From Fullerton Joint Union High School District to the Maasai Mara tribe in Kenya, the student-led Period Club at Fullerton Union High School is addressing menstrual stigma and period poverty.
As a local chapter of the global nonprofit Period, Inc., Fullerton Union students aim to address period poverty — the lack of access to menstrual products and education — on their campus while also extending their impact to communities in Kenya and beyond.
Founded to meet address the needs of their campus, the Period Club — advised by English and journalism teacher Kimberley Harris — has placed black boxes with period care products in about 90 percent of Fullerton Union High School classrooms. This initiative aims to normalize access to these essential items and foster a supportive environment for students in need.
“Our goal is to ensure that no student has to miss class due to a lack of menstrual products,” said Harris, a longtime teacher. “By making these products readily available, we’re not only addressing a practical need but also challenging the stigma surrounding menstruation.”
The effort has been supported by male teachers, who have embraced the initiative and work to ensure that their students have access to these products while in their classrooms. As the 2024-25 school year begins, English teacher Leo Indelicato will take over as the new club adviser — continuing the club’s mission and expanding its practice.
“The club officers are excited to have a male adviser help advocate for ways to battle period poverty and to reduce menstruation stigma,” Harris said. “Mr. Indelicato especially does an awesome job of getting his male students to shop for and donate period products instead of having their mothers do the shopping for them.”
Global impact, local action
The club’s commitment to global citizenship is demonstrated by their recent efforts in Kenya. In June, French teacher Alexandra Walker and her family traveled to Kenya, where they distributed 400 sanitary pads donated by the local families and students from the Period Club and National Honor Society chapter on campus.
The supplies were given to school-aged girls in the Maasai Mara tribe, who often miss school due to inadequate access to feminine hygiene products.
“Supporting education by removing barriers like period poverty is central to our mission,” Walker said. “Our students are learning that their efforts can make a difference far beyond their own community.”
In addition to their international work, the Period Club has also these personal hygiene products to women’s shelters, college campuses and group homes for foster youth. Harris notes that these actions reflect the club’s broader commitment to combating period poverty and promoting equity.
“Our students are gaining a deep understanding of civic responsibility and the impact they can have on the world,” Harris said.
As a chapter of Period, Inc., the Fullerton Union High School club aims to lead by example — teaching students the importance of empathy and leadership through their ongoing efforts.