Bringing the Great American Smokeout to Campus

We all know that Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday in November, but do you know what happens the week before? If you guessed the Great American Smokeout, you got it! The Great American Smokeout is an event sponsored by the American Cancer Society and was initiated in 1976. The nearly 40 million smokers in the U.S. are encouraged to quit smoking for the day. Planning an event is a great way to support users in their efforts to quit and to raise awareness about tobacco use and the related dangers. Here are some tips to get you on your way to a great event!

• Google is your friend: Getting started can be the toughest part, so don’t be afraid to look and see what other schools/groups have done. This is a great jumping off point and can give you ideas to take to your school. The American Cancer Society has various tools and resources on their website designed specifically for the GAS. If you have done an event in the past, make sure to share it!
• Advertise: It is tough for people to attend an event that they are unaware of! Use as many methods as possible: social media, school news, bulletin boards, word of mouth, sandwich boards, or any other resource you and your school have.
• Plan for weather: Depending on where you live, weather can throw a wrench into your event. If you live in a place where snow is likely, plan on being inside! If you live somewhere that is sunny year round, I am jealous and would like to visit.
• Collaborate: Many hands make light work! Plan with another group on campus or reach out to a community sponsor to help. If attendance is an issue, go to a place where an event is already happening. Many sporting teams are in full swing so a halftime event or table can be a great way to reach a wide audience.
• Don’t worry if you are late: If the third Thursday of November comes and goes, just plan a GAS event for December or January. This is a perfect way to take your newly acquired knowledge from GA and showcase it at your school!