MOST Inver Grove Heights Middle School and Simley High School students DON’T vape*. A group of 10 IGHMS and Simley students visited the Minnesota Capitol to help reduce the number even further. Spartan Prevention, Advocacy, and Resource Coalition (SPARC) Youth Group students visited the Capitol in St. Paul for Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation (MSFG) Day. Students talked with representatives and advocated for changes to current tobacco laws.
IGH SPARC Youth Group students met with Rep. Mary Frances Clardy first. They talked about the effects of tobacco on youth and in schools. After hearing from students, Rep. Clardy brought the group on a tour of the Capitol because none of the students had visited before. She concluded her tour by bringing students onto the House floor for a government lesson.
Next the students created a video for Sen. Matt Klein, who was not available due to scheduling conflicts. In their video, students explained why they came to the Capitol and the importance of making changes to tobacco laws.
On their way out, students saw Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. He spent some time talking with students about their trip to the Capitol as well.
Students shared personal stories related to their cause with each of the officials and learned more about the Minnesota government throughout the day. Thank you to everyone who made time for students, and great job to students for taking an active role in creating positive change for their community!
*Data based on the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey of 1,432 IGH Middle School and Simley High School students in grades 6-12.
Funded by the Minnesota Department of Human Services - Behavioral Health, Housing, and Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services Administration.