Created through funding from the Fresno County Department of Public Health – Tobacco Prevention Program, Youth MCAT is tasked with mobilizing youth to create policy, systems and environmental (PSE) changes in an effort to decrease the availability and promotion of tobacco products in local communities. The project implements a 5-step model known as Community Action Model (CAM) to create PSE change, which includes:
Engaging and training youth to become community advocates;
Completing a community diagnosis;
Analyzing the community diagnosis;
Selecting a PSE change for the community to implement; and
Enforcing that PSE change.
Youth MCAT is currently mobilizing change in an effort to find solutions to minimize the sale and use of flavored and mentholated tobacco products at all stores in unincorporated Fresno County.
Why Address Flavored Tobacco Products
Flavored tobacco products are deceiving- they mask the harsh taste of tobacco making it easier for young people to start and continue using nicotine. The variety of over 15,500 flavors also entice youth use by appearing in youth friendly flavors that may be perceived as not having the same negative health effects as traditional tobacco. Some flavors consist of Strawberries, Sour Gummy Worms, Horchata, Lychee, and Unicorn Puke. These products are not coincidentally named after innocent products – this is the tobacco industry’s new tactic to hook new consumers.
CAM originated in San Francisco as a program that addresses community health at a policy, systems, and environmental change level. This is the first time that the CAM project has been introduced to the Central Valley so we are excited to embark on this journey with our first cohort of Community Advocates.
The Youth Making Change Against Tobacco (MCAT) Project believes that youth have the ability to create change and values their input on issues that impact them the most. With the ultimate goal of supporting youth in becoming community leaders and advocates, the Youth MCAT Project aims to provide them with the essential tools that will lead them to create the change they wish to see.
The California Health Collaborative hosts youth coalitions under the umbrella of the statewide coalition Collaborate. Advocate. Lead. Inspire. (CALI). CALI Youth coalitions focus on a wide array of community efforts including substance use prevention, local policy change efforts, and civic engagement. Our YOUTH MCAT group of youth is a part of the CALI Youth Coalitions. They represent the communities of Easton and Caruthers in Unincorporated Fresno County.
TRAINING
Youth Advocacy & Leadership
Data Collection & Analysis
Professional Development
Public Speaking
Health Education
Community Outreach
Youth Making Change Against Tobacco (MCAT)
Tobacco Prevention
Youth Making Change Against Tobacco (MCAT)
Youth Making Change Against Tobacco (MCAT)
Who We Are
Created through funding from the Fresno County Department of Public Health – Tobacco Prevention Program, Youth MCAT is tasked with mobilizing youth to create policy, systems and environmental (PSE) changes in an effort to decrease the availability and promotion of tobacco products in local communities. The project implements a 5-step model known as Community Action Model (CAM) to create PSE change, which includes:
Engaging and training youth to become community advocates;
Completing a community diagnosis;
Analyzing the community diagnosis;
Selecting a PSE change for the community to implement; and
Enforcing that PSE change.
Youth MCAT is currently mobilizing change in an effort to find solutions to minimize the sale and use of flavored and mentholated tobacco products at all stores in unincorporated Fresno County.
Why Address Flavored Tobacco Products
Flavored tobacco products are deceiving- they mask the harsh taste of tobacco making it easier for young people to start and continue using nicotine. The variety of over 15,500 flavors also entice youth use by appearing in youth friendly flavors that may be perceived as not having the same negative health effects as traditional tobacco. Some flavors consist of Strawberries, Sour Gummy Worms, Horchata, Lychee, and Unicorn Puke. These products are not coincidentally named after innocent products – this is the tobacco industry’s new tactic to hook new consumers.
CAM originated in San Francisco as a program that addresses community health at a policy, systems, and environmental change level. This is the first time that the CAM project has been introduced to the Central Valley so we are excited to embark on this journey with our first cohort of Community Advocates.
The Unidos Por Salud Project is funded by the California Department of Public Health, California Tobacco Prevention Program and is focused on reducing tobacco-related health issues and inequities among Latinx communities in the city of Reedley in Fresno County and the city of Lindsay in Tulare County.
The Unidos Por Salud Project is funded by the California Department of Public Health, California Tobacco Prevention Program and is focused on reducing tobacco-related health issues and inequities among Latinx communities in the city of Reedley in Fresno County and the city of Lindsay in Tulare County.
The Unidos Por Salud Project is funded by the California Department of Public Health, California Tobacco Prevention Program and is focused on reducing tobacco-related health issues and inequities among Latinx communities in the city of Reedley in Fresno County and the city of Lindsay in Tulare County.
The Unidos Por Salud Project is funded by the California Department of Public Health, California Tobacco Prevention Program and is focused on reducing tobacco-related health issues and inequities among Latinx communities in the city of Reedley in Fresno County and the city of Lindsay in Tulare County.
The Unidos Por Salud staff gets the opportunity to partner with high school youth across the Central Valley on various policy efforts in their respective community. Active youth coalition members are an essential part of the program’s success in providing services. The program empowers young people to take the lead in policy efforts in their local communities. Youth get the chance to participate in various activities including Youth quest and the Youth Leadership Summit, as well as trainings including data collection, becoming a youth advocate and leader, and working with elected officials.
Existing Coalitions
The program currently has two youth coalitions in the cities of Reedley and Lindsay
Activities
Informational booths
Educational presentations
Tobacco retailer store observations
City Council meetings
Public Opinion Poll collection
PArticipation
The Unidos youth coalition was established to ensure students have an opportunity to take the lead and create meaningful change in their communities in tobacco control efforts. Unidos coalition members will be provided with fun, innovative training on public speaking, working with elected officials, tobacco prevention, policy/advocacy work, leadership skills, data collection, and social norm change. By using these skills, members will be assisted in planning and organizing their own tobacco control efforts in their respective communities on the issues of flavored and mentholated tobacco products near schools and parks.
Qualifications
All youth members must be:
13-18 years old
Be able to attend meetings as needed
Attend high school and have regular attendance
Able to work as a team
RESPONSIBILITIES
Coalition Member’s responsibilities include:
Attend weekly meetings and events
Participate in trainings
Participate in at least 4 program activities annually
At least once a year present with staff or peers to local community organizations, city council members, city staff, or state legislators
Incentives to Participate
By participating, youth will receive:
Leadership training
Incentives during meetings including Unidos promotional gear and snacks
Meeting high school youth from across the Central Valley working on similar efforts
Opportunity to attend the Youth Leadership Summit at the end of the year
Opportunity to attend the annual Youth Quest trip to Sacramento
Letters of recommendation for university applications or employment
End-of-the-Year activities or incentives
Mentoring and coaching by Unidos staff
How to Apply
Fill out the Youth Coalition form below. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Community Engagement Coordinator:
