Students Working Against Tobacco give youth the tools they need

Submitted by Gracie Finney

(Source Daytona Times)

      The need for youth to speak up and make their voices heard about the issues they care about is as important as ever, which is why one student-led organization in Florida is leading the way in the fight against the tobacco industry and the addictive products that target youth.

Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) is a statewide youth organization focused on educating, empowering, and mobilizing Florida youth to revolt against and deglamorize Big Tobacco. As a member of the Volusia SWAT chapter, I believe SWAT is an important cause more youth should get involved in. Nicotine doesn’t only affect your lungs, but you can develop mouth, stomach, kidney, and bladder cancers.

Despite significant progress over the years, tobacco and e-cigarette use is still prevalent, and the tobacco industry’s antics must be stopped.

Reduce tobacco influence

SWAT is working to change the social norms associated with tobacco, including e-cigarettes. SWAT has been educating and empowering youth and communities since 1998. SWAT has had several successful initiatives throughout the years.

Not a Replacement’’ was a statewide campaign where thousands of youth reminded tobacco companies that they are unique individuals with the potential to make a positive impact on their community.

“Not a Lab Rat’’ is the current statewide campaign that focuses on the truth behind e-cigarettes and how youth can stop the spread of misinformation. Through such initiatives, SWAT continues to work toward changing the way people think about tobacco, making it less desirable, less acceptable, and less accessible.

My reason for joining SWAT was clear. I joined SWAT after seeing how many youth my age were getting addicted to smoking and vaping.

Joining SWAT helped me by giving me the resources to better educate my community while I develop more knowledge and gain lifelong public speaking skills.

Advocate for change

In our community, the Volusia SWAT chapter helped make a difference by doing many beach clean-ups, showing up to school orientations, participating in our observance, “Not a Lab Rat’’ day, and conducting outreach presentations to get our word out throughout the county.

There is still work to be done to protect our generation and future generations from the tobacco industry. By working with peers, students can create change that will keep tobacco products out of Volusia and improve the health of our family, friends, and community.

SWAT is open to all Florida youth in sixth-12th grade. There is a SWAT chapter in every county in Florida, and some counties also have clubs in schools and community organizations. In Volusia, we have several community clubs across the county and a high school club at Deltona High School.

If you are interested in learning more about SWAT and how youth can get involved, contact Ryan Helmes, Volusia County SWAT coordinator, Ryan@ civcom.com or visit www.SWATFlorida.com.

I hope that in writing this, more youth are inspired to stand up and speak out against the tobacco industry by joining SWAT.