Teens Take on Tobacco at No Limits Summit

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LINCOLN — No Limits, Nebraska’s youth-led tobacco prevention movement, is now accepting applications for the No Limits Fall Summit, Nov. 2-3 at The Leadership Center in Aurora, Neb. Youth ages 12-18, in grades 7-12, will learn about the deceptive marketing tactics of the tobacco industry and plan strategies to fight back in their own communities. The Fall Summit helps participants develop leadership and communications skills as they work together to prevent tobacco use among their peers.

The theme of this year’s summit is “New Mask, Same Villain.” Sessions will examine the tobacco industry’s “new mask” of methods used to reach young people and encourage a new generation to become addicted to tobacco.

“The tobacco industry markets to youth in subtle ways. Cigarillos are similar to cigarettes but aren’t regulated like cigarettes, which makes them more accessible and attractive to teens. Some new tobacco products come in packaging that could be mistaken for candy. The bright packages appeal to youth,” said Jessi Huenink, No Limits project coordinator. “At the No Limits Fall Summit our staff and volunteers teach youth how to recognize these tactics and counter Big Tobacco’s messages.”

“Youth have the power to help change tobacco policies in Nebraska,” said Davita Dick, No Limits Youth Board member. “The No Limits Fall Summit is a great way to get started and learn how to use that power.”

The No Limits Fall Summit is free and includes transportation to Aurora. Youth can attend as an individual or as a member of a group. A group sponsor is encouraged but not required. Applications must be submitted by Oct. 2, 2013. More information and an application form are available at www.NoLimitsNebraska.com or contact Huenink at 866-FYI-TEEN (866-394-8336) or info@NoLimitsNebraska.com.

No Limits is Nebraska’s first youth-led tobacco prevention movement. Since its founding in 2001, No Limits has worked to reduce the influence of the tobacco industry on Nebraska’s youth. Through peer-to-peer education and youth empowerment, No Limits gives Nebraska teens the know-how, the skills and the resources to take a stand against Big Tobacco.

For more information, visit www.NoLimitsNebraska.com or contact Jessi Huenink, No Limits program coordinator, at 866-FYI-TEEN (866-394-8336) or info@NoLimitsNebraska.com.

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