The need for youth to speak up and make their voices heard about the issues they care about is as important as ever, which is why one student-led organization in Florida is leading the way in the fight against the tobacco industry and the addictive products that target youth.
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) is a statewide youth organization focused on educating, empowering, and mobilizing Florida youth to revolt against and deglamorize the tobacco industry.
As a member of the Hillsborough County SWAT chapter, I believe that SWAT is an important cause that more people should be getting into. Despite considerable progress over the years, tobacco and e-cigarette use is still prevalent, and the tobacco industry’s antics must be stopped. SWAT is working to change the social norms associated with tobacco, including e-cigarettes.
SWAT has been educating and empowering youth and communities since 1998. SWAT has had several successful initiatives throughout the years. ‘Not a Replacement’ was a statewide campaign where thousands of youths reminded tobacco companies that they are unique individuals with the potential to make a positive impact on their community. ‘
Not a Lab Rat’ is the current statewide campaign that focuses on the truth behind e-cigarettes and how youth can stop the spread of misinformation. Through such initiatives, SWAT continues to work toward changing the way people think about tobacco, making it less desirable, less acceptable, and less accessible.
My reason for joining SWAT was clear. I joined to help look after the community and to meet new people. I knew tobacco was an issue, but I did not know how important this was until I decided to join. Joining SWAT helped me by educating me and empowering me to make the community a better, healthier place.
In our community, the Hillsborough County SWAT chapter helps make a difference by sharing the harms of smoking and vaping through innovative, creative methods. This year SWAT students have done outreach at Northwest Elementary School, Gaither High School, the Northdale Family Fun Fest, and other community events.
There is still work to be done to protect our generation and future generations from the tobacco industry. By working with peers, students can create change that will keep tobacco products out of Hillsborough and improve the health of our family, friends, and community. SWAT is open to all Florida youth in 6th-12th grade.
There is a SWAT chapter in every county in Florida, and some counties also have clubs in schools and community organizations. In Hillsborough County, we have SWAT clubs in schools to help.
If you are interested in learning more about SWAT and how youth can get involved, contact Arabel Severe (SWAT Coordinator) at (813) 559-4761, email swathillsborough@gmail.com, or visit www.SWATFlorida.com.
I hope that in writing this, more youth are inspired to stand up and speak out against the tobacco industry by joining SWAT.
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