(Long Island, NY) Reality Check LI youth and tobacco control program contractors gathered at the New York State Capitol to educate lawmakers about the important tobacco prevention work they are doing in their communities. Reality Check LI youth also joined Reality Check groups from across New York State at the “Your Voice is Powerful” leadership training facilitated by Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids.
Reality Check LI youth and tobacco control program contractors gathered at the New York State Capitol to educate lawmakers about their important tobacco prevention work. Photo Credit: Reality Check LI.
Among the elected officials Reality Check LI youth meet with was Assemblymen Fred Thiele of Southampton. The youth discussed local efforts the group is taking to promote tobacco prevention. The group also spoke about hopes for the future including working with the community to create smoke-free parks, playgrounds and beaches.
“I think it’s important to educate our friends and communities about how tobacco use negatively impacts us. Our goal is to create healthier communities for us all to live in,” said Sam Moustafa, Reality Check Teen from Southampton.
Reality Check LI youth also joined Reality Check groups from across New York State at “Your Voice is Powerful” leadership training. Photo Credit: Reality Check LI.
“We are excited to have had the opportunity to sit down and speak with Assemblymen Thiele. The experience not only gave the youth the chance to educate him about the important work Reality Check is doing but it also helps empower them to speak to community members and other elected officials when they return back to their communities,” stated Michael Hoffner, Reality Check LI Coordinator.
Reality Check LI currently works with schools and youth programs around Long Island to help empower youth to become leading voices in the community against the deceptive tactics of the tobacco industry.
Reality Check LI is part of the Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island which is funded by the NY Tobacco Control Program through a grant administered by the American Lung Association of the Northeast.
For more information on Reality Check LI visit RealityCheckLI.org or the Statewide page RealityCheckofNY.com.
The NY Tobacco Control Program is made up of a network of statewide contractors who are leading the way toward a tobacco-free society. For more information, visit TobaccoFreeNYS.org
