Wait… What’s a Nonprofit? (And Why It Might Be My Thing)

Wednesday, June 26, 2024
So I want to tell you about something I learned recently that kind of blew my mind a little: I learned what a nonprofit is.

Before, I didn’t really know that word. I just knew I wanted to help people. I was making Empower Her care kits and giving them out at my school and to others who needed them, and that made me feel good...like I was doing something that mattered. 

But then, I heard my mom say, “Wow, you’re basically running a nonprofit!”
And I was like… What’s that?

So I asked more about nonprofits, I looked it up, and learned that a nonprofit is an organization that exists to help people, not to make money for someone. They raise money or get donations so they can do good things... like support communities, protect the environment, help animals, or in my case… make sure people have period products when they need them.

When I learned that, something kind of clicked.
I thought: Wait. This is a real thing? Helping people like this can be a whole job? A real-life mission?

It made me feel excited and curious, like maybe this is what I want to do—not just as a project for school or a Girl Scout project, but something I really care about for a long time. I don’t know exactly what’s next, but I do know that learning about nonprofits helped me see that what I’m doing matters and there’s a whole world of people out there trying to do good things, just like me.

And that?


That makes me want to keep going.

Thanks for reading,


Ava

Restocking with Capital Region Menstrual Health

Tuesday, May 7, 2024
I got the chance to do something really special. I helped restock period pantries with an amazing organization called Capital Region Menstrual Health. They’ve been doing this work for a while, and I was super excited when I got to help place period products in their already existing pantries around the area. I attended a period party earlier this year and it was actually organized by Capital Region Menstrual Health. 

We went to different locations where the pantries are placed within the community and filled them with things like pads, liners, and wipes. It felt really good to know that someone walking by could take what they needed, no questions asked.

I learned a lot about how much work goes into keeping these pantries full and cared for. It’s not just about putting products in a box—it’s about making sure people in the community feel supported and seen. I also realized just how quickly products go in some areas and pantries compared to others. Some pantries have to be filled more times in the week and I really was excited to be able to fill the pantries that are used more often.

Helping restock showed me that this isn’t just a local issue... period poverty is everywhere, and there are so many people working to make it better. It also gave me ideas for how I want to set up Empower Her pantries of my own once we move. That's right! We are moving back to Washington. Everything I learned from helping out and growing my own cause made me feel even more sure that this is the right path for me.

Thank you Capital Region Menstrual Health for letting me be part of your mission! I’ll always be cheering you on from across the country.

Stay empowered,


Ava




Big News (Literally!): My First Interview with CBS 6 in New York

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

I Earned My Bronze Award!

Thursday, March 21, 2024

 




I officially earned my Girl Scout Bronze Award and I feel so happy and excited!
The Bronze Award is the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can earn, and it takes a lot of work, planning, and dedication.

Receiving my Bronze Award feels like a huge accomplishment, but I know this is just the beginning. There’s so much more I want to do, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

— Ava

Almost Finished With School Deliveries

Friday, March 8, 2024





I’m so excited because I'm almost finished delivering Empower Her Care Kits to schools! It’s been a lot of work, but I am really glad I was able to do this.


This time, I went to more schools in the school district next to mine to make sure as many students as possible have the supplies they need.


Seeing this project grow has been really cool. When I first started, I wasn’t sure how many schools would want the kits, but now so many schools have them! There are only a few more deliveries left and I get to submit my project to Girl Scouts to see if I get my Bronze award!


— Ava

Delivering Kits to Six Schools in One Day

Monday, March 4, 2024







On my half-day of school, I spent the afternoon doing something really important...dropping off Empower Her Care Kits at six different schools!

It was a lot of running around, but it felt amazing to keep getting these kits into the hands of people who need them. Each school I visited was another place where students wouldn’t have to worry about finding period products.

Walking into each building with my kits, I felt proud knowing that this project is making a real difference. Some schools had already heard about the kits, which was really cool, and others were excited to start making them available. Seeing how supportive everyone is keeps me motivated to keep going.

I can’t wait to do more!

— Ava

I Got a Letter Back from Senator Neil Breslin

Wednesday, February 28, 2024




I never expected to get a letter back from a senator, but that actually happened!

A little while ago, I sent a letter to Senator Neil Breslin asking about period products in schools. I wanted to know more about what was being done to make sure students had access to what they need according to New York State Law. I wasn’t sure if he would even see my letter, but he did and he wrote back!

When I opened his response, it felt really cool to know that someone in government took the time to read what I had to say. It made me realize that even though I’m a kid, my voice matters.

Getting this letter back showed me that people are paying attention, and that if you ask questions and speak up, someone will listen. I’m excited to keep learning and finding ways to make a difference.

— Ava