FACT Youth Engage Community at El Bethel Church Family Event

This summer, El Bethel Church opened its doors to the community for a lively, family-friendly event featuring local vendors, informational booths, and a strong sense of connections. Among those present were youth and advisors from FACT, Wisconsin's youth-led tobacco prevention movement.

FACT advisor Quanda helped organize the event, and the group proudly hosted a table to educate attendees about the harms of tobacco and nicotine prodcuts, especially the dangers of menthol. FACT youth highlighted the concerning statistic that in Wisconsin, 9.300 youth try cigarettes for the first time each year, and nearly half start with menthol.

Youth visitors to the FACT table had the chance to participate in a special FACTivism activity titled "I'm not a replacement, I am..." encouraging them to think about their identity beyond what the tobacco industry sees. Participants wrote down powerful words such as "a sister", "a girl", and "strong" to define themselves on their own terms.

After completing the activity, youth received stickers, fidget toys, and snacks as a thank-you for their engagement. The event also drew support from local leaders, including Pastor Tipton, who stopped by the FACT table to learn more and show encouragement.

FACT's presence at the event reflects its continued efforts to raise awareness and give youth a platform to speak out against tobacco's harmful effects, one event, one voice at a time.