Little Black Dress Initiative

Community Impact Is Always In Style

 

LITTLE BLACK DRESS INITIATIVE WEEK IS MARCH 11-17, 2024

Join a team, start your own, or donate directly on the official campaign page:

https://givebutter.com/JLC-LBDI-2024

What is the Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI)? 

LBDI is a week-long social media and social capital fundraising campaign that uses the iconic ‘little black dress’ to raise awareness about poverty in our Charlotte community and highlight the history of the JLC and its partner organizations. Traditionally, participants wear one black dress or all-black outfit, for five consecutive days and are encouraged to harness the power of social media, email and face-to-face interactions with family, friends and coworkers to drive online donations.

All funds raised directly support the work and mission of the Junior League. This impacts and creates:

  • Funding for community partners, projects and programs
  • Training opportunities and leadership development for members
  • JLC recruitment for future years

LBDI was started by Junior League of London members who, during London Fashion week, wore the same black dress to work, parties, dinners and events to raise funds and increase awareness of poverty in the city. The campaign was such a success, the group encouraged Junior League chapters across the world to host their own LBDIs throughout the year.

Is there a poverty problem in Mecklenburg County?   

Yes. In 2014, a study by Harvard University researchers was released that ranked Charlotte last for economic mobility among the 50 largest U.S. metro areas. This means that if you are born into poverty in Charlotte, it is near impossible to get out of poverty. 

In 2020, a new report was issued in conjunction with Foundation for the Carolinas and Leading on Opportunity that was still troubling but created a framework to make a difference. Some of the findings from that report include: 

  • Mecklenburg County ranks 96th overall among the nation’s 100 largest counties for upward mobility.
  • More than 1 in 7 (15.2%) of Charlotte residents live below the poverty line.
  • Children who grow up in Charlotte’s low-income households have a low chance of escaping poverty. 
  • Low economic mobility disproportionately affects people of color. A Black child growing up in a low-income home can expect a household income of $21,599 a year at age 34. It’s $32,087 for a Hispanic child and $22,637 for a native American child. A white child can expect $34,256. 
  • Mecklenburg County ranks 96th overall among the nation’s 100 largest counties for upward mobility.
  • 1 in 5 children in Charlotte is currently living in poverty.
  • Over 4,000 children in CMS schools are considered housing insecure.

Where will my donations go? 

All funds raised will go to furthering the work and mission of the Junior League of Charlotte. All donations are fully tax-deductible.

A few of the ways the JLC is using unrestricted donor gifts from the Little Black Dress initiative fundraiser include: 

  • Packing grocery  bags for community members with the Renaissance West Community Initiative/Kids in the Kitchen
  • During the 2023-24 year, the JLC has impacted more than 9,000 people through their various partnerships
  • JLC members have contributed more than 1800 volunteer hours in 2023-24
  • Planning quarterly events for children of the Friends of Children Program through Thompson Child & Family Focus
  • Volunteers serving as reading Buddies and/or Tutors with Thompson Child & Family Focus
  • Clearing out the stream and children’s garden at WingHaven for visitors and students to enjoy.