4101.2: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - Board 2

Abstract #9404

Engaging Youth in Tobacco Control Activities

Deborah P. Brown, MS, CHES, American Lung Association/Tobacco Free Delaware, 1021 Gilpin Avenue, Ste. 202, Wilmington, DE 19806, 302-655-7258, N/A

Delaware youth are becoming empowered to create changes in tobacco use behavior. Tobacco Free Delaware(TFD) has partnered with Delaware's youth to form the Delaware Kick Butts Generation (DeKBG). The KBG is a dedicated group of teens who have a strong personal interest and commitment to tobacco prevention. In the past year, the KBG has developed a strategic plan that outlines four important goals: 1)to decrease the initiation of tobacco use by youth;this is being accomplished by supporting and developing creative prevention programs through a variety of organizations, including Teens Against Tobacco Use (TATU), YELL, Student Councils, 4-H, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, faith based community groups and other teen programs; 2) to increase the participation in the KBG through increased media coverage, web pages, newsletters and networking; 3) to monitor and support public policies on tobacco-related issues; the KBG is committed to reducing exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, and more effectively limiting access to tobacco products by children; and 4) to increase the successful quit rates among teens-through the promotion of the Not On Tobacco teen cessation program to schools, wellness centers and community based organizations. Due to the change over in youth leadership and the limits inherent in young peoples' free time, TFD recognizes that it will take a few years to reach our youth participant and program objectives. The adult volunteers and staff involved with Tobacco Free Delaware are satisfied with the progress of our youth movement to date and their accomplishments, and anticipate a productive and successful future.

Learning Objectives: The attendees will gain an understanding of: 1) what it takes to work with youth on tobacco control; 2) how coalitions can combine resources from the public and private sectors to achieve outcomes; 3) what elements are needed to ensure media coverage and community action

Keywords: Tobacco Control, Youth

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Teens Against Tobacco Use/ Not On Tobacco - American Lung Association
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA