Youth involvement is critical to the success of the tobacco control movement. Young people have been instrumental in promoting policies, programs and attitudes to reduce the use of tobacco among their peers and within their families, schools and communities.  Across the country, youth and young adults have contributed energy, ideas and creativity to advance a movement that is fundamentally about saving lives and restoring hope for a healthier world.

Since its inception, Legacy has recognized the importance of youth activists in the fight against tobacco, and we support the efforts of young people who are ready to make a difference through the following Youth Activism programs:

Youth Activism Fellowship Program (Legacy Fellows)

Through this 18-month leadership program, we nurture and develop young adult leaders committed to making their communities healthier through tobacco control. Our fellowship includes training and technical assistance that helps advance local projects and national initiatives.  We also provide annual opportunities for youth to educate lawmakers about tobacco control efforts in their communities. This is a non-paying fellowship.

Youth Leadership Institute

The Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) is paving the way in engaging youth in the area of tobacco control. This youth-driven leadership institute promotes meaningful partnerships between adults and youth to create healthier communities. Supporting grassroots initiatives in rural, suburban and urban communities, YLI is helping to develop, train and empower the new generation of tobacco control activists.

Every summer, adults and youth from across the country converge at one location to network and share innovative ideas on eradicating tobacco. Legacy is currently accepting applications from teams of youth and adult partners for the 2014 YLI in Washington, D.C. “Be Part of The Movement to Make Tobacco History”!

More information is available on the Youth Leadership Institute 2014 Flyer and via the online application.

Applications must be submitted online by May 28, 1:00 PM Eastern time. Click here for the application. 

Coordinator Camp

Coordinator Camp is a conference for adult coordinators of youth tobacco prevention programs around the U.S. to amplify their impact through the sharing of strategies, activities and events. This year Coordinator Camp will be held August 13-15 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Coordinator Camp is presented by the Youth Engagement Alliance for Tobacco Control and supported by Legacy and Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids. The mission of the Alliance is to create a unified voice to cultivate and advance effective strategies for youth engagement and advocacy in tobacco control by providing support, networking, training and resources for those working with youth. 

For more information and to register for Coordinator Camp 2014, please click here.

If you’d like to join the fight, contact us at [email protected]. 

Learn more about our current Youth Activists and the work they’re doing in their communities.