News and Events
Okeechobee SWAT Club Cleans Local Parks!
January 29, 2022
On January 29th, 2022, Okeechobee SWAT Club planned, organized, and completed a multi-park clean up focused on tobacco litter. Over 20 students participated in the project.
Club members split into 2 groups and met at parks across Okeechobee County to pick up litter in order to beautify our public spaces. While the crews focused on tobacco litter, i.e., cigarette butts, cigarillo wrappers and plastic mouthpieces, disposable vapes, etc., they were encouraged to pick up all trash found in the area.
Students were surprised at how much tobacco litter is present in our parks and playgrounds, and this was an excellent opportunity for them to witness tobacco's harmful effects on our environment. The project was so well received, the SWAT Club members are planning an additional clean up before the end of the school year.
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.
For more information on local youth tobacco prevention efforts, visit www.swatflorida.com or contact Holly Mixon at HMixon@QuitDoc.com.
