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| xenith >> editorials >> reality check |
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Reality Check by Cassandra L. McCoy Statistics show that one person dies every eight seconds from tobacco use. When presented to a group of people, this fact is usually met with faces of shock and disbelief. This reaction is to be expected. Who would have ever thought that one of the leading causes of death in the world could be caused by a legal substance? In the summer of 2001, youth from across New York State came together to participate in the kick-off of the state youth empowerment program called Reality Check. At this summit, teens were informed that the tobacco companies were targeting them as their replacement smokers. Through a series of workshops, the youth worked together to learn public speaking, how to address the media, and how to lobby for change. They also worked together to brainstorm ideas for a statewide iniative. Over the past year, students all across NY spread the word about Reality Check. County chapters were formed, and area summits were held. Recently, a select few of Reality Check members went to their schools, and communities to work on an iniative called "Chalk the Walk." Through this iniative, students drew body outlines in the parking lots to represent the millions of people who die from Tobacco. Presently, Reality Check has over 1,000 members, and they're still growing. If you live in NY, you can see their commercials on channels such as MTV, BET, Nickelodeon or CNN. Reality Check members hope that their program will soon go national. These students should be commended for their hard work and dedication to a worthy cause.
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