Big Tobacco is trying to hide a lot of secrets, and what better way to let the public know than to “Air Out Big Tobacco’s Dirty Laundry”? Construct a clothesline where everyone can see it, and then write facts on clothing items (either donated or purchased from a local thrift store). Display to everyone that tobacco kills 1,200 people each day in the United States or that there are over 7,000 chemicals in cigarettes and secondhand smoke.
Time:
First Meeting:
Decide as a group the most economical way to get supplies for your display (Goodwill, donations, etc.). How are you going to hang your display? Are you going to create a clothesline, or are you going to hang clothing on the walls of your school? Could you tie rope/string from one side of the room to the other? If you are planning on painting your message, be sure to leave plenty of time for drying. (This isn’t as much of a problem if you are planning on using markers.) Also consider making a palm card to hand out at your event.
Planning:
- Find up-to-date information about Big Tobacco.
- Let your local media and No Limits know about your event ahead of time.
Words of Wisdom:
- Have a simple message.
- Use quotes from Big Tobacco representatives.
- Clotheslines are really versatile. Get creative. Tie your line between trees in a popular city park or between light poles on the corner or in your school gym.