“Smoke-Free Chinatown,” Chicago, IL A project of Vision: Inc., a State Farm Good Neighbor Grantee


High school students from Chicago’s inner-city wanted a “Smoke-Free Chinatown.” They researched and learned that their community was not attuned to the dangers of cigarettes. To address the knowledge gap, they developed anti-tobacco workshops and collateral, urged public officials to promote anti- tobacco messages, and lobbied local store owners to be more responsible in tobacco product placement. With training from Northwestern University medical students, the group undertook their culminating project, Operation Storefront, sending teams out into the community to document tobacco’s effects. The final project was a powerful, artistic photo gallery, displayed online and at the Chinatown Library.


By speaking with local store owners and urging them to be more responsible for tobacco product placement and marketing, youth were able to build communication and problem-solving skills.


–Vision: Inc.


Smoke-Free Chinatown’s photo montage documented the effects of smoking in their community.


State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grants


State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grants fund youth-led service-learning programs, a teach- ing and learning strategy designed to increase academic achievement and workplace readiness by con- necting service with school-based curricula.


13,096 youth volunteers


199,378 hours contributed 86,185 people served


p. 4


49% increased


attendance 77%


increased motivation


75% increased


responsibility YSA 2011 Annual Report


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