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In 2001, 300 members of FACT began spreading the truth about tobacco across Wisconsin. Now more than 3,000 members strong, FACT, the state’s youth-led tobacco prevention movement, celebrated its 23rd anniversary on July 5, by continuing its mission to warn youths and others about the dangers of tobacco and take a stand against Big Tobacco.
Among the more than 30 groups active across the state are the Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network (WAATPN) El Bethel Church FACT group and Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention & Poverty Network’s (WTPPN) Canaan Baptist Church FACT group. The El Bethel and Canaan groups have led a number of impactful activities in the Milwaukee area in recent years, including participating in Juneteenth festivities, cigarette butt and cigar wrap clean-ups, meeting with state and city leaders, testifying during Joint Finance Committee hearings, participating in a youth advocacy training in D.C., speaking during a national press conference about how flavored tobacco, including menthol, harms their community, and writing letters to President Biden.
Over the years WAATPN and WTPPN FACT members have had the opportunity to share their messages by serving as Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Ambassadors, serving on the FACT State Youth Board, participating in media interviews and leading a number of additional impactful efforts to share the truth about tobacco. We congratulate FACT on its 23 years of amazing work and encourage other youth to join the movement! To learn more about FACT or join the group (ages 14-18) visit FactMovement.org or visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/waatpn/.
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