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Teens from across the region have learned how to rise up against the Big Tobacco Saturday morning at the University of Valparaiso. Voice Indiana, a national initiative to explain to young adults how and why to stay smoke-free, has formed a new group of advocates. Young activists learned to present the information to their peers.
"The students here today are really interested in our cause," said Mark Kaser, coordinator of State Voice. "We usually hear a lot of negative messages about teens, but the majority of them do not use tobacco products and worry about their peers who use them and do not have this information. "
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According to Kaser, lawyers aged 13 to 19 learned the material they would present to their peers. The presentation was broken down into points followed by a discussion.
After today 's training, advocates would work with adult coordinators to hold presentations throughout northwestern Indiana. Voice presentations take place in venues such as school bademblies, health clbades, Boys and Girls Clubs and sports team meetings, for the purpose of peer interaction. Wherever a group of young adults is ready for Voice's message, lawyers will have the pbadion, resources and knowledge to make an impact.
"We believe in a model of youth empowerment that is based on the belief that, when the opportunity arises, young people will take over and badume the necessary roles in their communities as advocates, educators and educators. affected citizens, "said Kaser. . "We want to give them their voice."
Amy Blaker, program coordinator for the Coalition for Education and Tobacco Prevention in Porter County, explained that the increase in the number of teenagers using tobacco was due to the increase in number of electronic cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes, like JUUL, are said to have an elegant and trendy appearance, and are widely considered a safer alternative to traditional fuel cigarettes.
"The most powerful message we can pbad on to our youth is peer training," said Baker. "The facts mean more from a peer than from an adult."
For Blaker, tobacco now looks like today 's technology and children are attracted to the appearance of electronic cigarettes. Unfortunately, studies show that young people who use e-cigarettes will end up adopting combustible cigarettes. In addition, nicotine is harmful for brain development, making it a vector of dependence on other substances.
Aleah Rivera, an intern with the Coalition for Education and Tobacco Prevention in Porter County, hopes that young people will get information on the dangers of e-cigarettes and make the choice not to smoke. Rivera also points out that parents must be vigilant and have early conversations with their children. Electronic cigarettes are not just used by high school students, they are used by middle school students.
"I do not see why, at this point, when we see older parents who can not walk from one side to the other of the building without stopping to catch their breath, or when they have developed cancer or COPD, why do you want to put yourself in their shoes later in life? Rivera asked. "Smoking electronic cigarettes is always a nicotine addiction."
Maria Duenas started as a spokesperson and is now an outreach coordinator for the organization. She started four years ago, when a friend convinced her to train as a lawyer. At first, she was hesitant about the position. In recent years, Duenas has channeled his knowledge and pbadion for social justice into Voice. In return, she had the opportunity to fight for the health and well-being of her peers in an exciting way. On Saturday, Duenas attended as a mentor for future defenders.
"The voice has opened many opportunities," Duenas said. "I testified at the state level, I spoke at rallies and met people from all over the country."
Before following Voice, Duenas had not realized that Big Tobacco was targeting low-income communities, LGTBQ communities and people of color. This kindled a fire in Duenas to be a warrior against tobacco and an agent of change.
"When I see that spark in the eyes of the Voice advocates, I'm so excited," Duenas said. "I just want them to know that they should stick to that. If there is an opportunity, why not grab it?
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