Final Project Reflection

My main goal at the start of the project was to help replenish the hygiene section at UNM's Lobo Food Pantry. When I went to post my flier there regarding Free Flow New Mexico's Reusable Period Product program, I noticed that only diapers were available. I started by reaching out to Laurie, as she already distributes period products throughout the state, and she is involved with the Community Health Education Program at UNM. She immediately agreed, and we made a plan for me to host the period kit assembly event.  I wanted to expand the ask to the social media followers of Free Flow NM, and Laurie also agreed, so I made a goal to post consistently for a week and to observe the outcome. 

After concluding the project, I can confidently say that it was successful! Free Flow's donation of 500 period kits was worth $1,657.12 on its own. There were 110 dollars donated to Free Flow NM online, and there were products purchased for Lobo Foob Pantry from their Amazon wishlist! I also built awareness about period poverty experienced by students online while giving active resources for free period care. 

I think because this is something that I am passionate about it feels fun to do it! I think that the fact that Laurie was so receptive also made it easy. She stepped up to help me out when I asked, and I appreciate that so much. When reflecting on how easy it was to persuade her, I also had to reflect on our relationship. We have a working relationship. For my field experience class, I have been her intern working on developing social media interventions. It has been a learning process for us both, but I feel the relationship has only grown over our time together. I feel like I have put a lot of work into this class; it will be about 300 hours at the end of the semester! Being a student, I don't get paid and have a very flexible minimum wage job. I feel like this donation felt like a great outcome to see come out of all my hard work! 

This class on Persuasive Communication has helped me consider many modes of persuasion. This class has also allowed me to see what it feels like to put myself out there in this way. The reading by Cialdini highlighted several examples that I have seen throughout my life, but never assigned a purpose to. For example, the act of reciprocity or being influenced by social proof. Originally, I thought that social proof would be the most influential in this project; however, Laurie's reciprocity to me after working together for 2 semesters was powerful, followed by the reciprocity of my parents! Social proof through posting on Instagram for the hygiene drive got some attention, and someone bought detergent for students whom I don't know! There was only one donation like this. Ultimately, the most responsive audience to respond was students looking to get extra credit by volunteering at the period kit assembly, showing the true power of scholarly institutions, and wanting to pass these classes!

Overall, I learned that I am capable of doing big things when I set my mind to it, and there can be so much to learn in the process. I am proud of setting myself up for success on this project and helping students experiencing hygiene poverty at UNM. Please look through my website for more documentation of my project and processes.