In 2022, the nonprofit organization Promote Her Period (PHP) transformed Founder Anaya Andre’s vision into a reality. As PHP gained recognition, its mission became clear: to ensure that period products are clean and affordable while also breaking the stigma around period health. Since then, this organization’s reach has grown by hosting events and workshops, while also working alongside other nonprofits such as the Florida Youth Action Fund (YAF).
The YAF is a Generation Z-led establishment that provides assistance to young organizers with hopes of hosting more events within the community. “Youth Action Fund has benefitted PHP [by] giving us guidance and mentorship in our weekly meetings, providing us with funds for our projects, and supporting us at our events physically,” says community outreach co-head director Jazmyn Walcott.
Considering the impact YAF brought to PHP, the process for making this connection was fairly simple. Community Outreach Director Arisa Porter reveals that “Anaya found YAF through research, and [soon enough] we [were paired] with our advisor Catarina Fernandez.” Having this advantage has allowed there to be extensive collaboration between all the members on future projects.
Besides their own events, members of PHP were given the opportunity to work with other companies in their community. For instance, some members volunteered at the Lotus House, and others presented at the Southern Black Girls Dream Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Porter exclaims that “this conference [allowed them] to network with various other NGOs and leaders.”
All the effort that PHP puts in has been recognized at occasions like “Promote Her In Pink” and “Back to School Period Packing Party.” Their first gathering included girls coming together, painting mini canvases, conversing about each other’s wellness, and getting to meet the PHP team in person. The packing party was in partnership with Robertza Joseph’s Florida Youth Voter Alliance. Each respected member packed a period product kit, which got donated to schools and women’s shelters in need.
Even with having such a strong foundation, there is always room for improvement. The behind-the-scenes of PHP has shown members that “[being rejected] by corporations when asking for donations or collaborations [is normal,]” Porter explains. She further details, “Our team [takes] rejection [as] redirection. We just make sure to pitch ourselves even stronger in the next project.”
Content creator Addisyn Kostzer further mentions, “In a financial and planning aspect, being able to grow your organization [properly can be hard since] you [want to] purchase goods for people in need and to have a good turnout at your events.” Getting people to come to these gatherings is not always easy, seeing that many girls are embarrassed or afraid to bring awareness to their menstrual cycle.
Organizations like YAF and PHP hope to normalize sensitive topics, make a change in the community, and create a welcoming space for everyone. Porter emphasizes, “The people who work for nonprofits like PHP are determined and dedicated to making a permanent change [in the world.] Aside from their main missions, each organization aims to “promote young girls and boys to take initiative on subjects that they are interested in,” Kostzer exclaims.
Whether it is through packing parties or Instagram reels, Promote Her Period is dedicated to empowering change and confidence.
