Why Join No Minor Sale as a Volunteer? By Andrea McNeely
Since 2017, No Minor Sale has been educating community members and tobacco retailers across the state of New Mexico with the primary goal being to end illegal nicotine product sales to minors. We have our youth advocates and adult volunteers to thank for all their hard work! There are plenty of ways to get involved and help keep New Mexico youth healthy and safe.
Here are ways to get started:
Partner Presentations - Partner presentations are a great way to introduce the campaign to local organizations across the state. These approximately 20-minute presentations can be held in-person or virtually and focus on campaign goals, the policy landscape in our state and across the nation, and how support can help make a difference! If an organization decides to join the campaign as a partner, they simply need to send us their logo so we can showcase it on our website and social media! The point total for completing this opportunity is 125 points.
City Council/County Commission Meetings - Speaking with our local elected officials is another great way to get involved. City council and county commission meetings are meant to provide the community with updates on what is happening at the local level and provide a platform for residents to voice their concerns. This is a perfect opportunity for volunteers to share No Minor Sale goals and concerns as well. These presentations last about 5-10 minutes and allow us to ask for support from our local officials. The point total for completing this opportunity is 125 points.
Elementary/Middle School Meetings - No Minor Sale also provides educational presentations to elementary and middle school students throughout the state. The presentation lasts approximately 40 minutes and covers topics such as how nicotine affects the body and brain, how the tobacco industry targets youth, and how No Minor Sale works to protect youth from these products. It also includes interactive elements, such as an ad campaign activity, to keep the students engaged. The point total for completing this opportunity is 125 points.
Community Events - Community events are another great way to educate, keep the campaign visible, and even recruit other volunteers. The campaign manager will always provide all necessary materials to ensure the event runs smoothly including swag items such as pens, buttons, stickers, magnets, fans, bags, and more. They will also provide talking points to keep the conversation flowing. The point total for completing this opportunity is 125 points for 3-4 hour events and 150 points for 4+ hour events.
Legislator Communication - Reaching out to our legislators is an important part of our campaign work. State legislators are key decision makers who endorse policies that are considered during yearly legislative sessions. We can educate legislators via email, phone call, and virtual/in-person meetings so they can make informed decisions regarding policies that can protect youth from nicotine products. The campaign manager can provide a template for outreach so that you have all the information needed to start the conversation. The point total is 30 points for writing a letter or making a phone call; and 50 points for virtual or in-person meetings.
Media Interviews on Radio or Television - Interviews on radio or television are another great way to gain visibility for No Minor Sale. This is also an opportunity to have an organic conversation about campaign efforts and why your volunteer work is important. Interviews typically only last a few minutes, but are able to reach a larger audience. The point total for completing this opportunity is 125 points.
Social Media/Blogs/Vlogs - Another way to gain visibility is through social media and blog posts. The campaign manager often showcases opportunities on facebook and instagram to not only highlight the campaign, but also to provide proper kudos to those volunteers involved. Volunteers can also write about or record their experiences regarding campaign efforts to share their advocacy work and personal testimonies. These are published on the No Minor Sale website for public viewing. The point total for writing a blog or recording a vlog is 50 points.
Regardless of which opportunity you decide on, the No Minor Sale campaign manager will train you ahead of time so that you feel well prepared. They will also be in attendance at many opportunities to provide support and answer questions. If interested in joining the campaign as a volunteer, head over to NoMinorSale.com/Take-Action and submit an application for a 30-minute training! Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and a New Mexico resident to join the program.
