It’s safe to say 2020 has been a roller coaster of a year with many major ups and downs for all of us as a collective. As a result, there are many people around the country and the world that are in need. That’s why, this holiday season, instead of making it all about gifting, we’re embracing a “giving is the new gifting” mantra.
In true Rael fashion, we’re all for supporting period organizations that help empower menstruators, focus on ending period stigma, and provide period products and resources for those that need it most. So, below, we highlight a few of our favorite period organizations, some we’ve partnered with and some we’re fans of and love supporting. Keep reading to learn a little bit about the organizations, their missions, and how you can make a contribution that will quite literally change people’s lives.
This LA-based organization, founded in 2015 by a woman of color, directly donates menstrual hygiene kits to homeless and low income women in Los Angeles, and we’re here for it. Like us, Happy Period is also on a mission to end the stigma around menstruation and fulfills that mission by distributing educational period information to young, underprivileged girls that don’t have access to menstrual health education. Support Happy Period by visiting their website and making a contribution or by signing up for their mailing list cleverly called “Period Posse.”
I Support the Girls really lives up to its name. The international organization has collected and distributed 10 million bras and menstrual hygiene products to girls and women in need to help maintain their dignity and comfort and elevate their self-esteem. They also closely support domestic violence survivors, victims of sex trafficking, and people affected by natural disasters. Give back by visiting I Support the Girls’ website and making a monetary donation, mailing products to them, or hosting a local drive.
No More Secrets was founded by Lynette Medley, a sexual awareness educator and counselor dedicated to ending period poverty, specifically for black women. No More Secrets does an amazing job of distributing 38,000 menstrual products a week. The organization is currently fundraising for a menstrual health empowerment hub in Philadelphia so women can have access to clean bathrooms, period products, and menstrual health information. Visit their GoFundMe page to contribute to the cause. Every little bit makes a difference.
When it comes to making an impact, Days for Girls goes above and beyond. The organization focuses on distributing its signature Days for Girls kits, featuring essential period products, to girls and women in 140+ countries worldwide and empowering them through health education programs. To date, they’ve reached 1.7 million girls and women. If you want to be a part of the movement, support Days for Girls by making a donation on their website, volunteering for the organization, or becoming an ambassador.
Other easy ways to give back
If making a donation isn’t an option, there are still many other ways to give back this holiday season and make a difference to the period community. Here are some ideas to inspire you: