Anima Youth For 19 Oct

Youth in Policy Making and Advocacy

Debra Efroymson

Regional Director, HealthBridge (Dhaka)

Technical Expert, Tobacco Control, the Union

[email protected]

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