In preparation for National Kick Butts Day on March 15—a national day when youth speak up and take action against tobacco use—the Campaign For Tobacco-Free Kids offers mini grants to support groups across the U.S. that demonstrate creativity, youth leadership, and careful planning to reach the media and public. This year we’re excited to announce that three Students Taking A New Direction (STAND) coalitions received awards to help support their National Kick Butts Day events.

Ridding Yuma Youth of Tobacco (RYYOT) from Yuma County received $500 for their event that will educate the community and local stakeholders about the benefits of raising the legal age to purchase tobacco products to 21 years of age. Bullhead Opting Out Of Tobacco (B.O.O.O.T) from Mohave County received $500 for their event that will help educate middle school and high school students as well as the community at large about the dangers of second hand smoke. The Coconino Anti-Tobacco Students (CATS) coalition in Flagstaff received $250 for their event to educate about secondhand smoke exposure and tobacco free parks. The CATS coalition is partnering with Arizona Students Aiming for Prevention from the Native Americans for Community Action for their National Kick Butts Day event.

STAND is an anti-tobacco youth coalition effort for Arizona teens. Members work to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use among their friends, in their schools, in their communities, and with their local governments. Each coalition works at the local and state levels to change attitudes around tobacco use and create stricter regulations for its marketing, storage, transport, and sale.

Congratulations to these coalitions for their awards and their continued advocacy and support for making their communities smoke-free and healthier!