February 21, 2008 issue
Teens Introduce Smoke-Free Churches Campaign
Pastors and Church Leaders Invited to Kickoff March 10
Churches play a large role in community life in the mountains. In addition to serving as the focus of religious life, church buildings are used for social events, such as weddings, anniversary parties and showers. Scouting groups meet in churches. Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon and Narcotics Anonymous meetings are often held in churches.
The Watauga High Against Tobacco (WHAT) Club is concerned about the impact on children and youth when people smoke in and around church facilities. When adults smoke, young people are exposed to secondhand smoke. The smoke of others is now known to be a health risk. Seeing adults smoke also introduces role modeling that can influence teens or children. The use of tobacco at events held in churches increases the availability of tobacco products to young people as well.
In a survey conducted by the WHAT club last November, 84 percent of Watauga High freshmen reported that they attend an activity at a church at least once a month. Forty-six percent are in church more than once a week. Sixty percent had seen someone smoking or using tobacco on church grounds. Only thirteen percent said the church they attend has signs posted about tobacco use. One out of five reported having a health problem such as asthma that gets worse when tobacco smoke is present.
Because of these concerns, the WHAT Club is launching its Smoke-Free Churches Campaign. The club wants to invite congregations in Watauga County to make their buildings and grounds smoke free. Becoming smoke free means that a congregation formally adopts a smoke-free policy and posts signs to let anyone attending an event know about the policy. Congregations may also educate members about tobacco use and cessation.
The WHAT club will initiate its Smoke-Free Churches Campaign with a catered meal and meeting for pastors and church leaders on Monday, March 10, at the Watauga County Public Library. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room and will be finished by 8:15. The meal, catered by Bandana’s, is free for pastors or church representatives who attend.
Individuals who would like more information about smoke-free churches can request a packet from the WHAT club. The packet includes activities churches can do to educate the congregation about tobacco and bulletin inserts on cessation, second-hand smoke and youth and tobacco use.
To learn more about the WHAT club’s Smoke-Free Churches Campaign or to make reservations to attend the March 10 meeting, contact club sponsor Dana Holden at 828-264-2407, ext. 126 or at holdend@watauga.k12.nc.us.
Want To Go?
Date: Monday, March 10
Time: 6:30 to 8:15 p.m.
Location: Watauga County Public Library
Cost: Free
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