Blythe Hill, founder and CEO of Dressember, launched a stylish movement to combat human trafficking by encouraging people to wear a dress every day in December. She shares how this simple challenge evolved into a impactful nonprofit, engaging communities worldwide in fundraising and awareness efforts. Blythe also tackles harmful misconceptions about trafficking, particularly those linked to conspiracy theories like QAnon, and emphasizes the vital role of educated advocacy. Discover how you can join the fight and make a meaningful difference!
Dressember, founded by Blythe Hill, effectively raises awareness and funds for human trafficking through a simple yet impactful style challenge during December.
The podcast addresses critical misconceptions about trafficking, emphasizing the personal connections many victims have with their traffickers and the importance of empathy.
Deep dives
The Scope of Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is a pervasive issue impacting over 40 million people globally, with a significant number being children. It often manifests in two primary forms: sexual exploitation, which accounts for nearly 80% of cases, and forced labor, responsible for about 18%. The complexities of trafficking make it challenging to measure accurately, yet it is an ongoing crisis in every major city worldwide. Despite common misconceptions, victims of trafficking can be of any age, gender, or background, although women, particularly, are disproportionately affected.
Dressember: A Creative Movement Against Trafficking
Dressember began as a simple style challenge where participants wear a dress every day during December, evolving into a fundraising initiative for human trafficking awareness. Founded by Blythe Hill, this nonprofit has raised over $11 million since its inception, demonstrating how a fun and engaging concept can mobilize communities for a serious cause. Participants, referred to as advocates, not only raise funds but also foster dialogue about human trafficking, educating their networks in a creative manner. By turning a personal challenge into a collective effort, Dressember highlights the power of community involvement in combating injustices.
Understanding Victims and the Nature of Trafficking
The podcast delves into misconceptions surrounding human trafficking, emphasizing that many victims know their traffickers personally, debunking the myth of random kidnappings. Blythe Hill discusses how these misunderstandings hinder victims from identifying as such and seeking help. Most trafficked individuals are often connected to their exploiters, which can lead to complex emotional and coercive dynamics. Awareness of these realities is crucial in order to approach the issue with empathy and understanding.
Addressing Misinformation and Making a Real Impact
Misinformation about human trafficking, particularly fueled by conspiracy theories, can distract from genuine efforts to combat this issue. Blythe Hill highlights the logistical problems created by erroneous claims, which can overwhelm hotlines and resources meant to assist actual victims. Focusing on accurate information and encouraging compassion for those affected by trafficking, particularly marginalized communities, can lead to real change. Dressember actively adapts its strategies and partnerships to ensure impactful responses to the evolving needs of trafficking survivors globally.
Dressember founder and CEO Blythe Hill is on a mission to use fashion to end human trafficking. What she started as a style challenge in 2009, she turned into a nonprofit with global reach. The challenge is simple: Every December, wear a dress (or tie) every day. It’s a great conversation starter, and it works to raise funds for trafficking prevention, intervention, and survivor protection.
In the first half of the episode, Blythe tells the story of how she started Dressember and how it works so effectively as a fundraiser and conversation-starter. In the second half, she gets to the bottom of QAnon, trafficking misconceptions and misinformation, and how you can make a difference.