2009 Statewide Youth Gathering
May 9, 2009
Over 200 Massachusetts youth and adult allies gathered together from across the state to celebrate amazing tobacco prevention accomplishments by youth. Check out pix of the summit!
Leaders of the youth tobacco prevention movement also brainstormed ideas for the year ahead. Though obstacles like state budget cuts and dangerous new tobacco products threaten to get in the way, Mass Youth Against Tobacco leaders made it clear that the youth tobacco prevention mission will continue! Here is what happened at the event... Youth shared stories about their work and their thoughts through:
- a spoken word performance
- a talk show
- small group discussions
Special award ceremony There was also a special awards ceremony, in which 6 youth leaders were honored with the 2009 MYAT Regional Youth Leadership Award, and 1 youth leader was honored with the 2009 MYAT Statewide Youth Leadership Award. Check out who won!
Dialogue with MTCP In the afternoon, youth talked together with Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program officials (MTCP) about the state of the tobacco control budget, and worked together to find ways to stay motivated and involved in the MYAT movement.
The event was attended by state legislators including Representative Jim O’Day (Worcester), Representative Paul Frost (Oxford, Sutton, and Millbury), and Tom O’Neill, aide to Senator Michael Moore (Worcester, Auburn, Grafton, Leicester, Millbury, Shrewsbury and Upton). Representative O’Day honored The 84 statewide movement with a special citation.
