One of the most effective ways we work is through peer-to-peer outreach. More leaders mean more communities and more youth outreach. This is why it is so important for new leaders to join our cause and make a positive difference through their involvement. Most young people do not understand the extent in which they can generate real change. The Coalition for Tobacco-Free Hawaiʻi works to empower youth and guide them through their career in advocacy and activism.
Youth tobacco use is an epidemic that plagues America’s youth today, which is why we urgently need to stand up against big tobacco. YOU can help us curb teen smoking rates in Hawaiʻi today by joining our Coalition for Tobacco-Free Hawaiʻi Youth Council!
What We Do
Youth Council members are trained in peer-to-peer education using nationally recognized tobacco prevention curriculum. Members are encouraged to share their knowledge in their schools and their community.
Youth work year-round on awareness building projects related to their legislative policy priorities. They develop and execute these projects including presenting to community groups, creating social media campaigns and developing large visual displays.
Council members select policies they want to advocate for at the State and County level. They meet with lawmakers, submit both in-person and written testimony as well as rally public support. Current policy priorities include ending the sale of all flavored tobacco in Hawaiʻi.
The tobacco industry targets people of color, youth, LGBTQ+, and economically disadvantaged communities with their deadly products. We work to raise awareness and advocate for policy change to address the health disparities Big Tobacco profits from.
Tobacco negatively impacts your friend’s and family’s health and has a significant impact on our environment. 1,400 people in Hawaiʻi die every year from a tobacco-related illness. Help us change that.
Our coalition will help you practice and hone in your leadership and activist skills. We work heavily with communities through grassroots approaches and work towards for policy changes on the state level. The council is a very tight-knit group, and we are always excited to welcome new leaders. If you think you can benefit from joining us and can bring valuable work to this youth council, we strongly encourage you to apply today!
What students say:
“My favorite part of the day was figuring out which policy we want to focus on and learning about how this policy has been successful in other places in the U.S.”
“This is student voice driven, adult facilitated, youth are making a difference in Hawaiʻi and it is making news on the mainland.”
“I liked making friends that want to better society.”
Connections
Connect with like-minded peers from across the state and country who are working to make their communities nicotine-free. We hold 4 statewide training events a year that are youth-led and provide additional opportunities to collaborate on school and community projects.