Frequently Asked Questions

What does REAL stand for?

REAL is not an acronym…it stands for what we are…REAL youth supplying the REAL facts about big tobacco’s marketing scheme on our generation…and we’re using REAL youth empowerment to get the job done! We’re really a bunch of teens that are all passionate about getting out into the open, the lies and manipulation that tobacco companies use to target us and addict our generation.

How can you prove that BIG TOBACCO is targeting youth?

In 1998 tobacco executives were busted by their own words found in tons of secret internal documents. Now Big Tobacco claims they have changed. But really BIG TOBACCO is full of BIG LIES. Since the ’98 Settlement, Big Tobacco has dumped more money than ever into special promotions and advertising in the stores we shop and the magazines we read.

What about Big Tobacco’s tobacco prevention efforts?

Since the 1998 tobacco settlement, BIG TOBACCO has been trying to make it seem like they are out to prevent tobacco use and limit access among youth with marketing ploys like “Tobacco is Whacko!” and making money available to youth groups to do prevention activities. It all works to make the bad guy look like the good guy! The tobacco industry is going to do everything possible to make themselves look like good corporate citizens. Guess what? REAL is not buying it!

Does REAL include smokers?

YES! REAL believes that the smoker is not the enemy…it’s the industry. Some REAL members are actually ex-smokers or current smokers who are trying to quit. Smokers are the victim of Big Tobacco’s manipulation game. REAL isn’t playing and we’re helping to give young smokers motivation to be manipulation free.

What does youth empowerment mean and how does it relate to tobacco prevention?

Empowerment for REAL is youth having the chance to build our own movement…making the decisions and taking the responsibility. This movement is about youth for youth…and by youth. It’s about us being able to say what works for our generation.

What is my role if I join REAL?

You can join REAL as a member and attend our events, wear the gear, join your island REAL group, participate in street marketing to spread the word…the list is endless. Another option is to serve as a REAL Board Member. A few times a year, the Board selects new members to work statewide. All members are given the opportunity to apply for leadership. It’s a big commitment…but so is REAL’s mission to expose BIG TOBACCO! You can sign up to become a member now by clicking “Join the Movement.”