How Being a Skimmbassador Helped Me Start a Tampon Drive

Sometime last year I stumbled upon The Skimm: An informative email delivered to my inbox every morning that covered everything from politics to sports and everything in between. I loved it.

First off, as a mom, my article-reading time has diminished greatly. Mornings that used to be spent perusing my local newspaper are now spent chasing three beautiful girls. Breakfasts, lunch boxes, pig-tails, teeth checks. I drink my coffee cold, brewed an hour early. I don't have time for news. 

Then there's my writing. A couple years ago, I started to take my hobby seriously. I wrote a book, edited a book, and started querying agents. It's why I have this blog. To chronicle the process and highlight twitter pitch contests. Needless to say, it's tireless. Between the three kids, the two dogs, and a husband with a schedule all his own; keeping up to date on current events is a challenge.

If it didn't involve Daniel Tiger, organic kid-friendly snacks, and researching the effects of dual-language charter programs I probably wouldn't have time to read it. 

So I got the Skimm. I loved being informed again. Having something to say when my friends brought up current events. I even had sources and links to bipartisan news sources in my email so I could contribute to REAL adult conversation!

It was life changing. 

So, I shared it with everyone I knew. Then I got this weird little email telling me that I was now considered a "Skimmbassador." It meant I got a Skimm tote and access to a group of like minded women (and a few men).

Those women and men (there are almost 9,000 now) have changed my life. With the dynamic of our country changing, so has the group in certain ways, but the best parts have stayed the same. The desire to stay informed and support one another in group endeavors. I have watched families grown, women start organizations and non-profits, I've even helped with a few wedding hashtags. 

Then a few months back, I saw an article posted about the need for tampons in homeless shelters. One girl started a drive in her area. I was inspired! Why didn't people think about tampons and women's sanitary needs as priorities? 

For those of you who don't know I live in Anchorage, AK. The winters here are rough, and unfortunately we have a large homeless community. I couldn't imagine going without this basic necessity. I started a drive called "28 Days" to raise awareness, money, and women's sanitary items to support two local women's shelters. AWAIC and New Hope. 

The Skimmbassador program helped me realize a cause that needed support, and my Skimmbassador sisters and brothers helped me pave a path to do it. Thank you so much!  

If you are in the Anchorage area and would like to help/donate a box of tampons, please consider joining my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1862971947276084/

If you would like to donate financially, please consider visiting my Gofundme page: 
www.gofundme.com/28-days

Lastly and most importantly, if you are interested in getting the Skimm sent to your inbox every day, follow this magical little link and sign up: 
http://www.theskimm.com/?r=49096ebc