Four members of the Boulder reAct group traveled to Washing- ton, D.C. in July for the National Summit on Youth Activism.
The summit gathered 150 high school students involved in anti-tobacco efforts to help them learn new ways to reach their communities at home. Emma Brown, Abbie Youde, Grace Alexander and Bobbie Jo Sutherlin spent July 19-22 at the conference organized by The Truth Initiative, a group that focuses on the effects of tobacco in the world, mainly on youth.
Through classes, panels and group work, the attendees identified ways to make a difference in their communities. One main topic of the summit was the effect of menthol flavoring in tobacco. All other flavors are now illegal to sell in the United States.
Menthol specifically targets youth and starting smokers. The chemicals in menthol are derived from mint plants, adding a cooling feeling to the mouth and throat, making menthol cigarettes easier to smoke.
The Boulder reAct group plans to have a booth at the fair/rodeo to gather signatures on a petition to ban the sale of menthol cigarettes, part of a nationwide petition effort. Anyone interest in signing the petition can do so at the booth or contact leader Rochelle Hesford at 406-225-3164.
Anyone going into sixth grade or older is invited to join reAct, including adults. Committed members willing to put in time and effort can help the group spread awareness about tobacco products in the community.
