Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find a list of our Frequently Asked Questions. This list is liable to change and grow over time, so remember to check back frequently for new information! If you cannot find the answer to your question, or if you need more information about an answer, please feel free to contact us.
What is the Little Black Dress Society®?
A: The Little Black Dress Society is an organization dedicated to raising awareness of violence against women. We wear our LBDs (Little Black Dresses) with pride, joining hands and hearts across the nation. Through networking, increasing awareness, and fundraising our goal is to bring an end to domestic abuse. Read our Mission Statement to learn more about what we do and why.
Why a Little Black Dress?
A: Women who experience abuse are pressed down and told that they are not worthy of love. Soon these women begin to believe that lie, and are no longer capable of loving themselves; without love it is impossible to believe and dream for a better life. Our LBDs (Little Black Dresses) remind us to Love, Believe, and Dream. We wear them with pride to remind other women to believe in themselves and their dreams.
Where can I get statistics on abuse?
A: Domestic abuse is not limited by age, race, or socioeconomic status; it is not held back by state lines or countries’ borders. Abuse can happen in any home anywhere, and it does: recent studies have shown that as many as one in three women is abused. Read more about abuse at our Resources page.
Where can I get help?
A: If you are in an abusive relationship, know that you are not alone. Please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE). Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information, a list of reading resources, or if you are unsure if you are in an abusive relationship, please go our our Resources page.
What is a Member?
A: A Member is anyone who joins the Little Black Dress Society. This membership entitles you to all kinds of great benefits, but the greatest joy is being able to dress up and give back!
How can I become a Member?
A: All you have to do is register. Give us your name and basic information, confirm your billing address, and soon you will receive your own Little Black Dress Society welcome packet. Then it’s up to you to dress up, give back, and have fun! Don’t forget to read more about your benefits before registering!
What is a Dressmaker?
A: We at the Little Black Dress Society depend upon Dressmakers to be excellent and creative leading ladies. As a Dressmaker you have extra responsibilities, but the benefits are excellent, and the rewards for helping raise awareness of abuse are endless. Read more about becoming a Dressmaker and learn about all the wonderful things you can to do help women!
How can I become a Dressmaker?
A: Just register as a Dressmaker, and soon you will receive your Little Black Dress Society welcome packet and Dressmaker Kit full of fun ideas to get your Society up and running.
Just as every Society is special, every Society name must be special as well. When you sign up to become a Dressmaker, you will be given the opportunity to name your Society. Feel free to have fun and be creative!
I'm already a Member, but I want to become a Dressmaker. How can I do that?
A: There's no need to re-register; simply upgrade your Membership! As a new Dressmaker, you will have the chance to name your Society. Read more about becoming a Dressmaker to learn about your rights and responsibilities.
There’s a Society in my hometown, but I wanted to start my own Society. Can I do that?
A: Of course! It is through our Societies that we raise awareness and funds to help women, so the more the merrier! And just as every Society is special, every Society name must be special.
For example, if you want to start a second Society in San Antonio, and the first Society is called the “The San Antonio Little Black Dress Society,” you may choose to name your new Society “The Alamo Heights Little Black Dress Society” or the “Glamour Girls Little Black Dress Society.” Don’t be afraid to be creative with your Society’s name!
How can I stay connected?
A: The easiest way to stay connected is to become a Member. Members will receive special member communications but can also receive our newsletter, which is packed full of all the latest goings-on. Sign up for our newsletter here. Other ways to stay connected include becoming a fan on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and reading Amanda’s blog.
Do I always have to wear a Little Black Dress at events?
A: Wear your LBD (Little Black Dress) proudly! Think of the attention your Society will get when a group of women all walk into a restaurant or other venue all dressed up and having fun! The LBD is classic, never goes out of style, and the best thing...every woman looks great in one! You can be as creative as you would like with your accessories and your shoes. Give back, dress up, and by all means have fun!
Where do my registration fee and monthly dues go?
A: All membership fees are invested back into the society to provide unique member materials, run the day-to-day operations, and promote the society’s mission. Due to these circumstances, LBDS membership fees are non-refundable.
Typical costs associated with running the Little Black Dress Society, Inc. include:
- Member services
- Creative/Marketing
- Website maintenance
- Accounting
- Legal support
- Event planning
- Product support
- Membership materials
- Office supplies
- Shipping & postage
- Professional fees
- Taxes
We take our mission statement seriously and want to provide you, our Members, the best experience possible to make new friends, reach out and impact women’s lives. We are extremely careful about how we spend all dues collected. Our standards are high, but so is the impact! If you wish, you can also donate to the society to help us keep things running. The Little Black Dress Society, Inc is designed to be the hands and feet of The Little Black Dress Society Foundation™. Ten percent of the membership fees go directly to the Foundation. The membership fees of the Society are the working support of the Foundation so that ALL funds donated to the Foundation are directly applied to supporting those affected by abuse.
Where can I get a copy of the LBD Society Handbook?
A: After joining Little Black Dress Society, you will receive in your welcome packet (mailed to your home) a copy of our handbook. We reserve the right to alter any of the information in the handbook at any time. If any of our policies change we will update the PDF version of the handbook that is posted in the Member Center on LBD Society website and notify our Members by indicating the date the handbook was last updated. You must be registered as a Member and logged in to view the handbook online. We encourage you to check the PDF periodically for changes.
What do I do if I want to end my Membership?
A: We're certainly sorry to hear that. We hope that you have enjoyed your time as a Member of the Little Black Dress Society, but we understand that sometimes life changes. Please go here to inform us of your decision. Upon notification of your submission, we will cancel your Membership. We hope that you will always treasure happy memories of times with friends, and of all the support you have given to women in need.
