Our Problem
Surveys of students who attended Girls Build LA events last year indicated significant need for sexual education, information about community resources, resources, and increased awareness around mental and physical health for all students, including the underserved LGBTQ communities. Sexual education has been inconsistently taught in PE, biology, & medical classes because new teachers did not know they were supposed to include it, so most students on campus haven't had sex ed since middle school. In addition, a survey of all our campus bathrooms indicated there are no tampon or pad dispensers, and to get feminine hygiene products, students must get a pass to go to the nurse or office to get antiquated materials (if available - and seriously, have you seen the pads school nurses give out?).
PROJECT PLAN
Our goal is to help girls in our community become active, vocal, healthy, and self-aware as they venture out into the world. The issues behind this are: awareness of the pieces of healthy bodies and relationships, the resources for building those pieces, and the confidence to ask for what they want. This year, we plan to implement a series of bathroom newsletters to educate about sex ed, healthy bodies and relationships, a health fair to provide resources and information about healthy bodies, and a pad drive to help local homeless women and girls access menstrual products.
Timeline
Planning
Our team meets once a week to brainstorm all ideas and to create an outline for the current event. During this time, members can also volunteer to be responsible for contacting a partner (other school club, outside organization, etc.) and to be the leader of a booth at the event.
Each meeting, we check back with each other to confirm what the progress is with contacting partners and obtaining necessary materials. Finally, the week before the event STEM girls buy supplies, make posters, and spread the word on social media and at school. This year we aim to increase attendance and participation in our events with food, prizes, games, and engaging information and resources! |
Activities & events
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reflection & DataAlong the way and at each event, we asked people who visited what they learned both verbally and with digital surveys. We used free pins, food, and prizes, to encourage students and parents to complete surveys. Additionally, the GBLA team reflected during discussions held during meetings to discuss victories, challenges, and what's next.
This year, our activities and events have taken on a life of their own, with other organizations picking up the torch to carry it forward next year. We are excited to explore new avenues to help our students learn and succeed next year! |
Our hopes for this project are that...
students feel empowered to learn about, protect, and take pride in their own bodies.
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the community develops the ability to talk reasonably and knowledgeably about bodies, relationships, and health.
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students recognize that though others may attempt to disenfranchise, silence, or shame them, their bodies are their own and beautiful.
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BUDGET: $1000
PROJECT SUPPLIES
VENDOR PURCHASES |
Health Fair Hygiene Kits: deodorant, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, sanitary napkins, condoms, bandages, sterile gauze, etc.
De-Stress Day: wax, wicks, jars, scents for candles; tea mixes Inspirational Pins: “No Means No,” “You’re Not Alone,” etc. Puppy Party: 1.5 hours for De-Stress Day |
TOTAL COST
400 175 150 325 |