Go With The Flow: The Who, What, and Why
The Who:
Go With The Flow was created in 2017 after its organizer, Demetra Presley, learned about a teacher who kept bags filled with menstrual hygiene products in her classroom to give to students when they needed them. After reaching out to parents and school staff, her concerns were confirmed: that school budget restrictions did not allot for an adequate supply of menstrual hygiene products and the limited supply that was available, was often provided at the expense of school staff. An even more troubling find however though, was learning about the different ways students themselves would offset their need by making makeshift pads and tampons from socks, towels, toilet paper, or other miscellaneous items; rationing out the items they had which meant extending their use and subsequently, increasing the possibility of getting infections; or not attending school at all to eliminate the chance of staining their clothes and facing ridicule from their peers.
The What:
Go With the Flow has provided schools in Tucson and Phoenix and neighboring areas with period packs, which are small bags that contain tampons and sanitary napkins. When a student at a participating school needs menstrual supplies, they can approach various school staff to obtain a period pack. Schools can contact Go With The Flow for additional packs whenever they are running low, helping to ensure a continuous supply of menstrual hygiene products for students at no cost to the school.
The Why
For lower income or homeless students menstrual hygiene products can be an extra burden if they or their families are not able to afford their costs. Go With The Flow believes making period packs available is important because no student should have their education disrupted by the anxiety that can arise from not having access to essential menstrual items which can result in lower productivity in the classroom or worse, missing school altogether. Menstruation should not stop education. Period.
Find Out How You Can Get Involved
Join The Distribution List
Go With The Flow has provided period packs to over 30 schools in Arizona. Our core belief is that no student should have to miss school or compromise their dignity because their body is engaging in a normal, healthy function such as menstruation!
Become A Member of the Tampon Tribe
There are several different ways to support Go With The Flow from making a donation of menstrual hygiene products, hosting or attending a period pack party, coordinating a donation drive, participating in our social media campaign, or spreading community awareness!
Help Support Our Cause: Sponsor a Period
Your financial contribution enables us to meet our goal that students do not miss school because their body is engaging in a natural, healthy function like menstruation. By choosing to support our work, you are taking an essential step that can have a significant impact on a student and their decision to show up, participate in, and focus on their education!
