Anima Youth For 19 Oct
Post on 20-Jun-2015
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Youth in Policy Making and Advocacy
Debra Efroymson
Regional Director, HealthBridge (Dhaka)
Technical Expert, Tobacco Control, the Union
debra@healthbridge.ca
Youth (under 30): what can they contribute?
Recipient of services: youth lectured at, taught, encouraged to join boring clubs
Collaborator: youth design, implement programs to reach youth
Colleagues: organizations hire, train, supervise young people
Image vs. reality
Image: youth only doing “trivial” youth-related work
Truth: in Asia and the world, young people are actively engaged in – policy making– advocacy– other high-level tobacco control work to reduce
tobacco use
Examples of youth work Advocating for strong law Organizing workshops, advocacy
campaigns Working with govt. on law enforcement Research on smoking in youth, litigation Promoting smoke-free homes, smoke-
free zones Serving as media officer
Gaining media attention
Importance of involving youth
Smoking rates among youth high Most smokers begin as children Most of Asian population under age 15 Youth bring creativity, energy, fresh ideas Easier to train to fit into organizational approach Youth can work successfully with youth Future of our work
Our approach to youth
Lacking in sufficient knowledge and experience to do any “real” work
vs. Supported to acquire the
knowledge and skills needed to make a difference
Practical steps
Active efforts to recruit young people
Offer them interesting and valuable opportunities and responsibility
Mentor them so that their full potential can be realized
Lessons for youth
Their contributions are valuable and valued
They can acquire the knowledge and experience to engage in policy-level work
Tobacco control can mean fulfilling and enjoyable work
Future directions to increase youth involvement and success of tobacco control…
Active youth involvement/ownership in programs to reduce youth smoking
Designing interesting, challenging programs with youth & youth groups
Gaining professional positions with responsibility, creative freedom
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