Students deserve access to free tampons and pads. Period.
Getting that process started can seem daunting, but don’t worry; we’ve got you. We’re here to support you through everything you need to know about how students advocate for Aunt Flow in schools.
Earlier this week, we had a Period Party in Utah to celebrate the hard work of The Policy Project, Utah Period Project, and student ambassadors who fought to get HB 162 passed. This law requires public and charter schools to provide free period products!
They prove that dedication to fighting for menstrual equity can change the world, one cycle at a time.
We’re inspired by the commitment and hard work of those in Utah and want to keep the student advocacy flowing! Here is how YOU can advocate for Aunt flow at your school!
Community
Find the support system you’ll need to implement a period program! Between friends, people who can fund the project, and those at your school who can sign off on the program, here’s who you need in your corner.
Peers
Rally fellow students who are eager to support the menstrual movement. Your peers will be crucial to demonstrating student support to the school.
Funding Partners
Consider who may fund the period product program and if they would have an interest in spending money to promote menstrual equity.
Decision-Makers
Find the people who will influence the decision to implement the program at the school level.
Cost
Understanding the investment you’re proposing is crucial, and having the budget worked out early will give you a huge head start! There are two elements of the cost you need to consider:
Initial Investment
You can calculate this by taking the number of bathrooms you plan to stock and multiply that by the price of an Aunt Flow dispenser ($200-400). Check out our dispenser options here!
Recurring Investment
Once your dispensers are installed and making the world better for people with periods at your school, there is an additional cost that comes with re-filling products. For the best estimate of the annual cost of providing Aunt Flow period products, take the number of menstruators at your school and multiply it by $15.
Convince
Here’s where it gets fun. Once you’ve got people on your side and done the calculations on cost, it’s time to set up a meeting and make this menstrual dream a reality!
Set-Up Meeting
Set up an appointment to go over your proposal and request all decision-makers to be in attendance.
Plan
Print the materials you’ll need and disperse them before the meeting for them to review.
Meet
Focus on why it matters, your support, implementation costs, benefits of the program, and action steps.
Respond to Objections
Prepare for the school to ask questions and object.
TIP: Get all the materials you need on Aunt Flow’s Resources Page!
Complete
Once the meeting goes well, and your project is approved (yay!), it’s time to implement the program! Whether it’s a smaller pilot program or a full implementation, get a grasp on the next steps, like delivery dates, who is responsible for installation, or if there are any other potential roadblocks.
But don’t worry; Aunt Flow is here for you! From the time you place your order through the installation process and re-stocking dispensers, we’ll work with you every step of the way. We’re here to help people, period, and we can answer any questions you may have along the way.
Celebrate!
You did it! Successfully roll out your program that will undoubtedly give menstruating students the confidence and dignity they deserve. Once you’re up and running, keep the momentum going by broadcasting your success on social media and connecting with the school or the local newspaper to write a story.
Most importantly, take the time to realize how much you’ve helped people. Accessible period products should be the rule, not the exception, and your work advocating for students is an essential step for menstrual equity and the menstrual movement.
Want to learn more? Check out the complete list of resources Aunt Flow offers! Otherwise, get started right away and fill out our Custom Get a Quote Form!
