Indiana’s statewide youth empowerment movement
Hanover, IN – VOICE, Indiana’s statewide youth empowerment movement, is turning up the volume on youth activism by intersecting art and commercial tobacco control through a statewide initiative.
This statewide project harnesses the power of creative expression to expose the harmful influence of Big Tobacco on Indiana youth. The initiative mobilizes local VOICE Action Squads across the state to challenge tobacco industry tactics through storytelling, art, and advocacy. This 9-month project, designed by VOICE Youth Ambassadors, will culminate in the premiere of a powerful short film and art show on April 12 at the Phoenix Theater. Local VOICE members from Southwestern High School will be featured in the art show. Two Southwestern Seniors, Raygan Crawford and Chloey Leach, have art work that has been chosen to be featured.
The project included:
- A Storytelling Project for Red Ribbon Week: A collection of personal stories from youth struggling with addiction and those committed to a tobacco-free lifestyle.
- A Day of Action at the Indiana Statehouse: Collected commitment cards of why VOICE members are inspired to do this work.
- Artivism Campaign: A creative movement utilizing visual arts, video, and music to challenge the normalization of tobacco and vaping in communities.
"This opportunity has allowed us to blend art with activism in a way that truly resonates with youth," said Blake Hurst, VOICE Youth Ambassador. "Through visual storytelling, banners, and short films, we can spark important conversations and inspire change. We are so grateful from the support and encouragement we’re receiving at the local, state and national level.”
At the national level, the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids offered collaboration with its popular Take Down Tobacco initiative to help promote the premiere and also provided support through event sponsorship.
VOICE Art Premiere
- April 12, 2025, 11:00AM ET –1:30PM ET
- Phoenix Theater - 705 N. Illinois Street Indianapolis, IN 46204
About VOICE
VOICE is Indiana’s youth empowerment movement dedicated to educating and mobilizing teens to lead tobacco-free lifestyles. With 19 county-based chapters and partnerships with Indiana Black Expo and Indiana Latino Institute, VOICE equips youth leaders with the tools to create meaningful change in their communities through peer education and activism.
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