Program Director: Kathy Roszman
What is
the
VKAT is a peer leadership program that was started by the Vermont Department of Health in 1996 to train middle school students about the dangers of tobacco use.
What's new with VKAT?
The four weekend trainings held this fall were a big success. VKAT teams from 50 schools around the state are now busy planning activities at their schools to educate their communities about tobacco issues. In February, the teams will be reporting the results of Operation Storefront to Governor Douglas and the legistlature.
What are the goals of the
VKAT Program?
The VKAT program consists of the following activities:
- Two and a half day leadership training weekends on tobacco use, secondhand smoke, advertising and other issues.
- Operation Storefront: an activity that raises awareness about tobacco advertising and promotion targeting youth.
- Statehouse Rally: students march from Montpelier High School to the Statehouse and speak with the Health Commissioner and the Governor regarding tobacco issues.
- Community Dialogue Night: students initiate communication among youth and adults around tobacco issues.
- End of the Year Celebration: students celebrate their accomplishments and the importance of the VKAT program.
What can
VKAT do for its participants?
- Educate about the dangers of smoking and alternatives to smoking.
- Raise awareness about advertising and marketing of tobacco products.
- Help change norms around tobacco use- that it is cooler NOT to smoke or chew tobacco.
- Help contribute to the goal of the Vermont Department of Health by helping to cut smoking rates by 50% in Vermont by 2010.
What else do
I need to know?
The schools that participate in the VKAT program submit a grant application to the Vermont Department of Health in September. Schools that are funded are awarded a $1000 grant to carry out VKAT activities.
Contact Program Director Kathy Roszman
at 863-8451 for more information.