Countless times, students at Ramaz have asked for a tampon in school or given one to someone in need. Other times, they’ve needed to trek to the nurse’s office a few flights down to fetch one. So, last year, when, Jordan Kalker ’25, a member of Feminist Club mentioned August Advocates, a company that produces menstrual hygiene products, the club decided to look into it. After doing some research, they knew they wanted to bring the company’s products into the school. It would help solve a familiar problem, and, as part of a partnership, August Advocates would, in turn, donate products to an underfunded school. The club was also excited to discover that the company is devoted to eliminating the stigma around menstruation and that their products are biodegradable. 

The Feminist Club with the help of their faculty advisor, Ms. Davis, proceeded to meet with Ms. Krupka to pitch the idea and reached out to Chesley Chan, they then Chief of Staff of August Advocates, for information. The leaders presented estimates for pricing, volume, and shipment frequency and, through perseverance and responsiveness to questions and concerns, persuaded Ramaz to support and fund the initiative. 

While some challenges arose throughout the process, with a change in leadership in the company and struggle in finalizing the partnership due to technical difficulties, they were dedicated to making it work. They spent free periods in the school office, waiting to intercept Ms. Krupka, and were able to contact the new VP of Business Development, Erin Burk, with whom they collaborated to bring the project over the finish line. Aliza Teller ’23, co-president of Feminist Club, says “the difficulties were what made the actuation of the partnership all the more rewarding.”

In mid-September, the products arrived and the Feminist Club leaders spoke to all the minyanim about the initiative. While they planned to speak just to the girls for convenience, because of the hectic holiday schedule, they ended up speaking to some grades in full. While the increase in the number of eyes watching them and their new fear that they would receive some unsolicited laughs made them hesitant to speak, they soon realized that they, too, could help reduce the stigma around menstruation by just talking about it; after all, it is simply a bodily function. After they finished, there were an overwhelming amount of cheers. The Feminist Club felt the same way. The products are now in the bathrooms.

Feminist Club member Emily Schnipper ’23 said: “The best part is when I’m able educate fellow students on the impact these products have on the environment and on other low-income schools, and they get as excited as I am about this important initiative.”