“Slavery is …an atrocious debasement of human nature.”—Benjamin Franklin
In his latter years Benjamin Franklin advocated against slavery. I am glad he did come to the awareness of what slavery is and that he and others in years past stood against it and sought to end it, however it has silently risen again in our modern day society and many people are not aware of that, because it is hidden, masked by fear and exploitation, operating underground, fueled by trafficking and money.
When I first learned of its existence, I was amazed. I had no idea how widespread it was and how it was operating. But once I was aware, I could not overlook it. The more I read about it, the more I knew I needed to get involved in the fight against it. That is why I chose to become a Dressember Advocate. I figured that was the least I could do to help. By committing to wear a dress everyday in December I could raise awareness of this “atrocious debasement of human nature” and try to bring freedom, hope and dignity into the lives of victims that are trapped in that lifestyle, also to help those who are not to be alert to what is happening, so that they or others they know will not get caught up in its evil web of exploitation and abuse.
Benjamin Franklin never saw slavery abolished in his lifetime, he died way before Abraham Lincoln signed the Proclamation of Emancipation, but at least Franklin stood up against it and fought to have it ended. And I may not see it ended either in my lifetime, but I will continue to stand against it and do what I can to raise awareness and funds to fight it as long as I am able, even after this month of Dressember ends.
If you would like to stand with me you can do so in many ways, by giving funds to support the organizations that are fighting it, or you can become an Advocate also and spread awareness, or you can pray for victims to be found so that they can find freedom, hope and dignity wherever they are. You can also stop buying “fast fashion”, begin asking “Who made these clothes?”, limit your clothes buying, shop thrift stores or consignment shops, or purchase from ethical brands. You can begin reading and researching facts on human trafficking and modern slavery. You can learn how to be alert to the signs around you that may signal trafficking is operating in your area and report any suspicious activity. You can volunteer at a local organization that helps victims of abuse. There are many ways you can help.
If you would like to donate to my Dressember campaign that will fund 15 different organizations who fight trafficking and slavery you can do so at the links listed below. Thank you. Leona
My Dressember USA Fundraiser Page
https://www.dressember2019.org/fundraiser/leona-atkinson
My Dressember Facebook Fundraiser:
https://www.facebook.com/donate/535411320353431/