Youth Quest 2025: A Youth Perspective
On March 10th, hundreds of students and youth activists for change in tobacco policy rallied through the streets of downtown Sacramento and made their voices heard at the heart of California: the State Capitol. Being a part of this group was definitely a new experience but also a catalyst for future activism within me!
The day started off bright and early with leaders of the California Youth Advisory Network (CYAN) uniting participants from across the state. This year’s Youth Quest focused on tobacco companies targeting youth via social media, with the leaders introducing us to the latest news about tobacco companies and outlining the plan for the day.
At first, it was awkward sitting next to people I hardly knew and daunting being in such a large, unfamiliar room. What united us all, however, was our cause and the loud chants we practiced on end to have our voices heard. The CYAN leaders were passionate and filled with energy, something hard to do so early in the morning, and made us all feel like we were one. After being guided through the legislative process and plans for the day, we scarfed down a very balanced lunch (I was in it for the fudge brownie) and worked with other coalitions to create flashy posters with slogans calling out the tobacco industry.
“They’re in our feeds, they’re in our games, big tobacco is to blame”- that was the chant that my group was in charge of cheering passionately as we marched to the capital in our matching Youth Quest shirts. It was my first rally, and I felt a sense of power and responsibility by making my voice heard, a cause greater than myself but one that played an important part in all of our futures.
As we stood on the steps of the Capitol, it was inspiring listening to the stories of the CYAN leaders and even more fulfilling to prepare and make our legislative visits. We were able to truly have our voices heard by preparing summaries to educate California legislators on Big Tobacco’s grasp on social media. The legislators’ offices seemed intimidating to start off, but once we met with the legislative fellow, it felt as if we had made a real impact on tobacco policy.
It was a long, eventful day that not only fueled my passion to protect us youths and policymaking, but one that likely ignited such interest in all of us participants, helping us realize how loud our voices could be if in unison.
Check out news coverage of Youth Quest from KRCA here!
Author: Nandika Tiwari, Youth Advisory Board Journalist