Y.E.S. Team!!! Arkansas youth on the move! Genine L. Perez, Youth Tobacco Prevention Specialist Arkansas Department of Health Arkansans for Drug Free Youth May 5, 2005

Why are we here? What is the fuss? Objective 1. Increase recruitment of an existing statewide Tobacco Control Youth Board Objective 2. Ensure that the youth had direct influence on the creation, development and implementation of the youth board programs

Arkansas Stats 13.8 million packs of cigarettes bought or smoked by kids each year 34.7 % of Arkansas students smoke –Which is 11.8% higher than than the national average 24.9% of Arkansas male high school use spit or smokeless tobacco –Which is 14% more than the national average Campaign for a Tobacco Free Kids-Toll of Tobacco in Arkansas

A. Program Development Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), Tobacco Prevention & Education Program (TPEP) Arkansans for Drug Free Youth (ADFY) Partnered to develop a program that would engage youth to help reduce tobacco consumption amongst Arkansas Youth

Program Development-Year One Used focus groups to recruit members Recruited 16 youth members (Tobacco Control Youth Board) Met via video conferencing/AHEC Worked with marketing group to produce 30 second television commercial- “Swastika”

Program Development-Year Two Question: With six members returning, how do we grow the Tobacco Youth Board? Listening to feedback from returning members Extensive Application Process Coalition Appointments Community Health Nurse Recommendation Prevention Resource Centers Schools

B. Making of a Team Questions: How do we make a team? How do we engage the youth? How do we motivate the youth to take control? Answers: Listen Let Go!

B. Making of a Team Keep it YOUTH Led and adult assisted

C. The MOVEMENT

C. The MOVEMENT-Demographics 46 Tobacco Control Youth Board Members 17 Counties represented ______________________ 300+ Y.E.S. Team Members 29 Counties represented ______________________ Ethnic Composition: Black, White, Hispanic, & Asian Youth are represented on both the TCYB & Y.E.S. Team

C. The MOVEMENT-Branded Everything is BRANDED for the Y.E.S. Team grassroots movement Y.E.S. Team Tours Website Television, Radio, Outdoor, Collateral Materials Youth targeted events We even use our SECRET WEAPON to further promote the program

C. The MOVEMENT When you say NO to tobacco You say Y.E.S. to life! The movement has begun...

Ms. Genine L. Perez, BA Youth Tobacco Prevention Specialist Arkansans For Drug Free Youth 4942 West Markham Street Little Rock, AR USA Phone Number: Fax Number: www,yesteam.org