Menstrual Equity at the Central Texas Regional Championship
At the Central Texas Regional Tournament this weekend, we set up easy-to-access stations stocked with free menstrual products!
OUTREACH
3/7/20261 min read
My post content
Innovation with Compassion: TechnoWizards 16458 as Ambassadors of M.E. FIRST
The TechnoWizards believe that FIRST is about more than just robotics—it’s about building inclusive, supportive communities where everyone can thrive. That’s why we are proud to serve as ambassadors of the M.E. FIRST initiative, a transformative program dedicated to providing free menstrual products at FIRST competitions.
Breaking Barriers
The M.E. FIRST initiative (Menstrual Equity in FIRST) works to ensure that menstrual products are available at robotics competitions so that no participant has to worry about access during an event. Menstrual equity is a vital but often overlooked aspect of accessibility and dignity.
For many students, access to menstrual products can be a challenge, creating unnecessary stress and distraction—especially in high-pressure environments like FIRST competitions.. By providing free menstrual products, the initiative helps make sure that everyone can focus on what matters most—learning, collaborating, and competing.
As ambassadors for the program, we helped bring this effort to our local competition by organizing and distributing supplies for teams and volunteers throughout the venue.
What We’re Doing
Providing Free Menstrual Products: At the Central Texas Regional Tournament this weekend, we're setting up easy-to-access stations stocked with free menstrual products in our pit and in the bathroom. This initiative helps ensure no one feels left behind or embarrassed due to a lack of resources.
Raising Awareness: We are actively educating our peers and the broader FIRST community about menstrual equity, breaking down stigma, and encouraging open, supportive conversations.
Leading by Example: As ambassadors, we inspire other teams to adopt similar practices, fostering a culture of care and inclusivity throughout the FIRST ecosystem.
Why It Matters
Menstrual equity is about more than just products—it’s about respecting dignity, empowering participation, and promoting health. By championing this cause, we help to create a more equitable environment where every competitor can perform at their best without unnecessary obstacles.