Little Black Dress Initiative – Junior League of Lynchburg

2023 Little Black Dress Initiative

#LBDIJLL2023 @jrleaguelynchburg #JLLynchburg

October 23-27, 2023

Are you ready for the 2023 LBDI Week?
Get out your black attire and join the Junior League of Lynchburg as we kick off another year of raising awareness and funds to aid with advocating and educating the community on period poverty!

Our goal this year is to raise $13,500 to help in the fight against period poverty and increase women’s access to necessary hygiene products.

More details to come!!

History of the Junior League of Lynchburg’s LBDI

In 2016, the JLL began a new venture entitled The Little Black Dress Initiative. The LBDI is a fundraising campaign that aims to bring awareness to women facing distress, whether it be poverty, violence, or inequality. It exemplifies the JLL’s mission to empower women in the community. For one entire week in October, participants wear one black dress, or other black attire, to highlight the effect distressful situations can have on a woman’s access to resources, confidence, and opportunities.

As a first year campaign, the JLL raised over $6,500 that was provided to the YWCA of Central Virginia to support their Domestic Violence Prevention Center and Sexual Assault Response Program. In its second year (2017), the JLL’s goal was to raise $10,000. This goal was exceeded. A total of $11,797.86 was provided to the YWCA of Central Virginia’s DVPC and SARP; funds were primarily used to support the creation of a new economic empowerment program through the Allstate Foundation. During the 2018 campaign week, in addition to wearing a little black dress or other black attire along with a LBDI “Ask me about my little black dress” button, participants were encouraged to donate to the CrowdRise fundraising page. Supporters also had the option of dining at six local restaurants the week of the event that graciously offered to donate a portion of their sales to the LBDI (Chipotle – Wards Road, Texas Roadhouse, Crisp, Blaze, East Coast Wings, and Mister Goodies). A total of $9,500 was raised, supporting our League, the YWCA of Central Virginia, and The Motherhood Collective. Funds that support the League go toward funding diverse leadership development opportunities such that our members gain the tools they need to successfully impact and improve our community. The Junior League of Lynchburg extends its gratitude to those who have supported our initiative each year!