From our Reproductive Justice Task Force: Menstrual Equity Subcommittee
The next time you visit your congregation, make sure to check out the restroom. Chances are you will see a supply of period products on hand, just like hand soap and toilet paper. Believe it or not, this is a big deal for everyone who menstruates.
Many thanks to all of the congregations who responded to our campaign to make sure that period products are available for all who need them in all our congregational restrooms.
Hmmm, all restrooms? Yes! If you have gender-specific restrooms in your building, they should all have period products available. Let’s make sure that our spaces are welcoming for everyone, including our transgender and non-binary folks. Questions? Reach out to us; we’re always happy to talk about this effort.
And if your congregation hasn’t heard about this yet, it’s not too late to join the campaign. Our goal was to have all NJ congregations on board by 2024. If you have questions or need additional info let us know: reprojustice@uufaithaction.org
Finally, we also encourage all UU’s to reach out to your local school district and see if they make period products accessible to all students. Some schools require students to go to the nurse’s office for period products, and this can cause many students unnecessary shame or embarrassment. So let’s encourage our schools to follow our lead and make period products available in all restrooms.
I’ve seen newscasts lately featuring 2 young women campaigning against the notorious “tampon tax” in 26 states. (Happily, NJ is not among those 26). It’s good to see us UUs among the allies dealing with this issue that’s not so widely known. I found https://allianceforperiodsupplies.org/ online for more info. Once we have our rows of gender-neutral bathrooms at MUUF’s new bldg, we will have to make sure period supplies are readily available.