SWAT Students Working
Against Tobacco (SWAT) is a Florida grassroots advocacy organization,
created and driven by Florida youth, ages 11-17, who are committed to
defend their generation against big tobacco. This program began in 1998
and is funded through the 1997 Florida lawsuit against big tobacco.
Many people will
recognize SWAT's message of Truth as a result of the media campaign
of Truth commercials. There are SWAT programs located in each of Florida's
67 counties. The Duval County SWAT consists of 15 groups of youth that
meet in their schools or community centers. All
of these smaller groups are responsible for meeting and reporting to
the Youth Advisor Board, which meets monthly to discuss current issues,
upcoming events, tobacco education and youth recruitment.
The Duval County
SWAT program has accomplished many goals in its existence. Here is a
brief list: created a two-story tobacco prevention mural at Terry Parker
High School, performed a play at the University of North Florida, established
"We Don't Sell" with Gate convenience stores, created, produced and
aired numerous public service announcements, advertisements for events
and a half hour television show, held press conferences, held a tobacco
prevention sidewalk art competition and so much more.
There is also a
program for college students called STRIKE. Any questions about either
SWAT or STRIKE should be directed to the Duval County Health Department
at 630-3310.
What does it mean
to be a SWAT member? Exposing the lies and deceit of Big Tobacco. Standing
up to a money-hungry beast (the tobacco industry). Knowing the truth
instead of being an addict. Having the power to save lives. Taking your
future into your own hands. Becoming an advocate for change.
Help our generation inform Big Tobacco that our lives are not for sale.
If you want to join
our members in the fight against Big Tobacco, just call us at the Duval
County Health Department @ 630-3310, or email our SWAT coordinators
Rachel Woodham (Rachel_Woodham@doh.state.fl.us) and Audrey Aviles (Audrey_Aviles@doh.state.fl.us).
Attending our monthly
meetings where we plot our strategies aga
inst
Big Tobacco
Participating in
our Saturday projects and activities
Joining us for a
weekend at the Teen Tobacco Summit
Working on media
presentations—public service announcements, press conferences,
educational clips and TV Shows
Their brand is lies,
our brand is truth.
