ANSR has been working with the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and Macalester College for several years on their tobacco-free campus policies. With support from ANSR, the U went tobacco-free in 2014 and Macalester followed shortly thereafter in 2015. Since the policies’ enactment, ANSR staff has continued to work with the schools to make sure students, faculty, staff and visitors are aware that tobacco use is not allowed anywhere on campus and to ensure tobacco users looking to quit are connected to on-campus cessation help. ANSR has helped each school develop unique campaigns tailored to their needs. At the U, ANSR helped create and launch the Share the Air Ambassador program, which is now in its second semester of existence. This program, supported by the MDH Tobacco-Free Communities grant at ANSR, recruits students, faculty and staff to be ambassadors for the tobacco-free campus policy. The ambassadors are trained to visit tobacco-use “hot spots” around campus and politely approach policy violators to remind them about the policy. The ambassadors also distribute free “Share the Air” chewing gum, with information about the cessation services available at Boynton Health Services printed on the pack. The program has been highly successful. The majority of policy violators have been cordial, immediately stop using tobacco and take the information about cessation resources. This semester, the ambassadors have another tool: free “Share the Air” water bottles they can give to anyone they encounter who is not using tobacco. This is another way to positively promote the policy and thank people for remembering to “Share the Air.” At Macalester, ANSR worked with Health and Wellness Center staff to design and implement the “Did You Know?” campaign to raise awareness about the tobacco-free campus policy and illustrate how the policy aligns with Macalester values. The campaign, consisting of sandwich boards, posters, table tents, sidewalk decals and webpages, illustrates the negative impact tobacco has on the environment and social justice issues, such as child labor. The policy is uniquely suited to Macalester and its focus on environmental sustainability and social justice. The campaign has been well-received and will continue to help Macalester support and promote its policy for years to come.

This is the second of two stories on youth partners written in collaboration with Dr. Lucia Pawlowski’s Community Writing for Social Justice Class at the University of St. Thomas. By Claire Rossez, Special to ANSR Flavored tobacco is a personal topic for William: His younger sister once told him she wanted to try some but did not know how to get it.  He said, “I just knew my mom wouldn’t [let her have it]…and I knew it was not for kids.” William’s sister was about seven years old at the time, a startling demonstration of how the tobacco companies’ marketing pulls in even young children.  This experience showed William how being a youth who is targeted by the tobacco industry means it is up to him to lead the fight against the industry. At first glance, William seems to be a typical 12-year-old. He just finished the  sixth grade, is part of the stage crew in his school’s musical, and likes to get involved in the community. The work he does and the wisdom he possesses, however, are what set him apart from most kids, and adults too. William works with a group called Vision in Living Life: Change is Possible (VILL), a local youth leadership program that promotes growth through community engagement. It is one of ANSR’s partners. William volunteers to raise awareness in the Twin Cities and to advocate against smoking and the tobacco industry.  He is so passionate about combatting the harms of tobacco, and has twice gone to the State Capitol to speak to his legislators. “At the Capitol, I [talked] about how flavored tobacco was really targeting kids,” he says.  “I was nervous…I thought that they wouldn’t listen to me because I’m just a kid.  Then I start thinking about how I can make a big change.” William is perfect for fighting tobacco because of the message he sends: Youth will not stand to be targeted by tobacco companies, and they will defend themselves until the situation is amended.  Despite his initial worries about lobbying, William said he’s proud of his work, because he was actively engaging to improve a serious problem within his community. He also saw how the best way to initiate change is to go directly to the people who can make it happen, not simply raise awareness.  VILL played a key role in convincing the city council in St. Paul to raise the price of flavored tobacco products and to restrict the sale of those items to 18-over tobacco-only stores.  William and his peers met with every St. Paul city council member to discuss the issues and to emphasize the importance of setting regulations that will protect youth. William also likes to educate his classmates on the dangers of smoking.  “I inform them about…how us kids and our ethnic group are being targeted,” he said, referring to tobacco companies’ manipulative marketing efforts.  This topic bothers William the most because minorities frequently are less educated, work minimum wage jobs, live in low-income housing, and are susceptible to tobacco companies’ ploys. He said these people often use tobacco as a coping mechanism, but that they usually cannot see how tobacco companies target them, nor do they understand the dangers of tobacco. The message he tells others about smoking is: “Don’t do it because it may cost you your life. (Youth) might think it’s kind of cool because they think that it’s cool to do something that adults do, and they want to be older.” William’s passion for his work against tobacco is an impressive mark of bravery and leadership for someone at such a young age, setting an admirable example for his peers. Tobacco companies might be targeting youths, but William is willing to stand up against them and fight back.  He understands the necessity of taking the initiative to have important conversations that can bring about the change he wants to see in the world. Claire Rossez attends the University of St.Thomas and wrote about William as part of a joint venture with ANSR.

Youth advocate Starnisha McClellan has long been active with Breathe Free North and NorthPoint Health & Wellness. She has testified against flavored tobacco products in Minneapolis. Here, she works on a video about menthol tobacco. This is the first of two stories on youth partners written in collaboration with Dr. Lucia Pawlowski’s Community Writing for Social Justice Class at the University of St. Thomas. By Sam Heggem, Special to ANSR The tobacco industry has long targeted youth through deceptive, insidious ad campaigns. The tobacco industry recognizes vulnerability and capitalizes on this to create life-long smokers. However, this is not a one-way battle. The same youth who have been subjected to the manipulative campaigns of the tobacco industry are now fighting back. Starnisha McClellan is a longtime member of Breathe Free North, a tobacco education program centered in North Minneapolis at NorthPoint Health & Welness. The group focuses largely on reducing the exposure of youth to tobacco products. She and Breathe Free North have been actively involved in the recent policy work. Starnisha helped lead the charge in 2015 to get restrictions on flavored tobacco products passed in Minneapolis. She helped gather data to strengthen the argument for getting this proposal passed. She also testified in front of the Minneapolis City Council in May 2015. As a result of the work of Starnisha and Breathe Free North, as of January 2016, flavored tobacco products are limited to being sold in 18-over tobacco shops only. Starnisha has been an activist since she was 11. Now 19 and graduated from high school, Starnisha is pursuing her passion and working for Breathe Free North full-time. Starnisha has a personal stake in the fight against tobacco control, as her family has been affected by the tobacco industry’s campaign of targeting youth. Starnisha’s younger sister smokes cigarettes and has been trying to quit for some time. Her sister’s situation is “a prime example of how hard is it for people to stop smoking cigarettes.” It becomes clear where a large part of Starnisha’s inspiration and motivation come from. Another thing that makes her activism so inspirational is her community-oriented attitude. Starnisha is personally motivated by the opportunity to help not only youth but her whole community. She sees how her work has the power to reach many people and protect those in the community she lives in. Along with targeting vulnerable youth, the tobacco industry also seeks to target African Americans and especially African American youth through disturbingly effective tactics. Through lucrative advertising campaigns, the tobacco industry markets certain products – particularly mentholated cigarettes – to African Americans. When asked about her experience with this, Starnisha recalled her childhood growing up in North Minneapolis. She remembers tobacco products being advertised far more explicitly in this area of North Minneapolis than where she currently resides in New Brighton. The entire façade of a convenience store would be covered with advertisements instead of a subtle ad or two in the windows of convenience stores in other neighborhoods. These convenience stores were also placed near recreation facilities like the YMCA. Said Starnisha, “When the kids are coming out of the YMCA doors, that’s all they see.” The sale of tobacco products has become so engrained in the business revenue of small convenience stores that these businesses see tobacco control as a threat. Starnisha saw this reaction firsthand during her involvement in the policy initiative that ultimately resulted in the restriction on selling flavored tobacco products in convenience stores. She recalled an encounter she had with a clerk in a gas station she had been going to for years. The clerk of the gas station was aware of her activism and felt victimized by the threat of flavored tobacco products no longer being sold at the store, resulting in the clerk ultimately confronting Starnisha. Encounters like this have not deterred Starnisha from her involvement in the fight against the tobacco industry but has increased her passion and make her stake in this fight even more personal. Having had such overwhelming success in the flavored tobacco sales initiative, Starnisha and Breathe Free North are continuing the fight against the tobacco industry and are now working steadily to get the minimum age to purchase tobacco products raised to 21 years old. The work accomplished by Starnisha is extraordinary, and her achievements and activism ultimately apply to many aspects of her life, so when Starnisha stands before the legislature, or she walks by the YMCA, or she talks with her sister, she does it as an empowered activist. Sam attends the University of St.Thomas and wrote about Starnisha as part of a joint venture with ANSR.

March 16 marked yet another Kick Butts Day, and thousands of youth, teachers and health advocates in the United States spoke up against the tobacco industry. Locally, ANSR worked with two schools from ISD #622, as well as the ALMAS group at Henry Sibley High. ANSR also partnered with Minneapolis MAD DADS and Southside Urban Coalition for a Quit Cold Turkey event in Minneapolis. The various groups took a stand against being targeted by the industry. John Glenn Middle School and Tartan Senior High participated in events for ISD 622. The ALMAS (Anglos Latinos Motivated to Succeed) are in Mendota Heights. Youth at ISD 622 schools educated their peers on the dangers of tobacco, including flavored tobacco.  Students learned about the dangerous chemicals in cigarettes. Students at John Glenn signed postcards to the Saint Paul City Council, thanking them for restricting the sale of flavored tobacco. In Minneapolis, the groups encouraged people to trade in their pack of cigarettes for a turkey sandwich. There was a live radio remote on KMOJ-FM promoting the event and discussing the dangers of smoking. There was live music during the event. The event educated the public about the benefits of quitting smoking. The event featured numerous giveaways for participants and also touted the latest contest sponsored by QuitPlan Services, the state’s help line to quit smoking.

The Saint Paul City Council showed strong leadership in protecting the health and well-being of its residents on Jan. 6. The City Council voted unanimously to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products to adult-only tobacco stores and increase the minimum price for single cigars to $2.60 each. All cigars sold in packages of four or less must be priced at $2.60 each, while cigars packaged at four or more must be at least $10.40. “It’s a big deal that we’re going to make it harder for youth to access these products,” council president Russ Stark said. Saint Paul joins Minneapolis in restricting the sale of flavored tobacco products. Other places to restrict flavored tobacco sales include Providence, R.I., and New York City. Saint Paul was one of the first cities in the state to set a minimum price for cigars, but the ordinance will raise the price to $2.60 to match surrounding cities. “I think this is a good ordinance that sends a strong message to the tobacco industry,” said Councilmember Dai Thao, one of five co-sponsors of the ordinance. “We can’t trade the health of future generations for the tobacco industry’s profit.” The room turned green as Councilmember Amy Brendmoen, who first introduced the ordinance, had supporters of the ordinance stand up. Most of the advocates sported a green shirt that said, “The tobacco industry targets youth with flavored tobacco … but there’s nothing sweet about tobacco.” The tobacco industry has a long history of targeting young people with cheap and flavored tobacco. Alicia Leizinger, from the Ramsey Tobacco Coalition, said she is thrilled Saint Paul is taking action to stop that. “Saint Paul has once again proven itself to be a leader willing to stand up to the tobacco industry’s blatant attempts at hooking kids with candy flavored tobacco,” Leizinger said. “I’m proud of the young people who brought this issue to the attention of the City Council and urged them to take action to protect Saint Paul’s youth.” Council newcomer Jane Prince, who was sworn in on Tuesday, also voiced her support. She pointed out how naysayers said the bar and restaurant industry would go under if smoking were banned in those places. “But we’re thriving,” Prince said. “I’m supportive of this and appreciative of the young people who worked on this. The young man (Traielle Godfrey) who testified said it best. Candy-flavored tobacco products don’t have a place where children can enter.”

Richfield joined a growing list of Minnesota cities that have established a minimum price for flavored cigars. The Richfield City Council voted unanimously on Nov. 10, 2015, to set a minimum price of $2.60 per stick for non-premium cigars and set a minimum of $10.40 for packs of four or more. “I’m very pleased to see this moving forward,” Mayor Debbie Goettel said during the council meeting. “It’s in the best interest of Richfield’s youth and health.” The new ordinance brings Richfield’s tobacco licensing ordinance up to state minimums and puts into place pioneering policies that will protect youth from the harms of tobacco. This policy adds Richfield to a growing list of cities that have set minimum prices for the sale of non-premium cigars including: Brooklyn Center, Saint Paul, Bloomington, Maplewood and Minneapolis. Councilmember Michael Howard said. “I think this is the ordinance that really sort of gets at access for kids.” Additionally, the updated ordinance prohibits the use of electronic cigarettes in city-owned parks and other recreational facilities; prohibits the sale of any electronic cigarette liquid that is not in child-resistant packaging and prohibits indoor smoking and sampling of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes, except in establishments that are already licensed by the City. “This new ordinance will help protect Richfield youth from becoming lifelong tobacco users,” said Kari Oldfield, Legal and Community Outreach Coordinator for ANSR. “We are proud of the Richfield Advisory Board of Health and City Council for taking on this important issue and protecting the health of the residents and visitors of the city.” This new ordinance goes into effect on Dec. 19, 2015.

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners continued its strong leadership regarding the health and safety of its residents when it voted 6-1 on Sept. 22, to include electronic cigarettes in its clean indoor air policy and prohibit use of e-cigarettes and cigarettes within 25 feet of building entrances. By including e-cigarettes in the clean indoor air policy, county leaders have established use of e-cigarettes will not be allowed anywhere conventional cigarettes are not allowed, such as work places, bars and restaurants. In 2005, Ramsey County showed leadership in passing one of the state’s first smoking bans for bars and restaurants. Two years later, the Minnesota legislature enacted the statewide Freedom to Breathe law, protecting all Minnesotans from the harms of secondhand smoke. Ramsey County has taken a stand to ensure our residents, workers and visitors aren’t needlessly exposed to tobacco and e-cigarette use when they are in indoor public spaces, or simply entering and leaving buildings, said Jim McDonough, Chair of the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners. Hopefully, the state will follow suit and recognize the need to protect all Minnesotans from the harms of secondhand smoke and e-cigarette emissions. In addition to McDonough, Commissioner Blake Huffman, Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire and Commissioner Rafael Ortega spoke up in support of the ordinance. Commissioner Huffman lauded the wonderfully diverse community advocates who spoke at the public hearing on Sept. 8, while Commissioner McGuire concurred. Commissioner Ortega addressed the adverse health impact of electronic cigarettes, which emit an aerosol laced with nicotine, harmful chemicals and metal particles. The bottom line is if there is any uncertainty about the impact it has on health, we’re doing the right thing, Ortega said. It’s better to move in the direction we’re moving. We need to keep enhancing the health of our community. Ramsey County joins nine other counties and 20 cities in Minnesota that have also prohibited the use of electronic cigarettes wherever conventional smoking is not allowed, according to Katie Engman, program director for Ramsey Tobacco Coalition. State law prohibits the use of e-cigarettes in places such as schools, state colleges and universities, government buildings, hospitals and clinics, but state legislators stopped short of enacting a comprehensive usage ban. Kudos to Ramsey County leaders for protecting clean indoor air for all residents and visitors, Engman said. They’ve also gone one step further in protecting public health by not allowing conventional cigarettes or e-cigarettes within 25 feet of all building entrances. These actions show true public health leadership that should be commended.

Saying thank you The Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota (ANSR) marked the end of an era in January 2014, and celebrated the work of Brittany McFadden, an innovator in the public health field and smoke-free air movement. During her 13 years, McFadden created ANSR’s Tobacco Free Youth Recreation (TFYR) and Live Smoke Free programs. TFYR focuses on smoke-free outdoor air, while Live Smoke Free works on smoke-free, multi-unit housing policies. At the time, each program was groundbreaking and among the first of its kind in the nation. While at ANSR, McFadden’s work resulted in 100-plus Minnesota parks adopting smoke-free policies. Hundreds of multi-unit buildings went smoke free, resulting in thousands of Minnesotans being protected from secondhand smoke. McFadden has been a true leader in the smoke-free air movement and has traveled around the nation to mentor other public health advocates. Members of the public health community came out to praise one of its best champions and reflect on McFadden’s accomplishments. What they said “Brittany played the leadin g role in creating and directing two of ANSR’s most successful programs, Tobacco Free Youth Recreation and Live Smoke Free.  Both of these programs became, and remain, national leaders and set the standard for others to emulate.” - Jeanne Weigum, ANSR preside nt “During her tenure at ANSR , Brittany has been a true advocate for smoke-free venues throughout Minnesota. Brittany was the main author of the manuals for those programs. They are now considered Bibles within the Tobacco Prevention Community. She is an innovative, self-motivated, talented individual, who has been instrumental in providing clean indoor and outdoor air to Minnesotans. Brittany has received national recognition for her efforts.” - Lisa Marshall, ANSR Board M ember “Brittany is an amazing in dividual who had dedicated the past 13 years to making Minnesota a healthier place to live, play and work.   She led the tobacco-free youth recreation program, creating 100-plus tobacco free parks in Minnesota, setting the standard for tobacco-free outdoor areas in the nation.  When Brittany took on smoke-free multi-unit housing, she had a vision of what the program would look like. I remember how simple the smoke-free apartments program was before Live Smoke Free was created.  She advocated for funding, successfully received funding and created a top-notch smoke-free apartments program that is now nationally recognized.Brittany has shown tremendous dedication, passion and commitment in creating environments free of tobacco and secondhand smoke.  Her “can do” attitude, energy and passion has transferred to many advocates she trained on parks and housing.” - Katie Engman, ANSR Program Director “Not only is Brittany incr edibly talented, she is simply a wonderful person, and I feel grateful for her friendship. When I think of all she has done for tobacco control in Minnesota, it is truly amazing. She built TFYR in a way that has impacted so many park systems across the state, and that work even expanded to fair grounds and zoos.  It became a model for others to follow across the country.  She repeated this act with smoke-free multi-unit housing, and many lessons from that program were applied to Smoke-Free Lodging.  All of these are top-notch tobacco control initiatives because of the passion, dedication and thoughtfulness she personally invested to ensure that they would be high quality and effective. Because of her work, social norms were changed, and thousands of people have been impacted with a reduction in secondhand smoke exposure. And thousands more will continue to be positively impacted for generations into the future due to the lasting policy work she created and supported.” - Pat Stieg, ANSR Board Membe r

On March 19, 2014, five schools in ISD 622, which covers Maplewood, Oakdale and North Saint Paul, as well as the Students Who Are Against Tobacco (SWAAT) at White Bear Lake’s South campus, particpated in Kick Butts Day events. These students engaged the student body, alerting them to the harms of tobacco and letting them know exactly how the tobacco industry targets them. Check out the ISD 622 video of students from Tartan High, North High, John Glenn Middle School, Skyview Middle School and Maplewood Middle School.

The Minneapolis City Council voted unanimously on July 10 to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products, other than menthol, to adult-only tobacco shops. The Council also increased the price of cigars to $2.60 per stick. Four cities in Minnesota, including Maplewood, Bloomington, Saint Paul and Brooklyn Center, previously adopted policies that regulate the price of cheap cigars. However, no other Minnesota cities have restricted the sale of flavored tobacco products. Nationally, New York City and Providence, RI, have similar policies in place that served as a model for the Minneapolis ordinance. The new policy means that only about 15 of the city’s 400-plus tobacco vendors will be allowed to sell candy-flavored tobacco products. In order to sell these products, the stores must derive at least 90 percent of their revenue from tobacco and be adult-only at all times. Council Members Blong Yang (Ward 5) and Cam Gordon (Ward 2) co-authored the ordinance in response to input from youth in the Minneapolis Youth Congress and the Breathe Free North program at NorthPoint Health & Wellness. The youth said these products are appealing to young people in their communities. “We heard loud and clear from Minneapolis youth that flavored tobacco products are what most kids use when they start smoking,” Council Member Cam Gordon said. “We believe that limiting access to these products will help prevent youth from becoming addicted to nicotine and dramatically improve the health of future generations.” Opponents of the policy included convenience store owners and chains, such as Holiday, SuperAmerica, Bobby & Steve’s, retailer associations, and Altria the company that makes Marlboro and Skoal. Proponents included health groups and groups who work with youth. “This policy is an important step in the fight to reduce the harm caused by tobacco. These changes will protect youth from lifelong addiction to tobacco and the associated health problems. We are proud of the Minneapolis City Council for showing leadership and voting to protect the health of Minneapolis youth,” Betsy Brock, Director of Research at ANSR, said. The policy takes effect on Jan. 1.

Maplewood, Minn. – The Maplewood City Council showed strong leadership in protecting the health and well-being of its residents on May 11. The City Council voted unanimously to set a minimum price for single cigars at $2.60 each. All cigars sold in packages of four or less must be priced at $2.60 each. For example, a two-pack of cigars would cost $5.20 and a three-pack would cost $7.80, four or more cigars would cost at least $10.40. The ordinance also sets a minimum age of 18 for anyone selling tobacco or tobacco-related products. The city did not previously have a minimum age requirement. Setting it at 18 often eliminates peer pressure. Falcon Heights has previously set a minimum age of seller at 18. The use of electronic cigarettes in tobacco shops will now be prohibited in the same way that smoking is prohibited in these shops. However, four existing businesses will be grandfathered into the new regulations. The City intends to discuss prohibiting the use of electronic cigarettes in all indoor public places at a later date. Mayor Nora Slawik said she voted in favor of the proposal in order to protect young people in Maplewood. “These deadly and addictive products are far too accessible to young people,” Slawik said. “This ordinance will help keep tobacco out of the hands of kids. It will help prevent youth from experiencing the terrible health consequences of tobacco use.” Students from Tartan High School’s Students Against Destructive Decisions and John Glenn Middle School’s Support Our Schools group were strong advocates for the proposal. Councilmember Kathleen Juenemann said, “Young people came out, contacted us and asked us to help protect their peers. The young people reinforced to me what this ordinance is all about. Young people want to be protected, and we are the elected officials who need to protect them.  It is the right thing to do.” In raising the price of single cigars, Maplewood joins Brooklyn Center, Saint Paul and Bloomington as Minnesota cities to pass such strong ordinances to prevent youth initiation to smoking. “I am proud that Maplewood is leading the way to prevent young people from becoming addicted to tobacco,” Juenemann said. The tobacco industry has a long history of targeting young people with cheap and flavored tobacco. Ramsey Tobacco Coalition’s Katie Engman said she is thrilled Maplewood is taking action to stop that. “Raising the price of tobacco is one of the most effective methods to prevent tobacco use among young people,” Engman said. “Thank you to the students, community and council members for taking on this important issue.”

About 55 St. Paul African American community leaders, youth, public health professionals and interested community members gathered for a Menthol Community Conversation on June 17. National experts from the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council presented to the group about the deliberate targeting of the African American community by tobacco companies using menthol.  They presented information about what other communities have done to reduce the impact of menthol on their communities. The meetings’ intent was to raise awareness about menthol and its impact on St. Paul’s African American community. The St. Paul meeting was one of six meetings held that week across the Metro. Ramsey Tobacco Coalition and our partners at Aurora St. Anthony Neighborhood Development Corporation coordinated and hosted the event.  Youth from Vision In Living Life: Change is Possible performed a skit to the audience to introduce the Rondo neighborhood and dramatize its history. Those in attendance learned how the tobacco industry has strategically targeted African American communities with menthol, the devastating effect, and what can be done to put an end to the harms.