2020-21 Experiences

Title: Women's Bodies & the Period Tax

Cost: Free

Throughout history women’s bodies and their physiology have been viewed as controversial. For being so controversial there is a level of women’s health that many people lack to acknowledge, which is women’s menstrual health. Menstruation, in many parts of the world, is seen as embarrassing and undesirable, and therefore people do not see the need to educate people about this natural bodily process. One of the biggest issues about this lack of knowledge is the fact that menstrual hygienic products such as pads, and tampons are taxed, also known as a period tax. Texas has the 14th highest average sales tax in the United States, along with having 16.9% of women in the state in poverty. This topic will give an opportunity to learn about the causes, effects of the period tax. This experience is meant to bring awareness to the overlooking of women’s health issues that may seem minor, but in fact cause a rippling effect throughout the world. We will also learn and discuss why there is a stigma around menstruation in the first place, as well as gaining knowledge about how everyone can do their part to help break this stigma.

From Candidates to Court Decisions: Race in America

Cost: Free

With Kamala Harris’s run for Vice-President and race relations in America in turmoil, conversations about race have become a central part of civil discourse. This begs the question: how exactly does race influence politics? More specifically, how do laws impact people of color? What narratives exist surrounding race, what it means to be a minority and the experiences of minorities in public offices? Many people of color feel invisible in today’s society, especially professional fields like politics. The purpose of this group is to learn how to improve the experiences of people of color in the United States and examine the root causes of these issues. We will discuss institutional factors, implicit bias, racial privilege and how to have constructive dialogues surrounding racial identity. Service projects will include remote volunteering for non-profits that serve minority populations and organizations that provide support for leaders of color.