Plattsburgh — The Commercial Tobacco Use Reduction Network and its Reality Check program hosted youth leaders from across the region for a two-day leadership retreat at the C-TURN office inside Champlain Centre Mall.
“We designed this retreat to help youth feel connected, confident and inspired,” Emily Moosmann, community engagement coordinator for C-TURN CFE, said in a press release.
“Our Reality Check members are passionate about creating tobacco-free environments, and weekends like this help them strengthen the skills and relationships they need to lead that work.”
Throughout the weekend, students built skills, strengthened connections and prepared for another year of youth-led advocacy.
The retreat, themed You Are the Missing Puzzle Piece, brought together youth from multiple school districts for hands-on team building, leadership development and project planning. The theme emphasized that every young person plays an essential role in strengthening their community and advancing a tobacco-free and nicotine-free generation.
Youth arrived last Saturday for an afternoon of icebreakers and group challenges designed to build trust, communication and problem-solving skills. Activities included team-based games in the Champlain Centre courtyard, a large group puzzle challenge and a small group leadership exercises. Coordinators facilitated reflection discussions that helped students identify their strengths, how they contribute to a group and how those strengths can support their Reality Check work.
On Sunday, senior Reality Check members delivered presentations on two major advocacy opportunities: Legislative Education Day and the Mobilize Against Tobacco Lies conference.
They explained how Legislative Education Day brings youth to the capital in Albany to meet with local elected officials and share their perspectives on commercial tobacco issues. They also reflected on their experiences at Mobilize Against Tobacco Lies, describing what it was like to take part in high-level advocacy, what they learned and how these events strengthened their leadership skills and confidence. Their insights gave newer members a clearer picture of the opportunities available within Reality Check and what youth advocacy looks like on a larger scale.
“I left the retreat excited to do more Reality Check stuff at school. I want to help and be part of things,” Mason Foote-Dufrane, a Reality Check student from Malone Middle School, said.