The Junior League of Atlanta, Inc. will kick off its fourth Annual Little Black Dress Initiative on Monday, October 22. Over 80 advocates will shine a spotlight on the issues surrounding generational poverty by wearing the same black dress from October 22 through October 26. Dresses will be accessorized by a pin that says, Ask Me About My Dress, in an effort to spark conversation and spread awareness of the initiative.

“Poverty is a troubling issue here in Atlanta and throughout the state of Georgia,” said JLA President Carla C. Smith. “The Little Black Dress Initiative demonstrates our commitment to help those in need, while shining a light on how difficult living on a fixed income can be for women, children and families living in poverty.”

Over one million Georgians live in poverty - one of the greatest threats to healthy childhood development. This impacts nearly 36% of children living in Atlanta, according to the 2016 National Kids Count Report.  Poverty and financial stress can also impede a child's cognitive development and, consequently, their ability to learn. The LBDI provides the platform to engage in open discussions amongst colleagues, friends and strangers about the prevalence of generational poverty, and its detrimental repercussions on literacy and education in the state of Georgia.

LBDI was pioneered in February 2014 by the Junior League of London with the goal of Making Poverty Unfashionable. In 2015, JLA brought the campaign to Georgia, and has been able to provide more than $225,000 to support nonprofit community partners who work tirelessly to serve women and children. Funds raised from LBDI will allow the JLA to deploy 400 trained volunteers to work with 27 partner organizations in the metro Atlanta area.

The Little Black Dress Initiative is not just about a week of wearing the same black dress. It is about harnessing the power of the community to make a difference in the city of Atlanta.