Greetings friendly readers.  Today is the first day of December and of another thirty-one day event that begins with the letter “D”–Dressember!  Some of you may have heard of Dressember, but for those of you who haven’t, let me give you a brief history of it, in true History major fashion:

It began in 2009 as a fun idea originated by my high school small group leader, Blythe.  The challenge was to wear a dress every day for the month of December.  It was a way to be quirky and fun while embracing an expression of femininity, and that year and in the years to follow, it grew dramatically in following.

Last year, Blythe added a new component to Dressember.  She took the theme of embracing femininity and expanded it to support freedom for women everywhere by partnering with International Justice Mission (IJM).  In 2013, Dressember participants began fundraising for IJM, a global organization that works inside countries where there is violence to liberate and rehabilitate people in modern day slavery and works with the governments there to help their justice systems actually protect their people.  Last year, over $165,000 were raised for IJM by Dressember participants, and 100% of these funds went directly to IJM and their work for justice.

Dressember is about more than just a dress.  It’s about dignity and freedom for all humans.

This year, I am proud to announce that I’m participating in Dressember for the second time.  Throughout the month, I’ll be posting pictures to show that I’m living up to my end of the challenge.

How can you get involved?  Well, there’s a couple of ways.  First, consider accepting the Dressember challenge yourself!  It sounds like a daunting task, but it is for an amazing cause.  Second, you check out IJM’s website to learn more about their mission and tell your friends and acquaintances about them.  Spread the word, raise awareness.

Third, and most importantly, you can donate to IJM directly or through my fundraising page.  Your donation goes straight to helping free people from slavery and giving them the lives they deserve.

Without further ado, here’s my Dressember Day 1: