Governor Proclaims March 25, 2009 Kick Butts Day in Granite State

Ten Members of Breathe New Hampshire's Youth Network Participated

Governor John Lynch met with ten members of the newly launched New Hampshire Youth Network at the State House on March 13, 2009.  He applauded them for their valuable work and signed a proclamation that designated Wednesday, March 25 as “Kick Butts Day” in New Hampshire. 

Originating over a decade ago, Kick Butts Day is an annual commemorative day that empowers youth to speak up and take action to counter the tobacco industry’s marketing to them. On Kick Butts Day, youth from across the country, hold different events and activities that call attention to the tactics used by the tobacco industry to attract and keep young people as tobacco users.

There are as many as 2,000 activities registered from coast to coast on any given Kick Butts Day.  Breathe New Hampshire’s Youth Network Manager, Ashlee Iber registered the Governor’s proclamation, the first time such a proclamation has been made in this state, with the national registry.  “We thank the Governor for his willingness to work with us on this issue,” said Iber.  “The network is very new and having the Governor’s support is a wonderful way for youth to begin their experience with the program.  We hope the proclamation increases public awareness about the severity of tobacco use and Big Tobacco’s relationship with our state’s young people.” There are various community events commemorating Kick Butts Day taking place around New Hampshire on March 25.

The youth who travelled to Concord to meet with the Governor are all members of Breathe New Hampshire’s recently launched Youth Network and serve on the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) of the program.  “The Youth Advisory Board is the governing board for the network,” said Iber.  “The members must apply to be an active member of the Board.”  The YAB shapes the program by developing messages and activities for their peers across the state.  The goal of the network is to engage youth in matters that affect breathing, such as tobacco use, air quality, and the environment.

Most lung disease is preventable, yet it remains the fourth leading cause of death in the state.  Remarkably, the fastest growing segment of the population to begin smoking is individuals between the ages of 18 and 24.  “Involving youth, ages 11 to 18, and educating them about industry marketing is an effective way of countering the tobacco industry’s efforts,” said Iber.