Influencing policy, sustainability, and social norms through chapter-based youth programs

Audience:

Tobacco control professionals working on policy change, youth prevention, and sustainability.

Key Points:

In 2009, the Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program (MTCP) introduced a model in which schools and community-based youth groups register to become a chapter of The 84 Movement. Because The 84 engages existing youth groups instead of forming new groups, it has proven to be a sustainable model. The 84 follows CDC best practices of engaging youth in activities such as media advocacy, forming community and school linkages, and advancing policies with the purpose of denormalizing tobacco use.  Young people coordinate with local health boards and community programs to educate community stakeholders and build awareness through local media. 

 Their successes include local bans on selling tobacco in pharmacies, banning the sale of single cheap cigars, and convincing stakeholders to pass resolutions.  Through participation in Kick Butts Day visits to state legislators, young people from The 84 have raised the profile of the issue of tobacco products other than cigarettes.  This stakeholder education has resulted in the legislature’s prevention caucus making other tobacco products one of their priority issues.

Educational Experience:

Participants will be able to describe how chapter-based statewide youth programs can help change policies, promote sustainability, and influence social norms.

Benefits:

A chapter-based statewide youth program has the benefit of being a cost-effective way to create local policy change and promote positive social norms while educating state legislators about tobacco issues.