Smoke Free Maryland Monthly Update (MD)
Posted on September 1, 1999
Smoke Free Maryland recently played host for a Russian leadership team. The Library of Congress Russian Leadership Program brought together elected officials, community organizers, and business leaders to hear about the United States' system of governance. They also wanted to hear how citizens shape public policy and laws here in the US.
Smoke Free Maryland was picked for a visit because of our recent success in advocating for a tobacco tax increase and significant funding of tobacco use prevention. SFM Board Member, Vinny DeMarco and staffer Glenn Schneider spoke in detail about the strategies used during the tax battle.
Excerpt from a thank you note sent to the coalition, "The development of strong and well-organized public advocacy efforts is very important to the future of Russia's democracy and the responsiveness of its government. Your participation in this program offered this group of emerging leaders a valuable opportunity to learn how they can mobilize their own constituencies to advocate for the public good."
Questions/comments? Send email to office@SmokeFreeMD.org
[Permission granted by Smoke Free Maryland. ]
[Reprinted with Permission]
