Truth Initiative youth advocates honored

Three Truth Initiative® youth activists were honored at the 2016 Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Youth Advocates of the Year Gala Tuesday, including Bryce Moore, who was named National Youth Advocate of the Year.

Moore, from Gulfport, Mississippi, is a member of the Mississippi Tobacco-Free Coalition and advocates for public smoke-free policies. He is currently participating in Truth Initiative’s Youth Activism Fellowship, a 12-month program for 18 – 24 year olds where they receive training on the public health impact of tobacco, community engagement, communications and policy advocacy. He serves on the board of Generation Free and advocates for raising the legal age of sale for tobacco products in the state to 21.

Breanna Wilson, an alumna of Truth Initiative’s National Summit on Youth Activism, was named Central Region Youth Advocate of the Year. Wilson, of Jamestown, Indiana, helped lead an initiative to educate 300 student athletes about the dangers of tobacco use. She regularly educates Indiana policymakers about the merits of tobacco taxes, and has spoken about tobacco issues with Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller, who is also a member of the Truth Initiative board.

Tyra Nicolay, also a past participant in Truth Initiative’s National Summit on Youth Activism, was named West Region Advocate of the Year. Nicolay, of Shiprock, New Mexico, launched Eagles Innovation Effect, an advocacy group at her school and is active in educating her community on the facts about e-cigarettes. In addition, she works with Navajo Nation to reduce tobacco use on the Navajo Reservation.

Truth Initiative is currently accepting applications for 2016-2017 Youth Activism Fellows through July 31, and will welcome 70 youth leaders ages 15 - 18 to the 2016 National Summit on Youth Activism in July.