The Mensi Project
The Mensi Project is a craftivist, grassroots project started on campus in the fall of 2018 by Instructor & Women's Studies director, Christy Ferguson.
The Project's Goals:
- Increase FREE access to menstrual products on campus for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors
- To ensure ALL bathrooms on campus (regardless of gender distinction) have free menstrual products available in accordance with the State of Illinois HB 641
- To crush stigma and encourage conversations relating to menstruation and gender
- To foster community connections through:
- educational outreach focused on period poverty
- free product donations to local gender inclusive organizations
- student volunteerism opportunities
Ways to Get Involved:
Organize a Donation Drive: Although the university is required to provide products in campus restrooms for emergency situations, The Mensi Project seeks to ensure students have access to monthly supplies as well. Product donations received by The Mensi Project are distributed in 2 ways:
- Fill the Mensi Project Wall: In the 2300 wing of Peck Hall, we have created an area for students to have access to free menstrual products at all times. There you will often find educational materials, pads, tampons, liners, and wipes available for students to take as many as they need as often as they need. We provide bags for easy transport as well as fun little treats like stickers and candy for all to enjoy.
- Community Organization Support: When we have an abundance of supplies, we choose a local organization to donate the products to. In the past we have shared products with organizations such as Support the Girls, Tapestry of Community Offerings, Illinois Coalition for Community Services, and Saving Black Minds.
Conducting Campus Restroom Surveys: Once a semester, we try to survey all campus bathrooms to confirm the project installation is intact. Groups of 2 or more (for safety) will embark on an adventure to replace any missing or damaged bags and signs, make note of the condition of the project on the survey, and fill the bag with products.
