Advocacy in Action at the CTFH Youth Council Workshop

On August 16, the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai’i Youth Council hosted its annual Awareness-Building Workshop, designed to give youth members new tools to raise awareness in their schools and communities while building stronger connections with one another.

The day kicked off with The Great Big Game Show, an interactive activity that set a lively, collaborative tone. Youth members showcased their trivia knowledge, competitiveness, and enthusiasm for connecting with new participants.  

Afterward, the group shifted into brainstorming practical strategies for spreading awareness. Past creative campaigns were highlighted, such as a “slipper drive,” that visually represented the number of youth projected to die prematurely from tobacco use, and a poster display at the State Capitol that tallied tobacco-related deaths that year. These efforts, along with presentations to elected officials and community groups, reflect the Youth Council’s ongoing commitment to creating the first nicotine-free generation in Hawaiʻi.

A growing focus of their advocacy campaign is visibility through social media. While Instagram has traditionally been the Youth Council’s main platform, many members expressed that TikTok now feels more relevant to their peers. As one member explained, “We don’t typically scroll on Instagram or TikTok to keep up with people anymore. We go to the Explore or For You page, where we see videos that grab our attention.”

Another youth added, “We watch a lot of TikTok videos, so we know how to create content that not only entertains but also inspires people to join our coalition to protect youth health.”

Finally, another member shared, “I know from a youth perspective that we tend to watch short form videos like TikTok more than the typical square format. Utilizing this format will help us share our campaign while also targeting a younger audience in a fun and engaging way.”

By leaning into TikTok’s short-form video format, Youth Council members are making their campaigns more accessible, relatable, and engaging for their peers. This shift allows them to share their stories, highlight the ongoing challenges of vaping, and emphasize the importance of youth-led advocacy, all while pushing toward  the ultimate goal of passing statewide protections against nicotine use.

With this digital strategy, the Youth Council is prepared to expand its presence, meet youth where they are, and transform awareness into meaningful action.

Stay connected with us on TikTok @hubforhealth.hi and join us in spreading awareness.