Big Tobacco is Targeting Our Kids Again. What Can We Do About It?

Monday, November 30, 2026
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Ecumen Pathstone Latitude and Landing, 115 Rodgers St, Mankato

Description

Big Tobacco has a long history of targeting young people to recruit the next generation of lifelong customers. This presentation will explore how the commercial tobacco industry uses flavored products, deceptive marketing tactics and emerging nicotine products to appeal to youth and fuel addiction.

Attendees will learn about flavored commercial tobacco products, current trends in youth vaping, nicotine use in Minnesota and the health impacts of nicotine addiction on developing brains. The presentation will highlight local efforts in Greater Mankato and discuss how Lifelong Learners members can help protect young people and build a healthier, nicotine-free future.

Presenter

Madison Coleman is the Community Organizer for the Nicotine-Free Greater Mankato Coalition, a community-led group working to prevent youth nicotine addiction and protect young people from the tobacco industry's efforts to recruit its next generation of customers. The coalition brings together parents, teachers, coaches, healthcare professionals, youth advocates and other concerned community members to promote education, awareness and policies that support healthier environments for youth. Learn more at Love Your Lungs - Mankato website.

Sponsor

Steve Gilbert