Utilizing Art and Advocacy to Reduce Youth Access to Tobacco

Audience:  Individuals with all levels of experience who seek to learn about policy campaign strategies with respect to engaging youth.

Key Points:   1) How to implement a successful policy campaign model in diverse communities to protect youth from tobacco access. Since 2004, Glendale Adventist Medical Center has implemented a five-phase policy campaign model that includes community needs assessment (youth access surveys, community resources assessment); policy campaign strategies (strong media campaigns, educating key opinion leaders); coalition building/advocacy; policy implementation; and evaluation. 2) As a result of this model, the innovative Youth Art and Advocacy Program was developed to engage youth in policy activities. Teen students participate in an eight-week after-school program, utilizing mixed media instruction and hands-on creative art making as an outlet of expression for students. The objective is for students to learn how art supports civic engagement and community empowerment. Students develop talking points and conduct presentations to city and community leaders, as well as to their peers. They also develop anti-tobacco public service announcements. Besides art and advocacy, students learn about the dangers of tobacco and how the tobacco industry’s visual marketing campaigns have influenced youth. Additionally, the program fills a gap of needed art and health programs eliminated from budget-limited school curriculums.

Educational Experience:  Attendees will participate in hands-on mixed media and skills building activities utilized in the Youth Art and Advocacy Program.

Benefits: Attendees will be able to apply strategies (awareness building, leadership and advocacy skills, and tobacco control education among youth) at their organizations.