No Thanks, Big Tobacco

The Capital District Tobacco-Free Coalition (CDTFC) has been working in the community for more than ten years promoting smoke-free environments, preventing youth initiation of tobacco and promoting cessation services for smokers. Through an extensive community-based program in Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady counties, strong tobacco related policies by the legislature, a high excise tax and the Clean Indoor Air Act, we have realized a significant reduction in adult smoking rates.


Tobacco Sponsorship Undermines our Success

But for all that we have achieved, there is a presence in our communities that undermines our work on a daily basis. The tobacco industry spent more than $11.5 billion in the U.S. in 2005 on advertising, discounts, and promotional efforts at retail sales outlets or “points of purchase” like convenience stores that are visited weekly by 75% of adolescents. All to sell a product that promotes disease and brings early death to 25,000 New Yorkers and serious tobacco-related diseases to an additional 570,000 New York State residents. Even more subversive is the tobacco industry’s sponsorship of local not-for-profits, events, programs, festivals, performances, and sports team facilities, by providing financial support to these programs in the community.

About the difference between tobacco industry commercial and corporate sponsorship.

What's in it for the Tobacco Companies?

Every year, the tobacco industry is responsible for more than 450,000 deaths in the U.S alone, but would rather be known for their generosity than their deadly product. They use sponsorship to promote and heighten the visibility of their products and enhance their corporate image.

What can YOU do?

We are reaching out to you and other health and human service organizations by asking that your agency join us in adopting a written policy to refuse any tobacco company sponsorship and funding. By refusing tobacco company sponsorship, you deny them access to your good name and ensure that the tobacco industry's image is derived from the fact that they sell a product that kills up to half of those who use it as intended. Your written policy guarantees that your organization and its members will uphold their stand against corporate gifts, financial contributions, advertising and sponsorship by tobacco companies.

Join the Movement to say "No Thanks" to BIG Tobacco

Please join us by adopting a “No Tobacco Sponsorship” policy within your agency. We are available to assist you in this effort and to answer any question you may have. The following templates are available for your consideration. You can print, sign, and return them to the Capital District Tobacco-Free Coalition, 849 2nd Avenue, Troy, NY 12182 or fax to (518) 268-5864. We welcome your active participation in this project.

About Tobacco Industry Corporate Sponsorship and Giving.

to Sign a Pledge orto Sign a Promise to refuse tobacco industry $$.

Sign a pledge to prohibit tobacco- related promotions.

Sign a promise to refuse tobacco industry contributions.

Add YOUR name to the list of Capital District leaders who say "no thanks."

Visit
ExposeBigTobacco.com