and book “All the Bumpy Pebbles” to share real stories of women and girls who were trafficked.
Keep Speaking Up
This might seem like an obvious method to continue to educate those around you, but the power of words can help. Bringing awareness and speaking up about action plans to fight against human trafficking can be fruitful.
Friends and family might not know anything about human trafficking, especially globally. This is an opportunity to share your knowledge with others and begin conversations with people who might be interested in becoming advocates themselves.
In our 2018 Canada blog post, we asked you to lobby for a national action plan against trafficking. In 2019, the Canadian Prime Minister Released an action plan for 2019-2024. The plan will seek to educate the public on human trafficking, protect vulnerable populations from exploitation through preventative measures, improve the identification of victims, reform criminal justice experiences involving survivors and build international and domestic partnerships to end trafficking. This is just one example of the power advocates have when they come together for a cause.
Call & Report
If you are still unsure if someone is being trafficked, here are some signs you might see for an individual in a human trafficking situation. Survivors often depend on someone to recognize them and help.
To report a human trafficking situation, call 1-833-900-1010. The Hotline has resumed operating 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Join Dressember
Canada 2020
Dressember Canada is returning for the 2nd year, and we could not be more excited. Just last year, we were able to accomplish such great advocacy and change.
This year, with your help, we believe that by joining forces, we can continue to fight against trafficking. Consider signing up as an advocate and learning more through the Dressember Canada 2020 launch page.
It’s thanks to you that Dressember can continue to help locally and globally, especially with the communities that are the most vulnerable to human trafficking tactics. The power that your voice and support have can continue to create change. Thank you for being part of our mission!
About the Author
Daniela (D) Molina is a Cuban gal pursuing a M.S. in Journalism at Indiana University. Since she was young she knew that words had power. She absolutely loves moths and is proud to speak Spanish with whoever she meets.