Empowering Youth: Advocating for Health and Safety in Tobacco Prevention - fundsforNGOs

On March 4, 2025, over 70 students gathered at the Avalon Event Center in Fargo, North Dakota, for the sixth annual Break Free Youth Action Summit. This event focused on raising awareness about the dangers of vaping and nicotine addiction among youth, highlighting the urgent need for advocacy and education in health and safety issues.

Key Takeaways

Vaping Risks: 18% of young people reported vaping, with significant health risks associated with nicotine addiction.
Youth Empowerment: Students are encouraged to take action in their schools and communities to promote tobacco-free lifestyles.
Legislative Advocacy: Youth advocates in Indiana rallied for a proposed tax increase on tobacco products to deter youth usage.

The Break Free Youth Action Summit

The Break Free Youth Action Summit brought together students from Fargo, West Fargo, Wahpeton, and Langdon to discuss the pressing issue of vaping. Community health educators presented data from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, revealing that a significant portion of youth are engaging in vaping, which poses serious health risks, especially to developing brains.

Doreen Odera, a community health educator, emphasized the vulnerability of young people to nicotine addiction, stating, "With the brain developing, they’re easily addicted."

Following the summit, students will return to their schools to organize activities for World No Tobacco Day in May, aiming to further raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use.

Advocacy at the Indiana Statehouse

In a parallel effort, youth advocates in Indiana participated in a Day of Action at the Statehouse on February 12, 2025. This event was organized by VOICE, Indiana’s statewide youth empowerment program, in collaboration with Tobacco Free Indiana. The focus was on advocating for a proposed $2 tax increase on tobacco products, a strategy shown to effectively reduce youth access to tobacco.

Key speakers included community leaders and medical professionals who shared personal stories and underscored the importance of comprehensive tobacco control measures. VOICE Youth Ambassador Molly Meyer stated, "This tax increase is an investment in our health and our future."

The Importance of Youth Advocacy

Both events highlight the critical role of youth in advocating for health and safety issues. By engaging in discussions and actions surrounding tobacco prevention, young people are not only raising awareness but also empowering themselves and their peers to make healthier choices.

The collaboration between youth organizations and health advocates demonstrates a unified approach to combatting the tobacco epidemic. Through education, advocacy, and community involvement, these initiatives aim to create a healthier future for all.

Conclusion

The efforts of youth advocates in Fargo and Indiana exemplify the power of young voices in shaping health policies and promoting safe environments. As they continue to rally for change, their commitment to a tobacco-free future serves as an inspiration for communities across the nation.