Reality Check

What is Reality Check?

Reality Check is a youth led, adult supported tobacco control movement committed to exposing the truth about the manipulative marketing strategies used by the tobacco industry to target teens.

When did it start?

Reality Check started five years ago after state attorney generals forged a Master Settlement Agreement with key companies in the tobacco industry. Big tobacco promised to stop advertising to teenagers.

Broken promises led teens at a youth summit to form Reality Check and design the Reality Check logo. Then clubs sprang up across New York state where teens host movie nights and collect signatures for legislative changes.

Teens learn to be outspoken and articulate as they teach other teens to be savvy consumers, particularly when confronted with smoking images in movies and magazines.

How is Reality Check funded?

The New York Department of Health accepted the tobacco settlement money and created a series of grants. In Otsego County, it was Cornell Cooperative Extension that applied for the grant money to run local Reality Check meetings and activities.

A new club is now forming in Milford, spearheaded by Chelsea Foster, 14. The Milford club will join existing Reality Check clubs in Cooperstown, Oneonta, Laurens, Schenevus, Morris, Edmeston and Unatego High School in county wide anti-tobacco events.

Is there a Reality Check movement in your community?
Find out how to start one by calling (607) 547-2536, ext. 257

For upcoming events check our Calendar of Events.

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