By Julia McAfee
Most teens don’t use tobacco or vape products despite what you might hear. In fact, the majority of youth are choosing to stay nicotine-free. Through positive social norms campaigns, like the one happening in Neshaminy, TRU is working to spread the message: making healthy choices is the norm, and you’re not alone in standing up to Big Tobacco.
What is TRU?
Tobacco Resistance Unit (TRU) is a youth-led movement across Pennsylvania dedicated to creating a healthier, tobacco-free future. TRU empowers teens to use their voices, creativity, and leadership skills to educate peers, advocate for stronger tobacco control policies, and inspire their communities to take action.
What TRU Does
TRU members lead campaigns and activities that raise awareness about the dangers of vaping, tobacco use and nicotine addiction, while promoting healthy, positive choices. Whether it’s organizing interactive school events, leading advocacy activities, or connecting with local leaders, TRU gives youth the tools to make real change.
Why Join TRU?
✅ Be part of a movement making an impact in your community and across the state.
✅ Gain leadership and advocacy skills you can use for life.
✅ Have fun while taking a stand for health!
✅ Interested? Sign up here!
Fun & Impactful Activities
Hosting “TRU Storms”: Creative, school-wide events like pledge walls, educational games and art contests to start conversations about lung health.
Meeting with legislators to advocate for changes like restricting flavored vape products and including vapes in Pennsylvania’s Clean Indoor Air Act.
Participating in statewide events like Day at the Capitol to share youth voices directly with decision-makers.
Click the link to listen to our podcast episode:
TRU Ambassador Advocates for Clean Air and Tobacco Prevention
Julia McAfee
Julia McAfee is the statewide Coordinator for the Tobacco Resistance Unit (TRU) at the American Lung Association in Pennsylvania funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. In this role she leads youth-led advocacy, education, and policy initiatives to address the youth vaping epidemic. She manages TRU’s programs, events, and statewide ambassador network, supporting students and advisors in creating impactful change in their schools and communities. Julia is also part of the team that organizes the annual Day at the Capitol, bringing youth together to meet with legislators and advocate for stronger tobacco control policies.