Periods aren’t a luxury, yet 18 states still tax tampons as a luxury item instead of recognizing them as a basic necessity.
This #PeriodPovertyAwarenessWeek, we’re teaming up with @periodsupplies to advocate for an end to the sales tax on menstrual products. If your state still taxes period products, urge your elected officials to support legislation that would make period products tax-free. Swipe to find out ways to make some noise!
You can’t focus in class if you don’t have what you need to manage your period safely and comfortably.
Lack of access leads to missed school days, lost confidence, and barriers to success.
Students deserve better. Every school in Chicago should be equipped with free, accessible period products, just like toilet paper and soap.
#PeriodPovertyAwarenessWeek recognizes our ongoing work to bring period products to schools, ensuring every student can focus on their education.
Menstrual equity means access for everyone, everywhere.
In the Chicagoland area, thousands of individuals face barriers to accessing basic period products due to cost.
At The Period Collective, we’re working to ensure that no one in our community has to choose between essentials and their dignity.
Let’s talk about it.
For too long, menstruation has been treated as something “embarrassing,” “private,” or “shameful.”
But what’s really embarrassing is allowing gaps in policy, education, and access to continue.
Breaking the stigma starts with conversations that you can have any day.
Periods are normal. Access is essential.
Did you know that nearly 1 in 4 teens in the U.S. struggle to afford period products?
That means students are missing school, using unsafe alternatives, or experiencing embarrassment and pain, just because of a basic biological need.
Period poverty isn’t rare. It’s happening every day, including right here in Chicago.
We believe access to period products is a necessity, not a luxury.
To kick off Period Poverty Awareness Week, our friends at the Alliance for Period Supplies are hosting some incredible virtual events on Monday, May 11, to help raise awareness and take action.
11:00 AM EDT: Kick things off with live remarks from U.S. Congresswoman Grace Meng, a passionate advocate for menstrual equity.
The Inaugural Spot On Awards: A new initiative recognizing the bold individuals using their platforms to shift the conversation around periods in visible, impactful ways.
Live Q&A: Join a conversation with Spot On Award honoree Julia Aks and the Oscar-nominated team behind the genius “Jane Austen’s Period Drama.”
Check out the links in our bio to register for these events and see how you can get involved this powerful week.
A decade ago, The Period Collective started with a simple belief: Menstrual products are a basic human right. Today, as we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we are filled with immense gratitude for our vision becoming a reality.
In Chicago, almost 60,000 of our neighbors experience houselessness, with countless individuals menstruating. Thanks to your unwavering support, we’ve been able to bridge the gap in menstrual equity.
Together, we’ve achieved some incredible milestones over the last 10 years:
- 334,782 periods covered (that’s over 3.8 million individual products!)
- 60+ ongoing partnerships with Chicagoland - organizations
- 100% volunteer-powered dedication and heart
None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our volunteers, and the trust of our community partners. You are the reason we can continue to fight for dignity and equity year after year. Thank you. Let’s keep going.
Save the Date! We want to celebrate this journey with you on September 3rd from 6 – 9 PM. Stay tuned for event and location details!
Celebrating Women’s History Month by honoring the strength and resilience of women everywhere. At The Period Collective, we believe menstrual equity is a key part of gender equity, and we’re proud to keep working toward a future where everyone has access to the products they need with dignity.
Feel good, do good. On February 8, join us for Pilates for Periods at Visceral Dance Center to help fight period poverty in Chicago. All proceeds will go toward providing menstrual products to those in our community without reliable access. Pilates enthusiasts and newbies (of all ages!) are welcome. No advance sign-up is necessary. We can’t wait to see you there❤️
Feb. 8 at 9:30 a.m. Visceral Dance Studio: 3121 N. Rockwell St., Chicago, IL
At The Period Collective, we rely on the compassion of donors to provide people access to free menstrual products, helping to break the cycle of period poverty in Chicago.
Too many people in our community must choose between menstrual supplies and other necessities. This has become even more widespread as millions recover from the recent government shutdown and loss of SNAP benefits. On this #givingtuesday, a day centered on generosity and community care, we hope you’ll consider supporting The Period Collective and help us move closer to menstrual equity for all.
For more information on how to donate, please visit the link in our bio. Thank you ♥️
💖 A heartfelt thank you to Chuhak & Tecson for choosing The Period Collective as this year’s Women Helping Women recipient!
Your generosity at this year’s Mix-and-Mingle made a powerful impact — contributing over 500 boxes, bags, and individual menstrual products, plus nearly $2,400 in cash donations to support women in need across Chicago. 🌆✨
At The Period Collective, we believe menstrual equity is a fundamental human right. Every donation helps us provide essential period products to local shelters, transitional housing facilities, schools, and food banks — ensuring no one has to choose between food and menstrual care.
Want to help keep the momentum going? 💪 Donations from Women Helping Women are still being accepted at ThePeriodCollective.org.
Period Action Day is next week‼️ We are proud to join this global day of action to end not only period poverty but the stigma surrounding menstruation. Here in Illinois, important strides are being made, but there’s still more to do. Curious about how you can participate on October 10th? Visit the link in our bio.
