The Junior League of Atlanta, Inc. (JLA) proudly launches the 10th Annual Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI)—a powerful advocacy campaign uniting women across metro Atlanta to raise awareness and funds for programs addressing literacy and poverty.

A Movement Rooted in Advocacy and Action

Since 2015, LBDI has become one of JLA’s most visible and impactful community efforts, mobilizing more than 250 women to serve as advocates and raising over $360,000 to advance JLA’s mission. Participants wear the same black dress (or outfit) and a pin reading “Ask Me About My Dress” for five consecutive days, symbolizing the limited choices many women and children face daily.

The campaign sparks critical conversations about inequity and creates tangible change—supporting JLA programs like Every Child Reads and Journey to Literacy, which ensure Atlanta’s youngest learners have access to books, early education, and the joy of reading.

“The Little Black Dress Initiative is more than an awareness campaign—it’s a movement that connects empathy with action,” said Macie Thompson, president of The Junior League of Atlanta (JLA). “Through LBDI, our members shine a light on the challenges many families face while raising resources that change lives.”

JLA: The Power of Collective Impact

This year’s campaign coincides with GAgives on GivingTuesday (December 1–3)—Georgia’s largest day of generosity—and builds on the momentum of JLA’s proven ability to mobilize community support.

“GAgives shows the power of what happens when our members and partners come together for a shared cause,” Thompson said. “That same energy is what makes the Little Black Dress Initiative such a catalyst for change.”

Through its Every Child Reads initiative, The Junior League of Atlanta (JLA) continues to expand access to early literacy across metro Atlanta. During Georgia Pre-K Week, JLA volunteers reached nearly 1,000 Pre-K students in partnership with Atlanta Public Schools, YMCA centers, Sheltering Arms, Easter Seals, and other early-learning sites.

Volunteers delivered more than 1,200 books, 900 literacy kits, and 1,000 hours of volunteer reading time, creating joyful learning experiences designed to spark curiosity and confidence in young readers. Each child participated in story time, hands-on activities, and received a take-home book to encourage a lifelong love of reading.

This collective effort reflects JLA’s unwavering commitment to empowering families and strengthening communities—ensuring that Every Child Reads and every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Join the Movement

Support the Junior League of Atlanta’s mission to advance literacy and opportunity for all.

What: The Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI)
When: December 1–3, 2025 (in conjunction with GAgives on GivingTuesday)
Support: https://jlatlanta-lbdi-2025.causevox.com

Together, we can make literacy a legacy—and ensure that Every Child Reads.