Menstrual Equity Legislation
Menstrual Equity Legislation
Alliance for Period Supplies and PERIOD. work collaboratively to end period poverty in the U.S. and to advocate for the equitable access to period products in public spaces.
Along with our respective allied programs and chapters at the state level, we support a wide array of legislation that would:
- • End the tampon tax –benefitting all people who menstruate;
- • Provide free period products in all public school restrooms–supporting all students who menstruate;
- • Make period products as freely available as toilet paper in all restrooms of public buildings, which benefits all people who menstruate;
- • Provide free period products in prisons and jails, which benefits all incarcerated individuals who menstruate;
- • Fund sustainable, community-based period distribution programs, which will benefit the 1 in 4 individuals who menstruate and cannot afford period supplies.
The map below highlights the bills related to period products, menstrual health, equity, access, and/or taxation, currently being considered by state legislatures. These bills are advancing through state legislatures. The listing of individual bills does not imply endorsement by Period. and/or Alliance for Period Supplies.
Alliance for Period Supplies and PERIOD. work collaboratively to end period poverty in the U.S. and to advocate for the equitable access to period products in public spaces.
Along with our respective allied programs and chapters at the state level, we support a wide array of legislation that would:
- • End the tampon tax –benefitting all people who menstruate;
- • Provide free period products in all public school restrooms–supporting all students who menstruate;
- • Make period products as freely available as toilet paper in all restrooms of public buildings, which benefits all people who menstruate;
- • Provide free period products in prisons and jails, which benefits all incarcerated individuals who menstruate;
- • Fund sustainable, community-based period distribution programs, which will benefit the 1 in 4 individuals who menstruate and cannot afford period supplies.
The map below highlights the bills related to period products, menstrual health, equity, access, and/or taxation, currently being considered by state legislatures. These bills are advancing through state legislatures. The listing of individual bills does not imply endorsement by Period. and/or Alliance for Period Supplies.
Active Menstrual Equity Legislation
Reaching out to elected officials
You can email, write, call, or visit your congressional representatives. Members of Congress have offices both in Washington, D.C. and at least one location in their district. One of the most effective actions is to meet face-to-face with Senators, Representatives, along with candidates, in the member’s home district.
Both offices have staff members who are often the subject matter experts in the office. So, if you can’t meet with the member directly, you can often reach the member by meeting with his/her staff.
In many cases, the staff member may be even more knowledgeable about period poverty and the tampon tax than the member of Congress!
As you begin your advocacy work, you will begin to develop relationships with the staff in your Representative’s office. Building these relationships over time is key to being an effective advocate for change.
Writing a Letter
You can send an email or a letter via the mail to your member of Congress. Personalize it with information about the issue, your program (if you are distributing period products), the community you serve, and how period supplies make a difference. If you are writing about a particular bill, explain how it will affect your program or your community.
Preparing to Meet
You can find your Member of Congress’s office information here. Call the legislator’s office and ask to schedule an appointment. They may prefer that you send an email.
When meeting with your federal legislators or their staff, remember that you are the expert and you are there to give them information about period poverty needs in your community. Share what your program is doing to address it.
Meetings may be very short and may be with staff rather than the member. Often, the staff member will be. the expert on the issue in the Member’s office. Refer to the What to expect when meeting legislators and staff tip sheet to ensure you feel comfortable and are prepared for your meeting.
After You Meet – The Follow Up
Following up after your meeting with elected officials, staff or candidates is a critical next step in forming a good working relationship. We encourage you to write a personal thank-you letter to reflect your individual experience. Include specific facts about your local situation. Send the letter promptly after returning home.
Founding Sponsor
470 James St #7
New Haven, CT 06513
203.821.7348
info@allianceforperiodsupplies.org
EIN # 45 - 2823935