swatblog

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Dear Big Tobacco,

Dear Big Tobacco,

 AMERICANS, approximately 24 million have asthma. The surprising fact, 21% of Americans who smoke have asthma. Asthma is the leading chronic disease in children; almost, 6.3 million of them have asthma. These are detrimental numbers that you, big tobacco, have yet to take into account. 

Sincerely asthma victims. We like… no we need to breathe. Secondhand smoke - smoke inhaled involuntarily from tobacco being smoked by others- is deadly. People with asthma are forever breathing in 7,000 chemicals from second-hand smoke and let’s not forget Big Tobacco’s greatest threat, the 70 chemicals that cause cancer. It is because of you, Big Tobacco that approximately 41,280 innocent bystanders of tobacco smoke die each year. Nonsmokers who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work have almost double the risk of heart disease. That translates to about 50,000 fatal heart attacks a year in nonsmokers. This is all effects of you, big tobacco.

Thoughts to take into consideration. Children of mothers who smoked during pregnancy are more likely to have lung problems and are 10 times more likely to develop asthma. Children who breathe secondhand smoke are more likely to get pneumonia, bronchitis, breathing problems that don't get better, and poor lung function. These are perfect lungs that can never be given back. In 2011, the asthma rate for African-Americans was 47 percent higher than for whites, and with a statement from RJ Reynolds we can only expect it.  “We just sell it. We reserve the right to smoke for the young, the poor, the black and stupid.”

  Habit of tobacco is devastating. Tobacco is so addicting that tobacco indulgers would spend their last penny on tobacco products rather than essentials such as food, education, and heath care. Statically, tobacco is just as addictive as cocaine and heroin. It is because of you, Big tobacco, that many humans find their weakness in tobacco. Scientist have long recognized that cigarettes raise the risk for later use of illicit drugs. Eventually tobacco becomes not enough for the user … just like any drug.

Mysteriously Deceiving. Tobacco is still the leading cause of preventable death in the world. 6 million people die each year due to tobacco, however the number of deaths do not compare to the number of people who get hooked each day. Tobacco companies use Point of Sale to catch the eye of their victims. 

Advocate for change. We will advocate for change against you, Big tobacco. Just as our friends begin fall victim to your lies, we will detour them form your road of deception. We will expose your fabrication in the best way we know how, by advocating.

                                                                                              By: Ja’Toria Stephens

Reminder: State conference call May 25th at 8:30 P.M. EST/ 7:30 P.M. CT

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Earth Day, #ChewisEww and Smokeless Tobacco

YAB and SWAT are always working to bring awareness to issues in present day life. This month we focus on the Earth (Earth day), chew tobacco and smokeless tobacco. Earth day is April 22nd this year. Earth day is a day set aside to bring awareness to and demonstrate support for environmental protection. The observance of this day was first celebrated in 1970, and is said to have been first introduced by Senator Gaylord Nelson. Many events all around the world are held on April 22 to help the Earth; for example, beach clean ups, marathons, educational events and much more. Tobacco affects the Earth by littering, polluting and many other ways. Most of the time when someone smokes a cigarette they throw it on the ground afterwards, this can lead to animals eating it or the cigarette ending up in the ocean (which in result can pollute the ocean and sea creatures can then eat it). Will you help this observance day by holding an event? You can have educating events, clean ups, or even hang posters that include the effects of pollution.

This month’s hashtag is #nopuffzone, next month’s hashtag will be #chewiseww. Chew is a smokeless tobacco product. Smokeless tobacco also comes in many other forms including snuff, dip, snus, and dissolvable products (including sticks, strips, etc.). Many people think that smokeless tobacco products are not as bad as smoking a cigarette, so they have an excuse to do it. Products like these are either equally bad, or even worse. Big Tobacco companies often disguise their products by making the packaging similar to popular candy brands. They also include flavors like strawberry, cherry and many others to entice teenagers to buy their products. After all, they need replacements for all the customers that die each year from tobacco products. They target teenagers and young adults as their main replacements. SWAT and YAB are here to make sure everyone is educated about tobacco products.

You can start planning events for next month, the hashtag will be #chewiseww! We also want to see what you’re doing this month! Make sure you use our monthly hashtag #nopuffzone for any events you might be doing in your local SWAT chapter!

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Kick Butts Day 2017

What is Kick Butts Day? Kick Butts Day is a national day of activism that empowers youth to stand out, speak up and seize control against Big Tobacco. Many countries all across the world come together to raise awareness of the problem of tobacco use in their state or community, encourage youth to reject the tobacco industry's deceptive marketing and stay tobacco-free. On Kick Butts Day, youth urge elected officials to take action to protect kids from tobacco. Many High school and Middle school SWAT chapters will be passing out surveys, having a kickball event, and even talking to county commissioners!                    

 Why is Kick Butts Day important? Every day more than 3,000 youth under 18 try smoking for the first time and 700 youth become new regular, daily smokers. Tobacco use is still the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., killing more than 480,000 people every year. By getting involved in Kick Butts Day, America’s youth can raise awareness about the tobacco problem, encourage peers to be tobacco-free and support effective solutions to reduce tobacco use.                       

 Having trouble coming up with activities for your SWAT chapter to do for Kick Butts Day? Not a problem! Whether its High school chapters or Middle school chapters we have some ideas both ages will love. Number one, Tobacco 101 Jeopardy - the goal of this activity is to provide an educational resource and interactive game to increase your group’s knowledge on tobacco. Two, Point-of-Sale Scavenger Hunt- the purpose of this activity is to raise awareness and inform youth about the marketing strategies tobacco companies use. The scavenger hunt also educates youth on how Big Tobacco’s strategies target kids to start smoking and equips youth with strategies they can use to create change in their community to limit the deadly influence of the tobacco industry. Contact Your Legislators, Pick a policy issue, and advocate to your legislators (local, state or even Federal) asking them to support or vote against a tobacco policy. Make sure that your elected officials hear your voice! Show us what you and your chapter do for Kick Butts Day with the hashtag #iKickButts

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Go Bananas for May's SWAT Call!!

Join us on May 26, 2016 at 8:30pm ET / 7:30pm CT -  Register for the call at the following link to receive an email with information about joining the webinar: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5117660750592121858.

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SWATLight- Jonah, Sarasota County

Jonah Mundy from Sarasota County has been announced as the recipient of the Sarasota Coalition Against Substance Abuse 2016 Student Shining Star Award for all his dedication and hard work in fighting against tobacco products.

Jonah received the award for being an active member of Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT). He currently serves as the co-President of the high school SWAT club at Pine View School, and he is also Vice President of a select group known as Sarasota County SWAT Leadership. Additionally, Jonah has served as Vice-Chair of the Tobacco Free Partnership of Sarasota County for the past two years. 

During his time as a SWAT member, Jonah has demonstrated that he is an exemplary leader and is truly committed to the mission and purpose of SWAT, which is to reduce tobacco use among youth and the community. Jonah has been an enthusiastic and dedicated leader for both SWAT and the Tobacco Free Partnership for three years.

Jonah has gained national recognition for his work with SWAT by placing in two national PSA contests sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids. He has also represented Sarasota County at regional SWAT events and several local events, including the annual Sarasota Holiday Parade.

Would you like to shine the SWATLight on a youth advocate in your county? Please submit stories of SWAT successes to Laura.Corbin@flhealth.gov.

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Join April's Statewide SWAT Call

The Statewide SWAT call is going green on April 28, 2016 at 8:30pm ET / 7:30pm CT - Register at the following link to receive a confirmation email with information about joining the webinar: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5117660750592121858. See u there!

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A YAB How-To: How to Make a PSA Using Just a Cell Phone

Before the twenty-first century developing PSAs took an immense amount of time. However, with the emergence of ‘smart’ technology it is possible for anyone to create a PSA. Follow the steps below to get started!

Time Estimate: 30 - 60 minutes

1. Develop a script

Come up with an idea for your PSA and highlight your most important points. Establish them in a creative way that will effectively deliver your message. Take the time to make your script amazing; it will make a difference. Watch viral PSAs for inspiration.

2. Establish a setting

You can use almost any area when shooting your PSA, but it’s best to have a clean, open area for filming. A cluttered setting will take away from your PSAs effectiveness. If an open area isn’t available to you, try using a blank wall as a background. The cleaner the shot, the better the results.

3. Lights, Camera, Action!

Now it’s your time to shine. Get your film crew together and shoot your PSA! A fancy camera isn’t necessary, just use your smartphone. Most smartphones have camera resolutions of high quality cameras. If a stand is available to you, shoot using the stand. However, if you don’t have a stand, try to keep the camera as stable as possible. Shaky film will take away from your points.

4. Edit

Most phones are equipped with an editing feature. Find the video in your camera roll and adjust it until you are content.

5. Post to Social Media

Show your PSA to the world! For branding purposes, share your video with friends and use hashtags. Here is an example of a PSA that was quickly created at a Region 1 SWAT event during a media advocacy training session using just a smart phone!

Thanks for reading, SWAT-ters! If you make a PSA related to SWAT, feel free to tag us on social media and we’ll share your video with the state! Have a wonderful day.

By Victoria Galvan, Chair, Statewide SWAT Youth Advocacy Board

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Welcome April's Hashtag: #SWATGoes Green

During the month of April, SWAT members can post pics and status updates to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #SWATGoesGreen. The county with the most posts will be crowned "Most Engaged SWAT" for the month of April!

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SWATLight - Paige, Bay County

On March 24 Gulf Coast State College WKGC Station Manager, Emily Balaze interviewed SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) member Paige Stieglitz and Tobacco Prevention Specialist Peggy Caldwell on local efforts to support the policy to prevent and reduce tobacco use among young adults in Bay County. Their story ran three different times on the Rap Line show.  Paige also made a 30 second PSA promoting the newly formed Gulf Coast State College Commodores Against Tobacco Task Force.

On February 27 Paige helped lead Bay High School SWAT members in their participation in the Bay Education Foundation’s Strides for Scholars.  Signs created promoted SWAT’s “Read My Lips” initiative with the intent to spread their message about the dangers of tobacco use.

Campaign For Tobacco Free Kids recently selected Paige as a Youth Advocate of The Year finalist.  Paige has been invited to attend the Youth Advocacy Symposium in Washington D.C. the week of July 10 – 14. The conference includes trainings to enhance youth’s advocacy work and provide opportunities to discuss current tobacco issues with legislators on Capitol Hill. Paige will be in need of a chaperone and Peggy Caldwell is making plans to attend with her.Would you like to shine the SWATLight on a youth advocate in your county? Please submit stories of SWAT successes to Laura.Corbin@flhealth.gov.

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Congratulations SWAT Photo and Video Contest Winners!

Congratulations to the WINNING PHOTO of our SWAT Photo and Video Contest Winners - Coral Shores High School in Monroe County!

Photo Credits: Pictured SWAT members are AJ, who also designed the photo, and Brianna. Photo credit goes to Cassie and research credit to Chloe. Great job Monroe County! You had the most votes from SWAT members on social media!

Congratulations also to the WINNING VIDEO of the Photo and Video Contest - “Tobacco Targets Youth” by Sebastian Middle School in St. Johns County

Lastly, we want to give a special shout out to our semifinalists for their efforts!

Photo runners-up: George Miller Intermediate School in Putnam County and Bay High School in Bay County

Video runners-up: Somerset Canyons Academy in Palm Beach County & Bay County SWAT Leaders in Bay County 

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Statewide SWAT Call: You're gonna want to be there...

Hi SWAT members...did you miss this training?

Then be sure to join us this week, because you don't want to miss this one:

Join us on March 24, 2016 at 8:30pm ET / 7:30pm CT.  Register for the call at the following link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5117660750592121858.

In the meantime, visit the SWAT Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Students-Working-Against-Tobacco-188048244605312/?fref=nf  to vote for your favorite finalist in the SWAT Website Photo and Video Contest.

We'll see you there!

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Somerset Canyons Academy - SWAT Video

Submission for SWAT Website Photo & Video Contest from Palm Beach county.

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A Youth Advocacy Board      How-To: Social Media

Arguably, social media has become the epitome of our existence. It is as vital to our lives as any of our other necessities. Whether or not you agree, platforms such as Twitter and Facebook have been etched in the walls of our society and if used effectively, it can enhance our lives. With that said, everything must be used in moderation.

If you decide to promote yourself or a specific cause online, it is imperative to understand how to make social media work for you.

Figure out how you would like to brand yourself. Think of it as your company with a special product. Ask yourself, “why should others pay attention to my product” and “what sets my product apart”? In order to brand yourself you must understand your image or your message. Make sure that your message will be seen through the pictures or anything you post because what is posted reflects on your brand. Although you are branding yourself, be open, don't be inclusive to one type of audience, you want as much traffic to your network.

In addition, don't just await the arrival of numerous amounts of followers, that may take years, so start promoting yourself. Make sure you have an active account so your followers won't forget about you. However, you shouldn't post every second; initially try posting something every other day. Being active also means to interact with your followers. For example, like a few posts made by a follower. Don't limit yourself on how active you are. Also, don't be afraid to tell people about your social media account; if you're going to post it, be proud of it.

Branding and promoting yourself comes down to the connections that are made. To start this interactive process, connect with other accounts that have similar interests and try promoting each other. Connecting with your audience goes beyond liking a picture. You have to get to know them. For instance, if they post about an issue similar to your cause, comment on it, or if they post about things that spark your interest, give your opinion, but always keep in mind your 'brand'. Don't forget to uphold your message at all times.

Social media is ultimately about making the world a little smaller. Through this tool you can initiate change and influence others on a large scale. It is literally right at your fingertips. The next time you want to utilize the power of social media, believe in your content, listen to your message and be confident in yourself.

  By Britania Cameron, Youth Advocacy Board Member

Hierarchy of Needs Pyramid, original graphic: http://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html

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Bay County - SWAT Video

Submission for SWAT Website Photo & Video Contest from Bay county!

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POemS of SWAT: My victim's view

Roses are red violets are blue 

all I really need is your view

  Placed so diligently on a shelf 

in just the right color

Only to mimic your favorite flavor

  Three feet above ground stamped on a poster I stay 

On the back of a magazine, in and on I remain 

With all blue, brown green, and hazel eyes on me 

  I hear voiced from young to old

"Mommy can I have that candy"

                       To

"Hunny one more pack will do"

  I am more addicting than methamphetamine

However less illegal than a street drug

I have been given numbers

480,000 is approximately my victims each year

Although...The deaths don't matter because I have my eyes on you 

Roses are red violets are blue

tobacco is my name

and I'm in your view

Written by Paige Stieglitz, YAB Member from Region 1

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Connect with other SWAT Members on February 25!

Watch this trailer for the statewide SWAT conference call and webinar hosted on February 25, 2016 at 8:30pm ET / 7:30pm CT.  A simple call and click will open the door to new ideas for your SWAT clubs and networking with members across Florida. This call features a training on Point-of-Sale and Kick Butts Day. Please register for the call and training at the following link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5117660750592121858.

In the meantime, share pics and status updates using #loveismydrug and #(your)countyswat! If you are doing something for Through With Chew Week, please also use #throughwithchew! Want more #loveismydrug? Visit the SWAT Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/Students-Working-Against-Tobacco-188048244605312/?fref=nf

See you there!

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Sebastian Middle School - SWAT Video!