It’s no secret that there is some friendly (or sometimes unfriendly) generational rivalry. Like the great debate about technology; can you guess which generation is the most tech savvy or which is a CEO but can’t convert a file to a PDF? Between boomers, millennials, and Gen Z, I think it’s fair to say that Gen Z gets the most jabs thrown their way. Sure, Gen Z has their fair share of critics, but let’s face it – they’re flipping the script on these stereotypes. With outspoken public figures like Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai leading the charge, these young activists are rewriting the narrative about their generation. Lititz’s own Mallory Dodson is set to become our local embodiment of Gen Z’s power and potential. Mallory is demonstrating how young people are actively shaping their communities and paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
She has experienced and accomplished things at just 18 years old that some people never do. She is well traveled and is invested in her education, having studied abroad in Denmark as well as being enrolled in AP classes here at Warwick high school. She is active within Warwick’s national honor society as well as contributing to her community after class. Recently, she organized a period product drive to benefit the Warwick Community Chest which is a local food bank that provides assistance for those in need within Warwick’s school district.
You may have seen some of her artwork in the form of posters or donation boxes during the Lititz Fire and Ice festival a few weeks ago. She received over $100 of monetary donations that will go towards purchasing period products that will be donated to the Warwick Community Chest, as well as directly receiving period products via collection boxes placed at local shops around town. While generational stereotypes often paint Gen Z in a certain light, Mallory’s work serves as a reminder that this generation is much more than the labels they’re given. Her drive, ambition, and commitment to making a difference are challenging the preconceived notions about Gen Z’s abilities and potential.
Want to donate to the cause? There’s still time! Donate to @thecrochetcottage on Venmo. All proceeds benefit the Warwick Community Chest.
Instagram: periodproducts717
In today’s political and social climate, many people are struggling to adjust to the vast changes made by our current president. Including the stress of potentially losing access to healthcare or healthcare resources, specifically reproductive healthcare, is a growing concern for many people inside and outside of our community. Not to mention the growing price of groceries, gas, and every day items is also putting strain on everyone’s wallet. Period poverty, meaning the inability to access menstrual hygiene products due to financial constraints or other means, affects millions of people with periods every day. The shame and stigma that surrounds periods makes it an even more difficult topic to discuss, and many people are unfamiliar with the concept of period poverty.
It takes caring and courageous people to start a movement to help others who are statistically underserved or underrepresented. Mallory is helping to shine a light on issues that most people would rather ignore, and channeling her passion for helping others into her project. The period product drive is part of Mallory’s Girl Scout Gold Award project. Only Girl Scout Seniors (grades 9-10) and Ambassadors (grades 11-12) are eligible to pursue the Gold Award. Gold Award Girl Scouts choose an issue that effects their community and that they are passionate about. Then develop a plan to address it, aiming for sustainable, measurable, and lasting impact. Mallory’s plans don’t stop with her period product drive, she plans to develop a website based on educating people about period poverty and similar issues. While showing them resources specific to their own community, so that they can do their own drives locally.
There is already so much stigma surrounding periods, but there are many issues surrounding menstruation that others never consider unless it affects them directly. Another recent change made by the current president was to remove the Obama era guidance given to US public schools as part of Title IX that allowed transgender students to use toilets matching their gender identity. For a minute, put yourself in the position of a teen who is transgender, non-binary or gender non conforming. You’re menstruating, your identity has become a hot topic among people who will never relate to your experience, and now you are being told to use a bathroom where you do not feel comfortable. It is common for these individuals to experience gender dysphoria during their cycle, which can lead to heightened stress and anxiety. Where you go to the bathroom should not be an added stress. Using public restrooms is a basic right and an undeniable necessity; everyone uses bathrooms and everyone deserves to be comfortable and treated with respect when they do.
Periods are typically associated with femininity (and the pink tax but we don’t have time for THAT topic in this article, stay tuned). Pads, tampons, and even period underwear are normally covered in hyper feminine colors and patterns. Everyday pads are only designed to fit “regular” styles of “women’s” underwear. There are even pads and panty liners designed to fit thong style underwear, BUT not boxers or brief style since those are considered “masculine”. The absolute last thing I want to put on during my period is a thong, seriously? This is another example of the ways that products designed for people who menstruate do not reflect the needs of the people who actually use them.
We need more young individuals like Mallory to stand up and shine a light on these issues for the sake of our communities. There is a widening generational divide, but now is the time for everyone to come together to support one another despite our differences. I truly believe if more people were passionate and stood up for others in the way that Mallory has, the world would be a better place. She is intelligent, driven, and an absolute pleasure to talk to. Keep an eye out for any of her future endeavors, or check out her social media to follow along on her Gold Star Project journey.
Femme Forward - Lancaster, PA 
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