North Lake College (NLC) recently received a grant from the Truth Initiative organization to endorse and advocate a smoke-free campus by enlisting five percent of the student population, which is approximately 544 students. In 2003, there was only one smoke-free college campus nationwide, but in 2018, there are 1,475 smoke-free campuses, and we want NLC to join this growing list of those campuses!

The Truth Initiative was established in 1998 as part of a Master Settlement Agreement between major U.S. tobacco companies and 46 states, the District Columbia and five territories. Sustainability Coordinator Brandon Morton and NLC Truth College Leaders Pascal Bakari and DeVaughn White were trained at the Truth Headquarters in Washington D.C. to execute the smoke-free campaign at the Central Campus.

“Our main goal is to enlist 544 students by the end of the academic school year,” said Pascal Bakari. Over 150 NLC students have already enlisted. To help increase student engagement and raise more awareness about the campaign, the NLC Healthy Lifestyle Squad (HLS) was formed. HLS now comprises 10 student leaders who help coordinate events and volunteer at Truth information tables.

“We’re not here to criticize anyone’s choice to smoke,” Bakari said. “We’re simply here to educate our students, staff and faculty about the dangers of smoking tobacco.”

Throughout the 18-19 academic school year, students, staff and faculty are invited to attend Truth events, workshops and information tables. See upcoming events below.

Truth Initiative March & Workshop
Wednesday, October 24
Central Campus, H226
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

X-It-Out Rally
Monday, October 29
Central Campus, H226
2 – 3 p.m.

Cessation Workshop
Wednesday, November 7
Central Campus, K216
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Students are encouraged to volunteer with HLS at their Truth events. As a student, volunteering has many benefits including being able to add experience to a resume, earn service learning hours, receive free merchandise, networking opportunities, and leadership development. If you are interested in volunteering or interested in learning more about the program, email Pascal Bakari at pbakari@dcccd.edu.

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