our focal points
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Our outreach efforts are divided into 3 different areas to increase
the reach of our mission
Community Outreach: monthly menstrual hygiene product packages for those in need
Business Outreach: Dot House dispensers and product subscription for local businesses
University Outreach: efforts to make change on the University of Michigan campus
the reach of our mission
Community Outreach: monthly menstrual hygiene product packages for those in need
Business Outreach: Dot House dispensers and product subscription for local businesses
University Outreach: efforts to make change on the University of Michigan campus
community support
for those experiencing homelessness
Period products are seen as luxury goods since they are taxed, because of this, some go without the necessary products to aid menstruation. While multiple great organizations exist to break down the Pink Tax, we are here to support menstruators' monthly needs, and ultimately reduce that stigma!
Through Period Parties or our Dot House subscription services with business, we provide for those who cannot afford this expense. With this money, we provide monthly packages to the menstruators experiencing homelessness in our community.
Through Period Parties or our Dot House subscription services with business, we provide for those who cannot afford this expense. With this money, we provide monthly packages to the menstruators experiencing homelessness in our community.
monthly menstrual hygiene product packages
The average period lasts four days and the average number of products needed per cycle is 20 products. Our product packages allow menstruators in need to order their desired ratio of pads and tampons, which are packaged and delivered to them at the beginning of every month. Inside each package is an information sheet covering several healthy habits to practice.
Fill out the following form to get started!
Fill out the following form to get started!
in a busy downtown
Why are menstrual hygiene products rarely offered in restrooms of downtown businesses? This is a question we asked ourselves, and then asked to management of a popular downtown restaurant. Her answer? She didn't have one. There was no good reason. We have successfully implemented "Dot House" pilots in 5 restaurants in Ann Arbor.
The idea of the Dot House is what started this organization. Although it has changed in design and concept over the years, it still embodies the stigma that surrounds menstruation, enters conversation, and highlights the struggles that come with being a menstruator; ideas that are central to our organization.
Now, the Dot House has taken the form of aesthetic dispensers for local businesses to implement in their restrooms to offer free products to their guests. The goal is to ensure no menstruators ever go without products that should be free and accessible. After all, when it comes to basic needs, what is so different between toilet paper and menstrual hygiene products?
The idea of the Dot House is what started this organization. Although it has changed in design and concept over the years, it still embodies the stigma that surrounds menstruation, enters conversation, and highlights the struggles that come with being a menstruator; ideas that are central to our organization.
Now, the Dot House has taken the form of aesthetic dispensers for local businesses to implement in their restrooms to offer free products to their guests. The goal is to ensure no menstruators ever go without products that should be free and accessible. After all, when it comes to basic needs, what is so different between toilet paper and menstrual hygiene products?
how it works
Businesses who partner with us will purchase products through us, allowing proceeds from these efforts to return to the community in the form of free monthly menstrual hygiene product package for those in need.
on campus
We have began working with Student Government systems to increase pressure on the University to reestablish menstrual hygiene products in restrooms across campus. Although this is a big feat, we are working with other like minded organizations to make a big change.
This infographic served as the main image for the Menstrual Product Initiative led by The Dot and several other UM student organizations in collaboration with Central Student government. All credits go to Menstrual Product Initiative team for compiling and presenting this information.
period parties
We have monthly period parties, selling anything from samosas to pizza to donuts. The donations have been funding our initiatives to consistently provide menstruators with products, as well as increasing our efforts with The Dot House.
The stigma surrounding menstruation begins at a young age when girls are taught about menstruation in the absence of their male peers, and boys are left without the proper education. This creates a 'secret'. Menstruation begins to be something to hide, rather than something empowering and natural.
Educating boys and girls together about the natural processes of menstruation, and about the similarities between the male and female bodies will facilitate a less stigmatized tomorrow, and a better experience for the female population.
Opening conversations helps to normalize the topic. We do this through monthly Period Parties, where we sell food to collect funds to provide menstrual products to individuals experiencing homelessness. This is outlined in our Accessibility initiative.
Educating boys and girls together about the natural processes of menstruation, and about the similarities between the male and female bodies will facilitate a less stigmatized tomorrow, and a better experience for the female population.
Opening conversations helps to normalize the topic. We do this through monthly Period Parties, where we sell food to collect funds to provide menstrual products to individuals experiencing homelessness. This is outlined in our Accessibility initiative.
Our first time around: This Period Party was a big one. It was the first time our aspiring organization made an appearance on campus. We baked cupcakes to pass out for free, as well as stickers and candies, all in the hopes of spreading the word, sparking conversation, and breaking the stigma. It was held over two days in November in Mason Hall. It was here that our ideas started for some of our existing initiatives, thanks to those who stopped to talk. Because of a professor passing by, we are now working to change the curriculum in public schools.
Our second time: During this Period Party we decided to sell baked goods. We sold our goodies for $1, but rarely received just that. When people heard that their $1 could supply a individual
with about 7 tampons or 6 pads, they were eager to donate more, often telling us to keep the brownie. We couldn't believe the numbers either! Only $1 can get an individual through a third of her cycle.
We made $108 through donations and purchases! We were thrilled, but even more excited to know that we would be able to supply menstruators in need with 778 plastic applicator tampons, or 713 Equate sanitary napkins!
Our second time: During this Period Party we decided to sell baked goods. We sold our goodies for $1, but rarely received just that. When people heard that their $1 could supply a individual
with about 7 tampons or 6 pads, they were eager to donate more, often telling us to keep the brownie. We couldn't believe the numbers either! Only $1 can get an individual through a third of her cycle.
We made $108 through donations and purchases! We were thrilled, but even more excited to know that we would be able to supply menstruators in need with 778 plastic applicator tampons, or 713 Equate sanitary napkins!
