So what is Reality Check anyway?
Reality Check is a movement that allows teens to stand up to Big Tobacco and let them know that we won't be bought.
Despite the billions of dollars they dish out trying to get us to bite, we aren't buying it. Reality Check aims to expose the industry that knowingly sells the one product that, if used as intended, kills, and markets this product to children.
Reality Check has given me the opportunity to be a leader in my community. The work we do makes me feel necessary and important.
Olivia Raugi Chandler, 15, Plattsburgh, NY
I'm involved with Reality Check because I know what the tobacco companies are doing. They know it's wrong and they know that their customers are dying every day. That grinds my gears.
Danielle Babbie, 14, Mooers
What would I do with $10.49 billion dollars? Well, I sure wouldn't spend it on attracting more kids to smoke. 400,000 dead people a year is not worth that.
Devan Bushey, 15, Plattsburgh NY
The tobacco industry exploits children and young adults and criticizes us by calling us stupid. That makes me mad. I would like to change the way people think about Big Tobacco and make a difference.
Chantel Pettaway, 15, Mooers NY
I fight against the tobacco companies because they aim their products towards children. I don't want my 3 nephews to be influenced at their age; it's awful.
Piper Martin, 14, Mooers
I've been in Reality Check for 2 years and I've learned a lot about what the tobacco industry does to youth. It makes me sick to think that they think I will be their replacement.
Kali Bushey, 14, Plattsburgh, NY
I have been in Reality Check for 2 years and one of the reasons I am still involved is because it makes me so mad that the tobacco industry markets to kids, think it's okay and don't care.
Alyssa Rector, 16, Plattsburgh, NY
Reality Check provides members with the skills and opportunities to encourage their peers, community members and leaders and government officials to recognize that:
1...tobacco is the number one preventable cause of death and disease in the world
2...tobacco companies continue to target teens and young adults as "replacement smokers" for their customers who are dropping like flies every day.
3...we ALL must take action to get Big Tobacco out of our communities
