YOUTH COUNCIL.

Peer-to-peer education and activism.

Youth Council.

One of the most effective ways of reducing teen smoking and vaping is changing the norm among youth through peer-to-peer outreach. At Coalition for Tobacco-Free Hawai‘i (CTFH), we’re working with youth advocates to reframe tobacco use as the “uncool” exception, not the rule. Not only do we work with dedicated young people through our Youth Council to lead peer-to-peer presentations in their community and organize awareness events, we also fight for policy change at the local and state level.

By joining the Youth Council, you can be one of many young leaders in middle school, high school, and college who are ready to FIGHT back against Big Tobacco. Protecting youth and young adults from tobacco marketing, initiation, and use is critically important and who better to lead this effort than those most affected: our students! Create new goals, strategies, and help change public policy with the support of other Youth Council members, CTFH, and Hawai‘i Public Health Institute staff. The Youth Council is statewide with students representing six islands. Each member serves a one-year repeatable term representing their school and community. Be part of the change!

APPLY TO JOIN THE YOUTH COUNCIL!

To be eligible you must be a student in middle, high school or college. Applications are accepted year-round.

Expectations:

Participate in Our Youth-Led Statewide Events
Fall online events include: Youth Council Kickoff (9/19/20), Awareness Planning Workshop (10/17/20), Policy Summit (11/14/20).
Winter and spring events: Dates to be determined.
Complete Taking Down Tobacco Curriculum
Complete the short online course.
Deliver a peer-to-peer presentation
Either as an individual or as part of a team (and with our support).
Be Visible
Help organize or participate in an awareness event at your school or in your community.

Benefits:

Be Part of Something Big!
Be part of a statewide movement that passed the first tobacco 21 law in the country and made all vehicles smoke-free, with minors present, in all counties.
Make New Connections and Meet Allies
Meet and collaborate with students and public health experts from across the state.
Represent Your School
Represent your school and community in meetings with community leaders and elected officials.
Enhance your resume and college applications
Develop new skills that will make you stand out in college and job applications.

CLICK TO APPLY

Youth Council Events.

Youth Council Kickoff 2020-2021

The 2020-2021 annual kickoff is online from 9:30AM – 12:00PM, Saturday, September 19:
• Meet the 2020 – 2021 Youth Council Leadership Team.
• Hear about all the Youth Council does.
• Meet Youth Council members from across the state.
• Learn how to conduct virtual Peer-to-Peer Presentations.

My favorite part of the kickoff was:

“Practicing the taking down tobacco presentation because it helped us learn it better.”

“I really like working in small groups and getting a chance to work on our presentation skills.”

“Making friends that want to better society.”

Quotes were submitted anonymously on a feedback survey.

CLICK TO APPLY TO THE YOUTH COUNCIL

2020 Youth Council Awareness Activities Workshop

The 2020 Youth Council Awareness Activities Workshop is 9:30AM – 12:00PM, Saturday, October 17.

Bonding activities with other YC members.
Create awareness events for your school and community through hands on activities.
Strategic planning sessions.
Island-based breakout sessions.

My favorite part of the day:

“The whole day was fun and focused. My favorite part was the integration of islands because I got to know the other high school students.”

“Both the activity and being able to work with a group on strategies for our own island.”

“Participating in the small group key message sharing.”

Quotes were submitted anonymously on a feedback survey.

CLICK TO APPLY TO THE YOUTH COUNCIL

2020 Youth Council Policy Summit

The 2020 Youth Council Policy Summit is 9:30AM – 12:00PM, Saturday, November 14.

Discover how a Bill becomes a law and how youth can influence the process.
Learn about the Youth Council’s Policy Priority.
Develop messaging around the policy priority.
Hear directly from lawmakers on the importance of the youth voice.

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 Hawaii and it is making news on the mainland.”

“I liked making friends that want to better society.”

Quotes were submitted anonymously on a feedback survey.

CLICK TO APPLY TO THE YOUTH COUNCIL

Take Down Tobacco Day 2021

We still hope to hold an in person Take Down Tobacco Day depending on the status of COVID-19 and public gathering rules in place for next spring. Check back for more information in early 2021 (details below relate to previous events).

Policy Priority Review.
How a Bill Becomes a Law.
How to speak to Legislators.
March to the Capitol/Sign Waving.
Group meetings with individual Legislators.
Breakfast and lunch included.

In the past, students from across the state had gathered to stand up and speak out against Big Tobacco. Activities had included a morning educational session, youth rally, sign waving, and meetings with legislators.

What was the most valuable thing you learned at Take Down Tobacco Day? (formerly known as Kick Butts Day):

“We can make a difference.”

“How long a process it is for a bill to become a law.”

“How to speak to legislators and that they want to hear from us.”

Quotes were submitted anonymously on a feedback survey.

See Kick Butts Day 2019 photos.

See Kick Butts Day 2018 photos.

CLICK TO APPLY TO THE YOUTH COUNCIL

Ready to jump in? Have questions?

OUR YOUTH COORDINATOR WILL GET BACK TO YOU AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.