I passionately participate in programs that improve the quality of life for our youth, as such, Wisconsin Wins is one of those programs. It is effectively reducing the sell of tobacco to minors with assistance from the Milwaukee Police Department, youth and adults.
As a non-smoker, I never realized how many young people in the City of Milwaukee smoke and illegally buy tobacco products. I viewed youth smokers as a select group of rebellious kids. I believed today’s youth were more health conscious than the youth of the past.
As I participated in the WI Wins programs, the experience was quite eye opening and rewarding. I drove two youth to various areas of Milwaukee to see if business owners were responsible and refused to sell tobacco to them. Thankfully, the outcome was positive for my team. The youth were unable to purchase any products, and the store owners proudly displayed WI Wins stickers from previous checks and looked forward to a new one. They passionately shared stories on how some adults come purchase items for kids who were as young as thirteen and how this was frustrating. One store owner even stated, “You girls look too smart to be smoking… No I can not sell to you.” It is store owners like these who are truly making a difference by committing to helping build a healthier Milwaukee.
My participation in Wisconsin Wins reaffirmed the need to continue to be involved in advocating for change and lifting up communities to have healthier choices. Milwaukee youth need options and knowledge, and it starts with involvement and finding better things to do than smoke. Adults within these communities must rally together and show the importance of youth not smoking.
Participation in Wisconsin Wins opened my eyes to the affects of tobacco not only on youth but also on neighborhoods.
Sincerely,
Elaine Banton
Milwaukee, WI
