PMS Pledge

Take the PMS Pledge 

As part of our mission to eradicate period poverty, we launched the PMS Pledge (Providing Menstrual Supplies) in the Fall of 2022. Sister Supply is asking businesses and organizations around the Mid-South to get involved by taking the pledge to provide free menstrual supplies in public and employee bathrooms and advocating for the need to supply products to menstruators who cannot easily access them.

The need:

Memphis ranks 4th in child poverty for cities with more than 500,000 people, AND we rank 2nd in the highest child poverty rate at 22.9% for Metropolitan Statistical Areas with populations over 1,000,000 (MSA). (2022 Poverty Fact Sheet. Elena Delavega, PhD, MSW, School of Social Work, University of Memphis, & Gregory M. Blumenthal, PhD, GMBS Consulting)

So what happens when a child doesn't have access to period products? They miss school, sports, activities, and are forced to press pause on life. Maybe their school has free period products, but they're located in the office. They're now subject to judgment from their peers due to period misconceptions, which leads to embarrassment – but periods are nothing to be ashamed of!

Additionally, as supply chain issues perpetuate and inflation continues to rise, period products are not only less accessible but more expensive. This price gouging is an additional charge on top of products that are already subject to the Tampon Tax and Pink Tax – a tax that labels tampons as "luxury items" and another that raises prices solely because they're "pink" meaning they're targeted toward women.

Why you should take the pledge:

Although we distributed more than 300,000 pads, tampons, underwear, washable pads, period panties and menstrual cups in 2022, the need is continues to grow! If public-facing businesses and organizations can visually show their support for menstruators, we’ll be able to make a much bigger collective impact. That's why we are asking you to take the PMS Pledge.

When you take the pledge, you are agreeing to:

  1. Provide free period products in guest and staff bathrooms in an easily accessible location. Pads are preferred for ease of use.

  2. Place a PMS Pledge Certified sticker in a prominent place such as a window, door, or bathroom mirror where it will be noticeable.

  3. Spread the word about period poverty and its effect on Memphians when asked by guests and business associates (and share how they can get involved).

You’ll receive a guide with helpful information and resources that will help you feel more comfortable when talking about period supplies and period poverty, your certification sticker, and support from Sister Supply leadership whenever needed.

Take the pledge now:

If you are ready to become PMS Pledge certified and help menstruators across the Mid-South, please email Sister Supply CEO and co-founder Eli Cloud at eli@sistersupply.org.