From the Rio Grande Valley to Lubbock, and from El Paso to Texarkana, community coalitions have worked to pass ordinances that severely restrict exposure to secondhand smoke. Dozens of other communities throughout the state are advocating for similar protections and need your help. Is your community taking up the fight?
Breathe Easy Amarillo
Smoke-free College Station
Smoke-free Corpus Christi
Smoke-free Dallas
Smoke-free Fort Worth
Smoke-free Harlingen
Smoke-free Baytown
LOCAL COALITIONS - Frequently Asked Questions
Local coalitions are an essential part of the strategy for reaching the goal of a smoke-free Texas. Coalitions at the local level focus on educating their communities about the dangers of secondhand smoke and work to influence their city councils to pass comprehensive smoke-free ordinances.
As more people across Texas have began to understand the dangers of secondhand smoke and realize the benefits of smoke-free public places in their own communities, the momentum for a smoke-free Texas has built. The time has come for smoke-free supporters to go to the Texas Legislature and advocate for a statewide smoke-free policy. The work of local coalitions has established a network of seasoned advocates who are ready to act.
How long does it take to be successful at the local level?
What does a local coalition look like?
What is the usual structure of a local coalition?
How do we get started?
How long does it take to be successful at the local level?
Coalitions that have successfully influenced local policy are those that have built a well-planned campaign before attempting to take the issue to the city council. Local coalitions must take the time to educate themselves, get organized and build support before opening a community-wide debate.
The usual timeframe for a smoke-free coalition to have an effect on local policy is 12-24 months, with at least six months dedicated to becoming educated and getting organized.
What does a local coalition look like?
To be most successful, a coalition should include a cross-section of the community it is serving. A broad, diverse coalition that represents the entire community will more effectively demonstrate community-wide support for smoke-free policy.
It should include medical professionals, representatives from health organizations, civic-minded citizens, business owners, public-relations professionals, youth and anyone else who can help educate and influence the community.
What is the usual structure of a local coalition?
Local coalitions have three primary functions: community education/media presence, grassroots organization, and strategic interaction with the city council. Coalitions are best served by having a subcommittee for each of these functions. It is also important to identify a spokesperson who can interact with the media and communicate the coalition's message.
How do we get started?
If you have the initial makeup of a smoke-free coalition and are ready to get organized, the best way to begin is by contacting Smoke-Free Texas by email. One of our coalition partners would be glad to send a representative to present a detailed overview of the coalition process, along with a number of helpful tools and resources.
It is advisable to not contact the media or the city council until the coalition is well organized and prepared to go public.
Contact Us
Smoke-Free Texas
2433 Ridgepoint Drive
Austin, Texas 78754
rodas.claudia@gmail.com
