Hi there! I'm Saim Iqbal, a junior at Arrowhead Park Early College High School in Las Cruces, New Mexico. I've been involved with Evolvement for one year, and on April 17th, I had a unique experience. I presented with Paiuma and Siena, fellow Evolvement youth advocates, at Camino Real Middle School. In this blog, I will share my experience of speaking to the younger students about the Evolvement program and the consequences of nicotine and tobacco use.

The room was full of middle school students, all waiting to hear what our team had to say. We introduced ourselves to the kids, and we jumped into it. The students were engaged as we talked about the importance of stopping illegal nicotine sales to minors and how youth advocates can help raise awareness and protect their peers from being targeted by tobacco companies. I also discussed the No Minor Sale campaign, which protects youth by raising awareness about the illegal sale of nicotine products to minors. I talked about things I have actually witnessed in real life: students vaping in bathrooms at school, and how social media often normalizes nicotine use and makes it sound fun. I told them that middle school youth could stand up to the tobacco industry by speaking up, resisting peer and online pressure, and making informed and healthy decisions. The students listened attentively to what we had to say and asked some really great and thoughtful questions! One student asked, "Why do so many teens still vape if it is illegal for minors?" This prompted a discussion about peer pressure, marketing tactics, and the role of youth advocacy in counteracting that narrative.

The No Minor Sale campaign isn’t only about nicotine laws — it’s about protecting our generation and future generations to come. Speaking at Camino Real reminded me that this work matters and refueled my passion to continue my advocacy journey.

I hope that many additional schools and communities, like Camino Real, will participate in stopping illegal nicotine sales and will continue to support No Minor Sale efforts, raise awareness, and support their youth to speak out and protect our next generation. These conversations are only the first step, but they have the potential to shape our communities for good. I'm proud to be a part of a campaign that gives young people a voice and the ability to make a change.

Why Are Days of Action So Important?

Days of Action offer valuable opportunities for communities to come together, raise awareness, and take a stand on public health issues — especially those related to nicotine and tobacco use. These dedicated days help shine a spotlight on how the tobacco industry impacts local communities and empower individuals to take meaningful action.

How Can You Get Involved?

There are many ways to join the fight against the tobacco industry:

• Volunteer with nicotine use prevention advocacy programs.

• Educate others about the dangers of tobacco and nicotine products.

• Contact your local elected officials to advocate for stronger nicotine control policies.

• Participate in national and global Days of Action alongside advocates around the world.

Key Days of Action

Take Down Tobacco Day – April 1

A national day of action where advocates expose the tobacco industry's predatory marketing tactics, particularly those targeting youth through colorful packaging, fun flavors, and deceptive messaging.

Ways to get involved:

• Organize a rally at your state capitol or city hall.

• Host an informational booth at your school.

• Contact legislators.

• Take the #TakeDownTobacco pledge and share why you fight the tobacco industry.

• Host a community clean-up to collect cigarette butts.

• Organize a "Honk and Wave" event with educational posters.

• Partner with your school’s PTA to host a tobacco education night. (Tobacco Free Kids, 2025)

World No Tobacco Day – May 31

Led by the World Health Organization, this global event educates the public about the dangers of tobacco use and calls attention to the tobacco industry’s harmful business practices.

Ways to get involved:

• Advocate for restrictions on flavored nicotine products and nicotine tax increases.

• Support regulations on product design and advertising.

• Share resources to help people quit.  (World Health Organization, 2025)

Great American Smokeout – Third Thursday in November

Organized by the American Cancer Society, this event encourages individuals to begin their journey toward quitting nicotine for good. It’s a powerful moment for thousands to take the first step toward a healthier, tobacco-free life. (American Cancer Society)

Support and resources:

• New Mexico Quitline – Free support for those 18 and older.

• Live Vape Free – Tailored cessation resources for youth ages 13–17. (NM Health)

Make a Lasting Impact

By participating in these Days of Action and staying engaged in advocacy year-round, you can help reduce the tobacco industry's harmful influence on public health — especially here in New Mexico.

Want to Get More Involved?

Join the fight as an adult volunteer with No Minor Sale! After a brief training, you’ll be ready to host events, speak at city council meetings, deliver prevention education in schools, and more.

Sign up at: NoMinorSale.com/Register

References

Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. (2025). Plan Your Event. Take Down Tobacco.

           https://www.takedowntobacco.org/plan-your-event-2025

World Health Organization. (2025). World No Tobacco Day 2025.

           https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-no-tobacco-day/2025

American Cancer Society. (n.d). The Great American Smokeout.

           https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/tobacco/great-american-smokeout.html

In February, No Minor Sale participated in the 2025 One ABQ Youth Job & Volunteer Fair at the Berna Facio Professional Development Center. Led by Volunteer Camila Santana, the event brought in nearly 750 youth, ages 15 to 25. Attendees had the chance to explore volunteer and employment opportunities, learn interviewing skills, and network with potential employers. It was a great opportunity for No Minor Sale to connect with like-minded individuals eager to support our campaign efforts in the adult volunteer program, which is open to New Mexico residents 18 and older!

So, why should you join No Minor Sale as an adult volunteer?

1. Make New Mexico a healthier place for all.
   As a volunteer, you’ll have the chance to advocate for policies that protect youth, vulnerable populations, and community members from nicotine dependence.

2. Earn rewards for your time.
   Each volunteer opportunity you participate in earns you points that can be redeemed in our rewards store! Rewards include gift cards, electronics (iPhones, airpods, macbooks, etc.), gaming devices, and even scholarships!

3. Develop public speaking and leadership skills.
   Volunteering with No Minor Sale will give you numerous opportunities to speak with community members, policymakers, and students. These experiences will help you sharpen your public speaking and leadership skills—valuable tools for career advancement.

4. Receive letters of recommendation.
   If you’re working towards career growth, No Minor Sale can provide letters of recommendation or references to support your scholarship applications or job searches.

Getting started is easy! Simply visit My.NoMinorSale.com/Register to sign up for a 1-hour training session. Once you’re trained, you can participate in a variety of opportunities, such as tabling at community events, presenting at elementary and middle schools, attending city council meetings, and even taking part in radio and television interviews. We offer flexible scheduling, so you can volunteer when it’s convenient for you. This is a great way to build your resume and make a lasting impact in your community!

Join us today to make a difference in the health of New Mexico!