Advocating for a Tobacco-free California

The California Youth Advocacy Network (CYAN) is dedicated to supporting youth and young adults by advocating for a tobacco-free California. We provide tobacco control professionals and young people with the tangible tools for action to mobilize a powerful statewide movement.  Our staff is committed to changing the tobacco use culture in California’s high schools, colleges and universities, military bases, and all levels of the young adult community.

News & Announcements

ARTshowcase 2013 winners announced!

The first annual Art Resisting Tobacco Showcase was a great success. Thanks to all those who submitted entries and to those who voted for the top 2 at Youth Quest 2013. Click here to see the winners.

Application now open for College Project COUGH Student Advisory Board and Youth Board of Directors

The COUGH Student Advisory Board is made of undergraduate and graduate students as well as recent college graduates interested in working closely with CYAN staff to provide direction for statewide college tobacco-free efforts. Interested in serving on the COUGH Student Advisory Board, or know a student who may be interested? The application period for 2013-2014 is currently open. The deadline to apply is May 31, 2013.

The Youth Board of Directors is made of dedicated tobacco-free advocates from high schools throughout the state. It is an excellent way to work with other teens to fight big tobacco in California, and in your local community. The application period for 2013-2014 is currently open. All applications must be postmarked by May 31, 2013.

CSU Announces Plan for Tobacco-Free System

The California State University (CSU) Office of the Chancellor has announced its plans to make the 23 campus system 100% tobacco-free.  The announcement was released in response to the CSU Academic Senate’s January resolution supporting a 100% tobacco-free systemwide policy.  No date has been set on when the system will go tobacco-free; however, the Chancellor has stated he will create a special taskforce to move the policy agenda forward.  A report on the proposed policy is expected before the end of this calendar year.

UCLA Launches Tobacco-Free Policy

UCLA is the first University of California campus to become 100% tobacco-free.  The new policy launched on April 22 as the University celebrates Earth Day.  A tobacco-free policy launch event is being held on Monday, April 22 from 11:00am – 1:00pm in Bruin Plaza.  For more information about UCLA’s policy, visit tobaccofree.ucla.edu.

Tobacco Waste Reduction Toolkit Unveiled

The California Tobacco Control Program has recently unveiled the Tobacco Waste Reduction Toolkit.  The Toolkit is intended to mobilize communities, including tobacco control advocates, environmental groups, businesses, and local governments, to address discarded cigarette butts in the environment.  The Toolkit includes tips and steps for successful cleanup surveys, strengthening partnerships, and how to educate and advocate for tobacco-free policies. The Tobacco Waste Reduction Toolkit is a compilation of past successes, lessons learned, statewide resources, templates, a how-to guide for geographic information systems, and so much more!

College Campuses Throughout CA Celebrate Earth Day

Over 62 public and private colleges throughout California are celebrating Earth Day by promoting a tobacco-free environment.  To learn if your local college is hosting an Earth Day event, contact Beth Olagues at beth@cyanonline.org.  Statewide Press Release

Previous Announcements