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TFL Launches Next Era – A New Statewide Movement for Louisiana Teens

The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL) is excited to announce the launch of Next Era, our new statewide youth movement uniting teens across Louisiana as agents of change to promote healthy, tobacco-free lifestyles. Next Era empowers high school teens to work toward meaningful change in their communities.

Previously (2007-2017), TFL engaged youth through the Defy the Lies initiative to take down the influence of the tobacco industry and promote tobacco-free lifestyles. Progress has been made over the past 10 years. The tobacco-tax has increased from 36 cents to $1.08, public college campuses are smoke-free, and more smoke-free city and parish ordinances are being enacted every month. However, there is more to be done. Current tobacco use remains high among high school students in Louisiana while current tobacco use by Louisiana middle school students is nearly double national use.

Engaging youth as partners is essential to creating a healthier Louisiana through tobacco-free living.

Next Era was launched to bring a modernized and strengthened approach to youth engagement in Louisiana. Next Era will partner with existing student clubs and organizations in order to build a strong group of youth advocates across the state. Next Era youth will develop leadership and activism skills and have the opportunity to earn scholarships, awards and community service hours; attend conferences; meet with public figures; and make a difference in their community.

Next Era will empower youth and provide them with an opportunity to create real, positive change in their community and across the state.

Applications are being accepted through June 30, 2017, for Next Era partners across Louisiana. To learn more or apply, visit: https://wearenextera.org

If you have questions about Next Era or want to learn more about TFL’s broader youth prevention initiatives, contact Kelley McDonough, TFL Youth & Young Adult Policy Manager at kmcdonough@lphi.org.