Hello, my fellow New Mexicans! My name is Kris M. and I’m currently a junior at Gadsden High School located in Anthony, New Mexico. This is my second year in Evolvement and my first year as part of their leadership team. Evolvement works with two campaigns, one of which is 24/7. The 24/7 campaign works towards making schools tobacco-free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is extremely important to me because of how harmful, addictive, and distracting tobacco products are, especially in learning environments. This is exactly why I decided to reach out to my principal, Hector Giron, to open up this much-needed conversation and hopefully gain his support in protecting our youth.

Prior to the meeting Principal Giron graciously agreed to have with me, I was honestly super nervous! However, after clicking that “join” button on the Google Meet, my worries began to dissipate. Principal Giron had already heard about 24/7 which allowed me to feel more secure and confident. He and I were able to discuss how updating and enforcing policies is vital in keeping tobacco out of New Mexico schools, which he was on board with! I even got to share my personal experience involving tobacco products in schools with him. Although I’ve personally never used illegal tobacco products, I do know several of my peers who do. From coming back from using said products and asking me for the notes they missed, to even being offered some for myself to try, I, as well as many other students, have witnessed firsthand how distracting tobacco is. School is supposed to be a safe learning environment where youth like me can attend with minimal worry, which is simply not the case with tobacco roaming our halls. Principal Giron wholeheartedly agreed with this, causing him to sign a Pledge Card to further show his support and pledge to do his part in working towards making New Mexico schools tobacco-free at all times. 

Sadly, my school district has not yet adopted a 100% comprehensive tobacco-free policy, so this principal meeting is only the beginning. 24/7 helps school districts like mine better understand what 100% comprehensive tobacco-free policies look like in hopes for them to get passed by the school board. After the necessary policies are put into place, 24/7 also provides support in communicating and enforcing said policies. By doing this, 24/7 is working towards leading youth like me down the right path, furthermore enhancing not only more positive individual experiences but also healthier communities overall. This can all be started with just one principal meeting, so don’t be afraid to reach out! Thank you. 

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2. The First Step in Making My School 100% Tobacco-Free