Dressember and Iowans Fight

Some Iowa students help anti-trafficking efforts by taking part in Dressember, an annual campaign that uses fashion to raise money for organizations that fight human trafficking, enabling anyone to become an anti-trafficking advocate. By wearing a dress or tie for every day in December, participants advocate for the dignity of all women, especially those who have been exploited. Elise Mance is a community member who has been participating in Dressember for three years.

“The first time I participated in Dressember, I really had no idea what I was doing. I set a goal of raising $1,000, not knowing if I would even make it half-way, but knowing I wanted to aim high. Each time someone donated, I was almost shocked. After I reached that first Dressember goal, I felt so empowered: empowered to help others and empowered to take risks without fearing failure,” Mance said.

Mance also has a fundraising page, where all proceeds raised goes to the International Justice Mission and A21, two organizations that work globally to fight human trafficking, restore victims and prosecute offenders.

“As I became aware of the issue of human trafficking, I knew it was something I cared deeply about. In my own personal experience, having a voice and being able to stand up for myself when I was the victim of abuse was very important. I decided to participate in Dressember because it gave me the opportunity to be a voice for other victims who had none. just couldn’t stop thinking, “What if that was me, what would I want someone to do? This is a small way for me to make a difference by being a voice and spreading the word about human trafficking,” Mance said.

Both the International Justice Mission and A21 inspired Mance because of their hard work and dedication to prosecute offenders and aid victims.

“I love hearing rescue stories from these two organizations. The work they are doing to educate, protect, rescue, and restore victims while prosecuting offenders gives me hope for the future. And I know that I, and everyone else who donates to Dressember, is a part of that work,” Mance said.

Mance’s goal this year has been to share the campaign with new people. Besides raising money, Mance strongly believes that education and awareness are equally as powerful.

“If I talk to someone about Dressember and they walk away being more concerned about human trafficking and more aware of the issue, to me that is just as important as if that person had donated.” Mance said.

Although Dressember is only one month, Mance continues working to fight human trafficking all year long.

“When Dressember isn’t going on, I keep up with the ongoing work of the International Justice Mission and A21 through their social media accounts. I think it’s important to keep this issue in mind all year, not just once a month. I also think it’s important to share what’s happening so others can be aware. I especially want my donors to know that their money is going toward some really great things,” Mance said.

Mance hopes that her efforts to spread the message that each person is equally valuable and important will help change people’s lives for the better.

“The problem of human trafficking stems from a lack of value. People’s lives are devalued on the most basic level, and therefore it somehow becomes okay to sell them like property and use them as a means to an end. Each life is equally worthy of respect, dignity, and the right to freedom from exploitation. I can’t single-handedly end modern day slavery, but I can join a movement of other people all fighting for the same thing and together, we can make a change.”

Although Heather is not to the point in her journey where she can truly share the reality of sex trafficking, she would like to make clear that sex trafficking can happen to anyone.

“I grew up in an upper middle class family. I was a popular kid who thought she had it all,” Heather said. “Don’t think that this can’t happen to you.”

In addition, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining control over yourself and your possessions, especially if they are a significant other. If you do know someone in need of help, speak up.

“I didn’t speak up and I have to live with the consequences,” Heather said.

Also, always keep an open line of connection with your friends and family. Check in with them daily. Finally, never meet up with a stranger alone.

“Sex trafficking can be by anyone. I’ve encountered doctors, cops, lawyers and CEOs. These people are looking for escorts and the traffickers provide the meals. Big events especially draw a lot of traffickers into the area,” Heather said.

While Heather’s trafficking experience was scarring, she has not let it define her. Instead, she uses her experience to educate and save others.

“This is not even the beginning of my story,” Heather said. “I was still able to graduate with honors while I remained as property to a man. I am not sharing this for sympathy or attention. I am sharing this to save lives. No one deserves to be controlled, to be used and abused. I am sharing this because it can happen to you, and chances are someone you know is or will be part of a sex ring if we don’t speak up and speak out.”