The 84 is a statewide movement of high school students from across Massachusetts who promote the social norm that most youth do not smoke. The 84 represents the 84% of Massachusetts youth who did NOT smoke when the movement began. As of today, 92% do NOT smoke. We typically have about 100 Chapters across MA doing this work in high schools or in community-based organizations. This work is often done as part of another club or group with a focus on health. We provide each Chapter with activities for their youth as well as technical assistance throughout the year.

Youth groups in a high school or community organization who want to fight against Big Tobacco sign up to become an 84 Chapter and be a part of the movement. Signing up is easy and free. All it takes is five youth and one adult advisor willing to fight the tobacco industry’s influence in their community.

The 84 Chapters

As part of this program, The 84 Chapters work to accomplish the following:

• Educate their peers and adults about the tobacco industry’s marketing tactics
• Help to create change locally and statewide to reduce the influence of tobacco in their communities
• Survey youth and adults about their perception of the prices and availability of other tobacco products

• Promote social norm messaging around the prevention of youth tobacco use.

Statewide Leadership Team

The Statewide Leadership Team is a group of empowered youth leaders who work as part of The 84 Movement. They participate in weekly meetings and trainings on topics such as public speaking, media strategies, and facilitation best practices to learn and grow as leaders. Members plan statewide events such as Youth Power Summit and Kick Butts Day, facilitate tobacco trainings to their peers, and speak to legislators and at public hearings.

The 84 Movement is a program of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program, developed and managed in partnership with HRiA.