Young Advocates Take Tar Wars Message to Capitol Hill

The AAFP took its Tar Wars® campaign to Capitol Hill on July 17, delivering a strong message to lawmakers about the need to support anti-smoking legislation. Nearly 40 children -- all of them winners of Tar Wars poster contests in their respective states -- met with their senators and representatives and talked about the need for greater tobacco-cessation efforts.

The children, ranging in age from 10 to 12 and accompanied by their parents and Tar Wars state coordinators, handed the federal legislators color copies of their award-winning posters, along with AAFP Tar Wars brochures describing the tobacco-free education program. They met with lawmakers only days before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee was scheduled to mark up legislation granting the FDA regulatory control over tobacco products.

"We had over 80 (Capitol) Hill visits this year," said Pamela Rodriguez, the national manager for Tar Wars. "The children did a great job, and learned how they could be youth advocates for a good cause. They also had fun in Washington, D.C."

Zane Belden, an 11-year-old from Queensbury, N.Y., and the winner of this year's national poster contest, met with his district's congresswoman, Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. In a subsequent interview with AAFP News Now, Gillibrand called Tar Wars a "wonderful" program that encourages children to use their creative talents as part of their anti-smoking advocacy efforts.

Belden's winning poster depicted a Tar Wars racing car that is about to cross the finish line as an official waves a checkered flag, signaling a first-place finish. "I really enjoy watching NASCAR with my dad," he said, explaining why he chose a NASCAR theme. Belden said he put a No. 1 on the car to tell others, "You are No. 1 if you don't smoke."

"I am very proud of him," said Tim Belden, Zane's father. "He spent a lot of time on the poster."

Zane Belden said his parents have often warned him and his sister about the dangers of smoking. His mother, Pat Belden, works in the public health field and has shared many stories with the two children about the potentially fatal health consequences of smoking.

It's worth noting that AAFP President-Elect Jim King, M.D., of Selmer, Tenn., made a point of accompanying this year's national poster contest second-place winner, 10-year-old Broderick Rutan of Lafayette, Tenn., on visits to the offices of some of their federal lawmakers. Together, the two met with Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and Rutan met with other representatives, as well.

A total of 41 entries were submitted to the national Tar Wars contest, and 38 youngsters made the trip to Washington for the poster award presentations. Judges evaluate the posters on the basis of artistry, creativity, originality and the ability of the posters to communicate a clear and positive message about being tobacco-free. All of this year's posters can be viewed online.

Tar Wars is supported, in part, by the AAFP Foundation and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.