PERIODS in the age of Covid-19: How to stay involved while you quarantine.
PERIODS DO NOT STOP FOR A PANDEMIC. And PERIOD is here to serve and advocate for menstrual equity during these new and trying times. Our nonprofit is committed to fighting for an end to period poverty and stigma through service, education, and advocacy.
PERIOD remains fully operational and committed to serving menstruators in need, while we practice social distancing. Our team will remain responsive and dedicated to serving those who are hit hardest by this emergency. We are an ever strong, small and mighty team who is very nimble. That being said, we know there are period warriors out there who are anxious to keep fighting the good fight, so here are a few ways you can stay involved!
HOW TO TAKE ACTION:
- SERVICE — we are sending period products FOR FREE to any service provider who requests them in the United States. Menstrual hygiene is often such an overlooked issue, and we’re here to make sure that people still have access to all the period products that they need.
How can you help?
A. Fundraise to help cover shipping costs.
For every $35 collected, our team, based out of Portland, OR, will be able to ship packages to serve 100 menstrual cycles. As of today, our team has already shipped over 200K products!
You can visit and share our fundraising website at:
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/period-inc/menstrual-equity-during-covid-19
OR
Text PERIOD to 44321, where you’ll receive a link to the donation site.
Also, feel free to widely share the fundraiser link across social media to help us combat period poverty during this unprecedented time!
To make posting across social easier, we decided to share some graphics and create a sample caption you could use:
PERIODS DO NOT STOP FOR A PANDEMIC. We are shipping period products at NO COST, sending them to any service provider (shelters, food pantries, etc) around the US who requests them. For every $35 donated, we’re able to cover shipping to serve 100 periods!
We are not slowing down, AT ALL… here to serve periods, and we need your help 💛 TEXT PERIOD TO 44321 💛 to support.
Graphics to repost:
B. Know a shelter than needs products?
Shelters across the country have a shortage in menstrual products. If you know of any local shelters that may be in need, have them fill out our period product request form. If they have questions, have them email service@period.org.
2. ADVOCACY: Crisis like this one hit the most marginalized communities the hardest. We will not slow down, and will continue to fight for period policies that mitigate the challenges posed upon socioeconomically disadvantaged menstruators.
A. CARES ACT
- Provisions around menstrual equity and period products being reimbursed as HSA/FSAs has officially been passed in the most recent stimulus bill. Though this is a big accomplishment for us, we still have lots of work to do in order to make sure all menstruators are being served equitably.
B. Fighting to make period supplies an allowable expense under the Federal Emergency Management Agency grants.
- Petition just launched: Support Emergency Grants for Period Supplies. Sign and tell all your friends to sign — Text 3 friends and ask them to text 3 friends!
- Share the petition on socials, post the graphic to your stories, and tag @Periodmovement so we can repost!
- TWEET: SIGN! We’re asking for support for @RepGraceMeng’s proposal to provide $1 billion to fund Federal Emergency Management Agency grants and make menstrual hygiene products an allowable expense for those grants. PERIODS DO NOT STOP FOR A PANDEMIC. @periodmovement #freetheperiod https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/support-emergency-grants-for-period-supplies
C. PHONE BANKING: (SHARE ON SOCIAL, ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO DO THE SAME)
- Phone banking is extremely simple and straightforward, just follow these 3 easy steps!
Step 1: Find out who your representatives are.
To do so, you can visit https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative and enter your zip code.
Step 2: After entering your zip code, you will find that your congressional representatives’ names have appeared, click on their website link and find the “contact” section. Here you will find their office contact information.
Step 3: Call your Reps office, it’s likely that no one answers the phone, LEAVE A MESSAGE! They do listen to their recorded messages, so be sure to leave a message if your Reps office does not answer your call. It’s also extremely important to mention that you are a constituent of that Rep, this leads to them being more open to listening to your concerns.
Phone Bank Script:
Hello Representative (Insert Reps name), my name is (Your name) and I’m your constituent from (Your zip code #). I’m calling to speak to you about the issue facing menstruators across the country.
Before the COVID-19 outbreak, one in four menstruating individuals struggled to afford enough period products. The COVID-19 outbreak will only intensify this issue and without adequate access to menstrual supplies, menstruators may have to use products for longer or may be forced to use alternative materials such as paper towels or socks.
I am asking you to support Representative Grace Meng’s proposal to provide $1 billion to fund Federal Emergency Management Agency grants and make menstrual hygiene products an allowable expense for those grants. Thank you!
Step 4: Keep pushing the menstrual movement manifesto!!
- Sign and share: Sign our National Petition to End Period Poverty
Though we’re practicing physical distancing, it’s important that we stay active and engaged within the movement. Our period activists are the backbone of this organization and the work we do together will truly change the world. Speak up and make your voices heard, because your voice matters now more than ever!