For the last seven years, Fashion Revolution Week has been held on the week of April 24 as a way to call attention to the unjust labor practices that often go into making our clothes. 

Why? On April 24, 2013, the Rana Plaza in Bangladesh collapsed, killing over 1,100 unpaid and underpaid garment workers, including some children. This tragedy forced the world to take a hard look at the horrific labor violations that often go unnoticed in the fashion industry. The Rana Plaza housed factories that manufactured for at least 29 different clothing brands and the collapse came from gross oversight and negligence toward employee safety.

Fashion Revolution Week is a time to use our collective voice to advocate for the millions of garment workers around the world who are working in unfair or unsafe conditions. 

But can we do that in the middle of a pandemic?

Fashion Revolution Week will certainly be different in 2020 than it has been the previous six years. While this week of activism usually relies on global events and demonstrations, we’ll have to be a bit more creative in our communication this year.

But there’s still a lot we can do in the era of social distancing. Here are 4 ways to (safely) participate in Fashion Revolution Week 2020.

ENGAGE WITH FAST FASHION BRANDS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

At least one component of Fashion Revolution Week has always relied on communicating from a distance: reaching out to fast fashion brands via social media! Join hundreds of others who are reaching out directly to brands that are utilizing unfair labor in their supply chains: write “Who made my clothes?” on a sheet of paper (or find a printable here). Then, take a picture with that sign and an apparel item from a fast fashion brand (with the label showing). Post the photo with a short caption on social media, tag the brand, and use the hashtag #whomademyclothes.

WRITE A POSTCARD TO YOUR POLICYMAKERS 

Fashion Revolution has a postcard template that you can print out and send to your government officials. Find the names and public addresses of policymakers who represent you, send them this postcard, and let them know that their constituents care about labor issues. You just might start to see policy changes on minimum wage, working conditions, and laws that protect people and the environment.

HOLD AN ONLINE EVENT

The possibilities are endless here! Hold an Instagram resell clothing sale, virtual concert, or art show fundraiser, then donate the proceeds to organizations who are making a difference for fair labor. Host an online educational event about human trafficking and injustice in the clothing industry via Facebook Live or Instagram Live. If you’re feeling especially brave, even try an online fashion show highlighting some of your favorite ethical fashion brands. And speaking of ethical fashion brands...