5 Easy Steps to Be an Activist for Vaping | Community
Activism means taking vigorous action to reach a political goal. At the start of 2016, as state legislative sessions got underway, we asked vapers a direct question: are we really doing our part to protect vaping and our right to choose?
Five things you can do
We built this list around a call to action from CASAA, the Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association, plus one step of our own:
- Send a message. Email your lawmakers about the vaping bills and budget provisions in front of them.
- Join an advocacy group. CASAA membership was free and came with updates and chances to take action.
- Register to vote. Millions of adults vape, and that adds up to a lot of voters who can back candidates who listen to them.
- Tell your story. CASAA collected testimonials from adults about their own experience with vaping.
- Spread the word. Talk to three people about vaping and why protecting it matters, and ask each of them to tell three more.
Why your vote counts
Our writer spent a year and a half at a vape shop talking with customers about activism, and kept hearing the same line: “My vote doesn’t actually matter.” Turnout in local elections is often low, which is exactly why a small, organized group of voters can make a difference.
We also argued that the community needed to reach beyond vapers. Talking with friends and family who don’t vape builds the kind of broad support lawmakers notice.
Get involved locally
Local advocacy groups shape what happens in your state, and their work can influence national policy too. If you can, support them with your time or a donation you’re comfortable with, and check your state legislature’s calendar so you know when bills are moving.
Where things stand now
The fight has moved on since 2016. The FDA’s deeming rule took effect that year, applications for products already on the market were due in September 2020, and many products are still under review. Federal law set the minimum age at 21 in December 2019, and flavor rules vary by state and city and change often. The five steps still work; for more, see 5 ways to fight back against vaping regulations.
WARNING: This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. For adults 21+ only.