Our Approach
SIGN UP WAYS TO GIVE
FUNDRAISING TOOLKIT BLOG Podcast FAQ
You can do anything in a dress
 

Advocate with Purpose

Join the fight to end human trafficking

 
howitworks-background.jpg
 

 The impact of your advocacy

 

  1. Register for Dressember

  2. Create your campaign page

  3. Wear a dress/tie for 31 days (& share with friends & family!)

  4. Fundraise & Join Thousands of Advocates raising millions

  5. IJM vets programs and partnerships relying on local expertise

  6. Funding is distributed across IJM partners and programs

  7. Trafficking victims & survivors receive holistic support & vulnerable populations protected

 
 

How the Style Challenge Works

howitworks-leaf.png

Every December, advocates from all over the world pledge to wear a dress or tie for the 31 days of December. We’ve had over 21,000 people join us since 2013. Some plan their outfits ahead of time, others challenge themselves to wear the same dress or tie during the whole month, and others enjoy mixing and matching with things in their closet each morning. That’s the beauty of the challenge: you make it your own.

Rest assured, you do not need to go buy a whole new wardrobe to participate. Part of the fun is using what you have right where you are. Simply create your own campaign page to get started!

 
clay-background.jpg
 
blythehill-leaf.png

How it started:

In 2009, Dressember Founder Blythe Hill challenged herself to wear a dress every day of December (hence: Dressember). Each year, more and more people joined in until Blythe’s one-person challenge blossomed into an international movement to fight human trafficking. In the 11 years since Dressember first started, the campaign has generated over $20 million toward this fight and partnered with dozens of incredible organizations to directly impact the lives of thousands of victims and survivors.

When you fundraise with Dressember, you are a part of strategic local and international impact.

 
 
 

200K

Supporters since 2013

$20M

Total raised since since 2013

 
 

19

Countries impacted

26

Historical Partners around the world

 
 

 Join the movement. Together, we can do more.

slate-background.jpg
 
 

Ready to join the fight?

Dressember welcomes year-round support in the fight against human trafficking. Follow the links below to make a general donation, become a monthly supporter, or participate in our annual campaign. 

 
 
Background-Marine.png

Make a Donation

Dressember welcomes any opportunity to assist our partners in the fight against human trafficking. Follow the link below to make a general donation.

DONATE

Donate your big day!

Birthdays, anniversaries, even wedding registries are great avenues to create an impact. Donate your special day to the cause and invite your friends and family to contribute in lieu of presents!

Set up a facebook fundraiser
Background-Honey.png

Become an Advocate

Every year during the month of December you have the chance to link arms with fellow advocates to raise money and awareness for the fight against global human trafficking.

Sign Up

Become a year-round supporter

Join a powerful community of advocates and donors furthering the work and impact of the Dressember Foundation through monthly giving.

Join
 
 
 

Dressember FAQs

 
 

+ HOW DOES DRESSEMBER RAISE MONEY, AND WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?

Every year thousands of people from all over the world take on the challenge of wearing a dress or tie every day of December to fight all forms of human trafficking. All month, those who participate spread the word about what they're doing and why, compelling others to contribute to the cause by making a monetary contribution. We partner with International Justice Mission (IJM) to resource programs that prioritize addressing human trafficking systemically. With over 25 years of experience and global reach, IJM is an organization that partners with local governments, non-profit organizations, and corporations to combat human trafficking and violence against women and children around the world. IJM has a proven track record of significantly reducing rates of human trafficking in regions where they have worked, and we rely on IJM’s deep expertise to identify and invest in the most effective programs that will achieve measurable impact.

+ MY JOB REQUIRES THAT I WEAR PANTS.

You can wear pants when you need to—as with a job that requires pants, or when you're working out, cleaning, or sleeping. Wear a dress when you get to choose what to wear.

+ I’D LOVE TO PARTICIPATE, BUT IT’S REALLY COLD IN DECEMBER WHERE I LIVE.

Believe it or not, many people in colder regions like Montreal, NYC, Chicago, Scotland, and even Alaska have participated in Dressember — and loved it. There are some helpful loopholes — like wearing pants under dresses, fleece-lined tights, lots of layers — and most importantly, enthusiasm for the cause, that can help you survive the bitter cold. We also suspect that those of you in colder areas can have the biggest impact in raising awareness and support, since it is such a jarring challenge to undertake! Consider this powerful statement from a participant in Ontario: "A dress everyday for 31 days during a Canadian winter is a minor discomfort compared to that of so many affected by human trafficking. I hope, if nothing else, to raise awareness of this dark reality that is still very present in our world, our country, our city."

+ I HATE DRESSES. IS THERE ANOTHER WAY I CAN HELP?

Yes. You can wear a tie instead! Or, help spread the word in your community and encourage others to join in. You can also make a donation to the campaign or to a specific participant. If you're on the fence about joining, though, might we tempt you by pointing out that some of the most amazing stories and testimonials come from those who decided to participate in spite of hating dresses? We love the notion of doing one thing that scares you every day; maybe Dressember could challenge you in a new and beautiful way.

 
navy-background.jpg