The California Department of Public Health, California Tobacco Control Program (CDPH/CTCP) is launching “Tobacco and Its Impact in My Community”, a photo contest to promote awareness of how the presence of tobacco is still a problem in our state. Their goal is to showcase images submitted by California students that “tell the story” about tobacco control issues significantly impacting youth and disadvantaged communities. These issues include exposure to secondhand smoke, cigarette butt litter, and tobacco marketing in the retail environment.

As a sponsor of the photo contest, the American Cancer Society, California Division (ACS) is providing $1,000 in cash prizes for the winning photo entries! CDPH/CTCP will announce the photo contest winners during the week of November 18, 2013, to coincide with ACS’ “Great American Smokeout” on November 21st.

Middle and high school-age students are highly recommended to enter because they represent an important age group to engage in anti-tobacco use activities and, in the past, have demonstrated strong participation in similar contests conducted by CDPH. CDPH/CTCP is proud to partner with the California Department of Education, Coordinated School Health and Safety Office, Tobacco-Use Prevention Education Program (TUPE) to promote the photo contest to middle and high schools throughout California. All photo submissions will be exhibited online (this may include the Fight Tobacco Facebook page, the TobaccoFreeCA Facebook page, as well as the CDPH and CTCP websites).

Submit your photos for any of the four following categories!

1. Stores near schools
2. Secondhand smoke (outdoor and indoor)
3. Cigarette butt litter
4. “What’s wrong with this picture?”

Click the image below to download the PDF.

Click on the image below to download the PDF flyer for information on how to enter, contest requirements, eligibility, prizes, and limitations of liability and release.

Not sure where to start? Looking for advice on how to take better photos? Click the image below to learn more!