FAQ about REBEL

1. What, exactly, is New Jersey REBEL?
   
   REBEL is a youth movement organized to take a stand against the influence of big tobacco companies. The goal is to empower youth to break free from the chains of tobacco addiction and take responsibility and control of their decisions and lives.  We are a highly motivated group who encourages fun while learning and educating others, as well as encouraging our friends and family to live healthy lifestyles.
2. What does the name "REBEL" mean?
   
   REBEL means "Reaching Everyone By Exposing Lies". One of the objectives of New Jersey's original "Kick Ash"  Weekend in November 2000 was to come up with a name, and everyone loved "REBEL." It means to resist or defy the Big Tobacco Companies who have targeted teens, with their advertisements, for decades.
3. Can you explain what "lies" big tobacco is spreading?
   
   Big tobacco companies show ads that make smoking look cool, especially for teens, but the truth is, it kills. Tobacco companies say they don't target teenagers, yet they advertised heavily in magazines that have large teen audiences, such as Rolling Stone and Sports Illustrated.  Since the early 90's, tobacco advertising has been outlawed, but through television, film, radio, and other publicities, teens are still dragged in to thinking tobacco use is cool. 
4. Why do we need REBEL?
   
   Each day, 3,000 U.S. teens take their first cigarette - that's 85 teens a day in New Jersey! Currently, 19.8 percent of New Jersey high school students use tobacco. Of the 3,000 teens nationwide, 1,000 of them are likely to die of a tobacco-related disease. In their memos, one of the tobacco companies called teens "replacement smokers." Replacements for the customers that die.
5. How can a teenage group fight big tobacco, with its billions of dollars?
   
   The way to fight big tobacco companies is to recognize their insincerity and to train others to recognize it, as well. It's time they learned that teens are not for sale! For generations, young people have bought into the image of smoking as a cool, "grown up" thing to do. Today's teenagers are too smart to be fooled by ad campaigns designed to suck them in. Remember, those advertising dollars come directly out of the pockets of young people! If teens and young adults decided not to smoke, there would be no "fresh supply" of smokers to replace older smokers who quit or die.
6. How does New Jersey REBEL work?
   
   New Jersey REBEL is a statewide youth-led campaign organized by county through the Communities Against Tobacco coalitions. Each county has an adult coordinator for youth activities. The coordinator assists in developing activities and helps locate resources to carry out the group's plans. For instance, the New Jersey REBEL group may want to stage a rally to get out their message. Or they might want to work with the town government to pass a law to ban vending machines or cigarette ads that are below the counter in stores. At their meetings, they discuss ideas and make plans. The youth coordinators are there to help.
7. Do New Jersey REBELs have any funding?
   
   New Jersey REBEL is supported by grants from the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) through the Comprehensive Tobacco Control Program (CTCP). The money to support REBEL Youth Corps activities comes from the Cigarette Excise Tax. The Governor and legislators are committed to keeping young people from using tobacco.
8. Some of my friends already smoke. Is there help for them?
   
   A recent study shows that 74 percent of New Jersey's young smokers want to quit. Since no one method works for everyone, New Jersey has excellent free services to help people quit smoking. There is New Jersey Quitnet (nj.quitnet.com) and New Jersey Quitline (1-866-NJ-STOPS/1-866-657-8677), and, in addition, there are six pilot sites offering one-on-one counseling throughout the state.
9. How can I join REBEL?
   
   It's easy!  Just contact the Ocean County Youth Coordinator, zhakspiel@adaco.org . We'll send you information by return e-mail, or you can call directly at 732-367-5515.

UPCOMING OCEAN COUNTY REBEL YOUTH CORPS EVENTS and ACTIVITIES:
         REBEL Twilight Program, Lacey High School, Friday March 28, 2008
         REBEL Middle School Summit, Friday, April 4, 2008 at the Crowne Plaza, Jamesburg, NJ
         REBEL High School Summit, Thursday, May 15, 2008 Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJ

For more information, contact the program supervisor, Zsanelle Hakspiel at 732-367-5515.

REBEL =  YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

TOPIC for this school year!

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

Teens today struggle with many issues in their daily lives such as:

Being afraid to be the real "you"

Being a good person, and having people like you for it
Discovering your uniqueness

Your inner light shining as brightly as it can be

Daring to be yourself

But most importantly, who are you? 

In Ocean County REBEL, we care about the youth of today's generation.  We are dedicated to help you live the healthy lifestyle you deserve, physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally, through the many activities in our schools and county meetings.