News and Events
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Club Celebrates Independence Day in Okeechobee
July 4, 2021
July 4th, 2021, Okeechobee’s SWAT Club members and tobacco prevention staff participated in the 9th Annual Independence Day Celebration at Okeechobee’s Agri-Civic Center. The Okeechobee Independence Day Celebration is hosted by the Okeechobee Fraternal Order of Police and is free to the public. The event features fun games, watermelon eating contests, activities hosted by local non-profits, giveaways, and ends with an exciting fireworks display.
SWAT members arranged a festively decorated display booth of SWAT club information, the dangers of Vaping, and tobacco education near the entrance of the event. SWAT members hosted a bracelet making activity that attracted youth of all ages and adults alike. While youth sat down to participate in the activity that allowed SWAT youth and staff an opportunity to speak with youth about what the SWAT club does, reasons to join and encourage their parents to allow their youth to get involved.
The Independence Day Celebration regularly attracts 5000 attendees making it an excellent opportunity for exposure and to engage with and educate the community on tobacco prevention and SWAT club education.
SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) Club is Florida's statewide youth organization working to mobilize, educate and equip Florida youth to revolt against and de-glamorize Big Tobacco. SWAT is a united movement of empowered youth working towards a tobacco free future. Maybe you’re asking yourself, what does our club do in our community? SWAT works to change the social norms associated with tobacco. This means we want to change the way people think about tobacco… making it less desirable, less acceptable, and less accessible. We do this by advocating for change in local policies that affect how tobacco is marketed, how it is sold, and where it can be used. SWAT members can expect to participate in a wide range of activities including community education and outreach, public speaking, collecting data, and media advocacy.
To learn more about SWAT visit our website www.swatflorida.com or contact Holly Mixon at HMIxonQuitDoc.com.
