Youth United For Action Showing Tobacco Ain't Right
What is YUFA STAR?
YUFA STAR (Youth United For Action Showing Tobacco Ain’t Right) is a local youth coalition that works with the community to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco and the influences of big tobacco companies. Members range from the age of 12 to 17 and live in towns like Woodland, West Sacramento, Davis, Winters, and Esparto. Since its creation in 2001, the coalition has been involved in many community-changing activities locally, regional, and statewide. These young adults have become an important community voice in Yolo County.
What does YUFA STAR do?
There are many advocacy activities where youth can participate. Coalition members are trained in numerous community-educating activities, such as educating merchants on new tobacco laws and organizing community events. The youth also attend many conferences like The American Cancer Society Teens Kick Ash in Sacramento, The Gold Country Tobacco Prevention Regional Youth Summit held in the beautiful foothills of Sonora and the California Youth Advocacy Network Statewide Conference located in the mountains of San Bernardino County.
But it’s not all work and no play for coalition members. The coalition has an annual recognition event during summer to reward members for all of their hard work throughout the year. This year’s event was a trip to Six Flags Marine World.
What do I get out of it?
Most youth wonder, how would I benefit from this youth coalition. Not only do youth develop communication and public speaking skills; they also become an important component in the Yolo County community. Youth can gain community service credits, meet other youth locally, regionally, and around the state and best of all, coalition events and activities are free of charge and lots of fun. We have bimonthly meetings located at the Health Department and transportation can be provided.
How do I find out more?
For more information about YUFA STAR, Yolo County's Youth Tobacco Coalition, call (530) 666-8645 or email Jessica Estrada.
Recent Activities of YUFA STAR
- "Strike Out the Hype" Bowling Night 2008
- Statewide Youth Quest 2008 training in Sacramento
- “Kick Butts Day” carnival
- Concerts in the Park in Woodland and West Sacramento
- Meetings with City Councilmembers
- Six Flags trip 2008
Projects in the Movement
- Tobacco Retail Licensing ordinance in Woodland
- Tobacco Retail Licensing ordinance in West Sacramento
Year in Review – Photo Gallery