Project: Dressember
I wore a dress everyday in December, 2017, to spread awareness and fund raise to end the spread of human trafficking. I worked with the Dressember organization and the funds I raised went to the A21 and IJM to help those who were victims of trafficking and create rescue missions for those who still suffer from modern slavery.
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Motivation
I learned about the crisis of human trafficking in my classes for my Global Engagement minor and it impacted me. How can an issue that is so systemic and globally present be ignored? Upon conversations with peers not in my minor and friends, I discovered that they had no clue about human trafficking at all. This knowledge I had on the issue laid latent in the back of my head for a short period, for I had no idea what I could do, until I saw an old friend participate in Dressember. I found my path.
Impact
During my participation in Dressember, I raised $211. It was not my goal of $350, but I was still proud of the result for I exercised a key leadership value of follow through; despite it being tough at times. I had some obstacles that included people not wanting to learn or donate to a cause that depressed them, especially with it during the holidays. My fundraising was via online campaigning and me using social media to spread the word. My friends and family were huge advocates in sharing the cause and teaching people about the human trafficking in general. For those who did listen, I felt I was able to create a dialogue and awareness to a silent epidemic. The more the doors are open for discussion, the more likely change can flourish. The proceeds raised went to fund 233 recuse operations for those who are effected by this form of modern slavery. Results like this make the minor struggles of inconveniences of fundraising worth it, for this saves lives in the end.
My fundraising page:
https://support.dressemberfoundation.org/fundraiser/857627
https://support.dressemberfoundation.org/fundraiser/857627
Project: Lights Out
This is an example of combining passion and service. I used my love of painting and special effects makeup to help advertise for my universities event. I was able to connect a personal love and contribute to my community.
Project: The Fairy Godmother Program
This is a program where I got to apply makeup to students who didn't have the same means to get ready for high school formals. I got to help make their experience magical and give them confidence, especially during a time when teens are a bit more insecure. I wish I had a program like this when I was in school, for I was insecure and I did not have the money to go to the salon like other students.