This Dressember team is comprised of four nations
I spent eight years of my childhood doing competitive Irish Stepdancing with weekends spent at dance competitions. Entire Saturdays required waking up early to don tight and uncomfortable wigs and dresses, and then navigate crowded conference centers all day, that were stuffed to the seams with makeshift stages, tired and cranky young girls, and their even crankier mothers. If this sounds less than appealing, it should.
But while individual competition felt draining, there was another aspect of the sport that was life-giving and exciting. Group dancing, which involved teams of four to twelve dancers, was my favorite type of dance. The camaraderie and plain old fun that happened during those times reminded me why I began participating in the first place! My passion for dancing as an individual was amplified when I was doing it as part of a larger group.
I include this somewhat silly anecdote to illustrate a point -- that although I had self-motivated reasons for dancing, my drive and passion was heightened and strengthened through my participation in a team.
The Dressember team, Team Freedom Fashion, illustrates this point even further. I had the pleasure of hearing from one of the team members, Sonia Maslovskaya, about the milestones and goals they have been able to reach together - including raising over $40,000 last Dressember.
As a group of fifty-two active members, Team Freedom Fashion has spurred one another on in their fundraising goals.
“Because we are working together, it allows us to share not only our own success, but our success as a team and to share stories from our team members,” said Sonia.
Sonia herself came to know about the issue of human trafficking through a friend, Jocelyn White. Jocelyn is an active speaker and advocate for those targeted by the slave trade and works with both Dressember and the International Justice Mission to fight for an end to human trafficking. After hearing Jocelyn present the issue at a public speakers club, Sonia was inspired to investigate the crisis more. This led her to hear from Blythe Hill, Dressember’s founder. Sonia said that she was “moved so deeply by [Blythe’s] story, [she] became an advocate and supporter for life.”
Sonia’s own story contributes deeply to her passion. Having been raised in a multi-cultural region of Russia, she is intimately acquainted with the reality that human trafficking is a universal issue affecting every part of the world. Additionally, her role as a single mother of twins also contributes to her passion for fundraising. While folks might initially assume that balancing motherhood, as well as a demanding career leaves little to no time for fundraising, Sonia testifies that it is precisely being a mother that motivates her. “I read stories of little kids being kidnapped and sold into slavery...I tell myself--what if that was my child?” she said. “To what length would I go to save him or her?”
Team Freedom Fashion itself boasts a membership that represents four different nations, a diversity that is deeply valued by Sonia and the whole team. While the individual members come from a variety of cultures and backgrounds, they are all united in solidarity towards one goal.
“When our efforts are echoed around the world it gives me hope that this issue can be tackled,” said Sonia. Each person brings a unique perspective and gift. Sonia described the creative ways they were able to raise money, including giving a workshop on public speaking where all the proceeds went to Dressember and offering dance classes to raise money and awareness.
Team Freedom Fashion chose their name intentionally. “Freedom” and “fashion” are two words that are not always traditionally associated or paired, but the team wishes to communicate a specific message with this name. They wish to convey that “fashion can make a very positive effect through raising money and making conscious consumer choices.” And this is no understatement. The 2018 report from the Global Slavery Index shows that the fashion industry is the second-largest contributer to modern slavery, just behind the tech industry. Those who feel overwhelmed regarding the trafficking epidemic can start by simply making conscious choices and committing to purchasing clothing from ethical companies with sustainable business models that don’t contribute to slave labor (check out our list of ethical alternatives). Though this may seem like a small action, it is a powerful demonstration that has far-reaching effects.
Beyond personal consumption, there is always an opportunity to help by donating and engaging in campaigns like Dressember. In 2019, Team Freedom Fashion is working to raise $50,000, and every dollar counts. Sonia hopes that the team will “continue to expand and...reach more corners of the world to bring awareness about this crime.”
About the Author
Allison McCune is a girl of many interests. Whether it’s slinging drinks as a barista, hiking 600 miles in one summer, or dissecting poetry and literature, she brings passion and insight to everything she does. She hopes to refine her writing in the next few years while using her skills to work with non-profit groups. Her goal is to eventually return to school, complete a doctoral degree, and be able to teach at the undergrad and graduate levels.