VOICE
VOICE is Indiana's first youth-led movement against the lies and manipulative tactics of tobacco companies. As a youth-empowerment program, our young people are in charge of everything. They routinely find creative ways to get their message out and voices heard: street marketing, press conferences, posters, designing PSA's, haunted houses, and bowling and skating events.
VOICE is:
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A "for-youth," "by-youth" empowerment program (Youth set up their own structure with adult allies as facilitators)
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A means by which youth can be heard in their community, and in their own way.
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Focused on tobacco Prevention and Cessation
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Based on a peer-to-peer education model (we want youth to talk to other youth)
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Built on messages about how the tobacco industry targets teens as replacements for the smokers who die every day (instead of using traditional health messages that do not work with teens)
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Designed to reach youth ages 12-17 by blending popular culture with tobacco prevention information
VOICE Participants:
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Recruit youth from all of the Marion County Tobacco-Free Organization and the community to participate in the VOICE partnership
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Utilize VOICE to spearhead the STICK-IT to Secondhand Smoke campaign
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Provide resources to youth champions as they recruit and train others in the voice movement
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Create, plan, and operate promotional events
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Utilize VOICE members to write stories to be submitted to newspapers and websites
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Obtain pledges from families and youth to remain tobacco-free
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VOICE members will participate in different trip programs (Tobacco Retailers Inspection Program )
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Participate in the Indiana Black Expo, Indiana State Fair Tobacco Free Day, Marion County Tobacco Free Day, and community and church events
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Contact legislators, politicians, and key stakeholders to share messages and reinstate TPC funding levels to those recommended by the CDC Best Practices Standards
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Participate in National Tobacco Free programs (Kick-Butts, Great American Smoke Out, World No Tobacco Day)
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