Ninety percent of adult smokers begin this deadly addiction as teenagers or earlier. As a result, youth are critical and powerful voices in the fight against tobacco. They encourage their peers to be tobacco-free, stand up to the tobacco industry and its deceptive marketing, and urge elected leaders to take action. Through our Youth Initiatives, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids fosters young leaders who are striving to make the next generation tobacco-free.
KICK BUTTS DAY
Kick Butts Day is a national day of activism that empowers youth to stand out, speak up and seize control against tobacco. Each year, over 1,000 events take place across the United States and on military bases around the world. These events highlight the harmful consequences of tobacco use, the tobacco industry’s marketing tactics that lure kids into addiction and the proven solutions that can win the fight against tobacco.LEARN MORE
TAKING DOWN TOBACCO TRAINING PROGRAM
Taking Down Tobacco is our comprehensive youth advocacy training program created in partnership with the CVS Health Foundation. The program educates, empowers and engages youth through online and in-person trainings. It engages new youth in the fight against tobacco and provides in-depth training to help young leaders take their advocacy to the next level.LEARN MORE
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT ALLIANCE
The Youth Engagement Alliance (YEA) for Tobacco Control provides technical assistance and support to adult coordinators who work with youth across the U.S. YEA’s mission is to cultivate and advance strategies for youth engagement and advocacy in tobacco control by providing support, networking, training and resources for those working with youth.LEARN MORE
NATIONAL YOUTH AMBASSADORS
Our National Youth Ambassadors are high school students who have demonstrated leadership in fighting tobacco in their communities. These advocates are chosen annually as representatives of their state through a competitive application process. They receive training at a week-long Youth Advocacy Symposium in Washington, D.C., and participate in activities throughout the year.
YOUTH ADVOCATES OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Each year, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids honors outstanding youth advocates who are leading the way to the first tobacco-free generation. We recognize one national winner, four regional winners and one group winner at a gala in Washington, D.C. These young leaders educate their peers about tobacco use and advocate for proven solutions to fight tobacco use at the local, state and national levels. Honorees receive scholarships and grants to continue their advocacy and become part of the National Youth Ambassadors program.LEARN MORE
