At Period Club’s first meeting of the year on December 1, students huddled at tables, laughing in the company of friends and passing time in anticipation of the club’s long-awaited annual launch. The club leaders approach the front of the room, commanding the attention of the members. They begin their presentation, walking everybody through the purpose of Period Club, the previous year’s accomplishments and what members can expect to see for the rest of the 2022–23 school year.
Period Club is a collective that works to reduce menstrual stigma, increase educational reach and provide access to resources and menstrual supplies for anybody in need. This year, the club strives to increase its membership and become more involved with social justice causes.
With a new year comes fresh faces and new leaders. There are five seniors, three of whom led the club last year: Paige Axness, Stella Fox, Delilah Fox, Mira O’Donnell and Beatrice Gregory. All of them joined Period Club their freshman year and have been active members since.
Last year, Period Club thrived. Many eager students joined the club after attending the club fair and eyeing the colorful, cupcake-bearing booth. The club met in the Art Building and many people attended consistently. They successfully arranged large-scale events, most notably period packing parties, and maintained an impactful approach to their meetings with structured presentations and high attendance, educational services and club organization.
Packing parties, a club favorite, are an opportunity for people to give back to the community and bond within the club. At the parties, club members put together packages full of period-product essentials like pads, tampons and DivaCups. They are distributed to places such as free food fridges around the city so that Portlanders have free, accessible and anonymous avenues to access the resources for themselves.
Grant senior Eva Pitzer says, “I am most looking forward to the period-packing parties because it’s super fun to not only connect with your friends and other members of the club but also to be able to connect to the community in helping get out period products to everyone.” Even with its lofty goals, the club is facing challenges with membership.
This year, Period Club’s introduction lacked the engagement of previous years. Due to a conflict with finding the required advisory in a quick turn-around, Period Club did not attend the club fair this fall, which led to a couple of months of inactivity. Because of this, the club was without a spotlight, leaving them with fewer numbers than they had previously in terms of membership and involvement.
While its physical appearance was lacking, Period Club had memos on its Instagram account, @grantperiodclub, announcing its return. Their Instagram also displays accomplishments of past years and information about the club, all of which are presented with graphics and colorful themes.
The majority of students who were at the first meeting of the year were seniors, many of whom were also active in the club last year. Everyone in attendance was excited to come back for another year, no matter the numbers. However, the club’s leaders emphasize that anyone currently involved in Period Club should spread the word to people they know, in hopes to recruit more underclassmen.
This year, Grant can expect biweekly Period Club meetings on Thursdays in room 025, under the advisory of Ms.Warfield, one of the Feminism and Gender Studies teachers. Snacks and condoms will continue to be provided, as well as educational lessons, more getting-to-know-you activities, time for hanging with friends and the opportunity to plan upcoming events.
With everything that was announced in just the first meeting, the 2022–23 school year looks to be a promising one for the Period Club and everyone involved. It is a good chance to get connected with the school community and beyond, and an excellent way to get involved with supporting menstrual equity and accessibility.
Period Club is not only event-based: it also provides a perfect place to relax in a supportive and fun community among peers with common values. To join the club, visit the club’s Instagram page or text @836F74 to 81010 to access the Remind with club information provided.
