The students, under the guidance of their teachers, took this beyond the anti-tobacco curriculum they were part of during the past school year and initiated dialogue about a smoke-free environment in their community of Wildwood. Next Monday, Aug. 24, the Wildwood City Council will review a smoke-free ordinance during their public work session at 6 p.m. and then the council will listen to public testimony at 7:30 p.m.

YEA! Project Director Dr. Melinda Bier said the work of these young people is exemplary. “And they are just one of many groups the St. Louis area that has learned how to engage the political process through  YEA! participation. This award is just as much about understanding how government works as it is about the health initiative they are proposing. It will make them good community leaders and advocates for healthy communities in the future. “

Bier said the YEA! curriculum incorporates the Project Citizen steps developed by the Center for Civic Education and administered in Missouri by the Missouri Bar.  Project Citizen promotes competent and responsible participation in local and state government. The program helps youth and adults learn how to monitor and influence public policy. In the process, they develop support for democratic values and principles, tolerance, and feelings of political efficacy.

Teachers of the students include Becky Forristal, Jane Lingafelter, Chris Shipman, Amy Hall and Melissa Surgener.

Youth Empowerment in Action is part of the Center for Character and Citizenship at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.