70 U.S. Teens Named National Tobacco Control Ambassadors

Pursuing the goal of achieving a tobacco-free generation in the near future, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK) has implemented several initiatives aimed at young people. All of them aim to equip them to become full-fledged players in the fight against tobacco. The annual appointment of national ambassadors in the United States is one of them.

Selected ambassadors

The 70 National Ambassadors designated for 2020 are all high school students, having demonstrated their advocacy and leadership skills and most importantly, their motivation for tobacco control, during a competitive selection process.[1]. These national ambassadors were chosen to represent the youth of their state in the fight against tobacco. In the long term, the commitment of these adolescents will participate in the creation of the first tobacco-free generation.

Lauren Silcox and Annie Twyford: Indiana Ambassadors

The two ambassadors chosen by CTFK to represent the youth of the State of Indiana[2] have one thing in common: they got involved in the campaign through the "Voice" clubs in their respective schools. "Voice Indiana" is a regional label whose goal is to empower young people. Through its actions, it invites young people to get involved, raise awareness and equip themselves to promote a non-smoking lifestyle.

The role of national anti-tobacco ambassador

Lauren and Annie, as ambassadors, will be tasked with being mentors to their peers, encouraging them to adopt a healthy lifestyle, free from the dangers of smoking. This will be an extension of the role they already had at a local level.

In addition, the ambassadors chosen by CTFK for a period of one year, will be at the forefront of bringing the voice of young people to local, regional and federal policies aimed at protecting children and adolescents from tobacco addiction and from the tactics that the tobacco industry deploys to enlist them.