I-STEP

I-STEP (Iowa Students for Tobacco Education and Prevention) was created in 2011 by Iowa students to empower the youth of Iowa who have been affected by tobacco use.  I-STEP members, youth from middle schools and highs schools all over Iowa, have participated in community events such as the Great American Smokeout, Through with Chew Week and Kick Butts Day.  The group strives to be a youth-led organization dedicated to magnifying youth voices with tobacco prevention message.  

The I-STEP 2013 Summit “The Choice is Yours” is planned for June 12^th, 2013 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa.  This will be a day filled with great speakers, youth movement planning, a dance, candle light vigil and much more!  The summit is free and open to any youth between the ages of 12 and 24 years of age.  Transportation is being offered with pick up locations across the state.  For more information about the summit or to register for the event by going to www.turnyourbackontobacco.com/TCIY/index.php

 

Van Buren County youth are represented at this event each year. Drew Nolting and Cassie Johnson are both members of the I-STEP executive council and assist with the planning, preparation and presentations at the event. Each year at this event the I-STEP organization elects executive council members, any students interested in being a part of I-STEP at the state level can apply for a position on the council. Council members are able to bring statewide information back to the local communities and implement strategies with all Youth Leadership Council Members.

For more information on I-STEP you may contact the Van Buren County SAFE Coalition at 319-293-6412 or info@vbsafecoalition.com. You can also check out I-STEP and the SAFE Coalition on Facebook.