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Community Programs
Youth Organizing San Mateo County (YO! Mateo)
YO! Mateo is a youth leadership coalition with youth representatives of over 10 local Friday Night Live chapters throughout San Mateo County. YO! Mateo is currently working on three policy advocacy campaigns on the issues of nutrition, housing, and media messages. YO! Mateo is the countywide FNL youth coalition, as well as the countywide youth tobacco coalition.
Tobacco Retail Licensing
YO! Mateo is working to reduce tobacco prevalence and access to youth by campaigning for a strong tobacco retail license, an annual license that storeowners must purchase in order to sell tobacco. YO! Mateo is advocating for licenses that will be suspended if a store is caught selling to minors. Contact Emily at elanning@yli.org or 650-347-4963 for more information.
Smoke-Free Hollywood
Media is a huge influence on youth, and smoking in movies influences 52% of new teen smokers to start smoking. YO! Mateo is part of an international movement to ban smoking in movies rated G, PG, and PG-13. To learn more, click here
Healthy Local Businesses
Local stores can support youth and community health with access to fresh, affordable foods, and fewer messages about alcohol and tobacco. To get involved, or learn more about the healthy corner store movement, contact Emily at elanning@yli.org or 650-347-4963.
“It has changed me because I know that my community is a part of who I am and I take pride in that. I see students at my school have no access to fresh produce or any other healthier choices. What’s provided and affordable at the local stores is greasy and has lots of packaging that’s bad for the environment. I joined to change this and hopefully, make it easier for people to make healthy choices.”– Sarena Smith