Can one black dress worn for five short days create awareness about issues that affect others for a lifetime?

The iconic Little Black Dress (LBD) is usually thought of as just a fashionable wardrobe staple – great for business or a fun night out. So why is the LBD at the center of an awareness campaign about poverty?

Founded in 2014 by the Junior League of London, the Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) is a week-long awareness and fundraising campaign that harnesses the power of social media to illustrate the restrictions poverty places on choices, opportunities, and access to resources. Advocates wear one black dress (or outfit) for five consecutive days, in an effort to spark conversations and awareness about poverty and related issues.

The Junior League of Sarasota is using the Little Black Dress Initiative to start conversations about our signature focus of Aging Out of Foster Care.