The 
Cycle Alliance Is a Gender-Inclusive Period Advocacy Program
The Cycle Alliance is a menstrual equity initiative geared towards teens that aims to destigmatize and de-gender conversations about menstruation; combat period poverty; and empower teens to advocate for social causes. Teens will participate in programs where they will learn how to advocate for menstrual equity; identify misinformation; and express their creativity through writing, drawing, or developing videos for the library’s teen blog and social media accounts.
Cycle Alliance Values:
- Menstrual equity is for for all who menstruate.
- Periods are a natural and biological event that are not shameful.
- Menstruators should have access to free or low-cost menstrual hygiene products.
- New York prisons, shelters, public middle and high schools should provide free period products.
- A mandatory, accurate, and up-to-date sex ed curriculum in schools that destigmatizes menstruation.
- Avoiding superstitious, offensive or hurtful language when talking about periods.
- To teach people who “just don’t get it" by using facts.
- Accepting that menstruation begins in childhood, and shouldn't be associated with becoming an adult or the ability to have babies because that unintentionally sexualizes a child who is neither physically nor emotionally ready to think about sexual relationships or parenthood.
Resources:
- "All About Periods." Source: Nemours KidsHealth
- "Doctors Answer Commonly Googled Period Questions." Source: YouTube
- "People with Disabilities Have Periods Too, & We Need to Talk About That." Source: SheKnows
- "Period Poverty Resources at the Library." Source: Public Libraries Online
- "Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle." Source: Womenshealth.gov
- "The Launch Pad: Your go-to for Resources for Menstrual Equity Activism." Source: Period, the Menstrual Movement
- "Guidance for Providing Respectful Menstruation Related Care To TGNB Patient Populations." Source: Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health
- The Pad Project, The Pad Project’s mission is to create and cultivate local and global partnerships to end period stigma and to empower women worldwide
BKLYN Incubator is supported by generous funding provided by The Charles H. Revson Foundation and Robin K. and Jay L. Lewis.
Upcoming Events
The Cycle Alliance's Period Pantry at Brooklyn Heights!
If you are are a Teen in between the ages of 13 and 18, take a look at our period pantry located in the Game Room or ask someone at the front desk.
Our period pantry is in alliance with ‘Cycle Alliance’ here at Brooklyn Public Library.
Our pantry contains pads, tampons and both…
Free Sew Hours
Completed the Sewing Machine Workshop and want to start your projects up? Come to this self-guided program to get access to a sewing machine for free! Space limited to 2 patrons per session, limited to one sign-up a month. Sign-up at the desk or by calling (718) 437-4085
Must have…
Perspectives: A photography class presented by Extreme Kids & Crew
In this program, teens will have the opportunity to engage in visual conversations related to identity, community, and social justice through the art of photography. Participants will learn about documentary photography and the history of photography in social justice to develop a better…
Teen Tech Time
Do you want to explore new and old games? No time to make new friends? Join us at our Teen Tech Time program where you can play various games in a friendly, competitive environment, or just hang out.
DIY Fuse Bead Keychains
Teens ages 11–18 are invited to get crafty and design their own unique keychains using colorful fuse beads! Create pixel art inspired by your favorite characters, symbols, or original designs, then turn them into fun…
Teen Time: Video Games
Come play video games at the library! We've got a PS4, a Switch, and a Wii, or you can just come and hangout!
Teen Studying & DIY Hangout
A space for teens to study, craft (we make buttons, zines, collages, vision boards, bead jewelry, knit, crochet), and hangout with snacks. For ages 12-17.
Teen Keyboarding
Curious about keyboarding? Come learn how to play at the library! We'll set you up with easy-to-follow online video lessons, so you can learn at your own pace.
We provide the keyboard, digital device, and headphones. You bring your can-do attitude and you'll be playing in no time!
…
Lo-fi Hip-hop Study Hall
Come in and chill out for an hour. Get creative, play some games, read a book to some sick tunes. We meet every Friday. Snacks provided.
Staff Picks
- Ready, Steady, Flow
- Changing Bodies and Puberty
- Relationships and Sex Primer for Teens
Online Resources
Findhelp.org
National directory of social service organizations.
Gale General OneFile
General interest and scholarly periodicals, radio, video and travel guides.
Gale In Context: Middle School
Gale In Context: Middle School is a Gale database created specifically for middle school students, combining…
Gale OneFile: Health and Medicine
Resources relating to health studies.
Hite: Health Information Tool for Empowerment
Directory of free and low cost health and social services programs.
MasterFILE Premier
Full text articles covering a broad range of subjects including general reference, business, education,…