WHO WE ARE
The YEA supports adult coordinators who work with youth in public health and commercial tobacco prevention and control efforts. We connect and uplift youth engagement professionals by providing networking opportunities, resources, technical assistance, and access to our 300+ member network, where we highlight best practices and encourage the sharing of ideas between youth coordinators, program managers, and activists in the field.
Powered by Truth Initiative with collaborative support from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the YEA network consists of national, state, tribal, territorial, and regional professionals who work with youth to fight commercial tobacco and nicotine addiction. Led by a Leadership Team of experienced coordinators from successful commercial tobacco prevention and control programs across the country, YEA members collaborate to identify youth engagement best practices while elevating timely tobacco control resources.
HISTORY
Youth Engagement Alliance values:
- We support each other and our communities by sharing our knowledge and experiences, as well as best practices and evidence-based approaches for youth engagement in tobacco prevention work.
- We include youth as equal partners, with the goal of creating a tobacco-free generation.
- We listen and engage with respect for cultural differences, acknowledging that each community has a unique experience and relationship with tobacco use and addiction.
In 2008, Truth Initiative (previously called the American Legacy Foundation) and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids partnered to hold the first ever Coordinator Camp, a conference dedicated to training and supporting adult coordinators working with youth in tobacco control. Over 100 adult coordinators attended, receiving valuable insight and resources to support their work. Those who attended the first Coordinator Camp continued to share their experiences and communicated an interest in year-round networking and professional development opportunities. In December of 2012, the Youth Engagement Alliance was founded to meet that need.
Mission Statement: We are a unified voice to cultivate and advance effective strategies for youth engagement and advocacy in tobacco control by providing support, networking, training and resources for those working with youth.
OUR TEAM
The YEA, powered by Truth Initiative with collaborative support from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, is led by a team of experienced youth coordinators, program managers, and activists from successful programs across the country.