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| The s'mores booth |
I finally got to volunteer for the Kentucky Center for Smoke-free Policy! Just before Thanksgiving break was the Great American Smokeout- a national day set aside to encourage people to stop smoking. On the University of Kentucky's campus the Kentucky Center for Smoke-free Policy set up a huge party in front of the library, complete with s'mores, hot chocolate, and many other treats. I got up early on November 19th and went over to the nursing building to help set up for the day. I hauled some posters and other relevant knick-knacks out to the tailgate site, and then I helped set up tables and displays. In a span of about 45 minutes we transformed the walkway into a massive display all about the dangers of smoking. There were graphic displays with damaged organs in jars and a large bin where cigarettes could be thrown out. There were also tamer booths with games and anti-smoking pledges that could be signed. Once the event was set up, I was given a large stack of cards with information about Kentucky Center for Smoke-free Policy as well as a coupon for a free drink. I spent the rest of my time walking around campus, handing out these cards and advertising for the event. I spoke to many people all over campus about the event and the hazards of smoking- even for nonsmokers. It felt so good to finally work with this organization!
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| Paul and I handing out cards |
It was awesome to finally get some insight into how this organization serves the university and the greater community. Kentucky Center for Smoke-free Policy does so much good- by educating the community on the dangers of smoking, advocating for laws that protect the quality of air for all, and enforcing smoking bans- and I enjoyed getting to help spread the message. It was really rewarding to feel like I was doing something to help encourage people to stop smoking. It is such a problem, especially on this "smoke-free" campus. Unlike our earlier service this actually felt like we were making a difference, and it was awesome!
Want some more information about Kentucky Smoke-free Policy? Check out these great links:
Kentucky Center for Smoke-free Policy website:
http://www.mc.uky.edu/TobaccoPolicy/KCSP/
Social Media:
It looks like you guys had a lot of fun! Does participating in Kentucky smoke free make you realize how many people around campus still smoke even being that its a smoke free campus?
ReplyDeleteYes! Before volunteering I noticed that people were smoking, but now I see so many people. It has really opened my eyes to how big of a problem it still is on campus.
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