The International Justice Mission is calling all women of Abilene to participate in its fundraiser, Dressember, by wearing a dress every day during the month of December.
The ACU chapter of IJM was started in 1999 and has used the Dressember campaign since 2009 to raise awareness for women’s oppression across the world. Women are challenged to wear a dress every day in December to represent women whose femininity is imposed on every day.
“The dress is one symbol of femininity, and through it, I want to advocate and represent women whose femininity is exploited everyday,” said Jennie Magner, junior art major from York, Nebraska, and student leader of ACU’s chapter of International Justice Mission.
Men are encouraged to participate in Dressember through donations, prayer and shared awareness. All proceeds will go toward IJM and its mission to restore the lives of victims to oppression.
“I think it’s really important that we have everyone involved rather than just splitting things up into ‘girl’s’ activities and ‘guy’s’ activities,” said Parker Pollard, junior international studies major from Rowlett and ACU IJM leader.
IJM welcomes anyone to take part in Dressember and encourages participants to create their own fundraising page at www.dressemberfoundation.org explaining what Dressember means to them and to join ACU’s team page. This link will also provide a place where friends and family can donate to the cause.
“As a Christian, I believe that I am called to love my neighbor, those around me and those I will never meet,” Magner said. “The women we are fighting for have names and faces and stories; they are treasures of the Creator, not the trash of men. Justice and mercy are close to the heart of God, and therefore, should be close to my own heart.”
The launch party for Dressember will be Nov. 30. Pins will be distributed and a community closet will be available for all who participate.
The time and location of the launch party have not yet been established. For more information, email jem11c@acu.edu.
