One of our youngest advocates is making one of the biggest impacts to a community by helping to pass a comprehensive smoke-free ordinance! Brett Harris is a middle-school student in Lubbock whose passion for a smoke-free community goes back as far as he can remember.
His dad, Matthew Harris, who is the Chairman of the West Texas Smoke-Free Coalition and a part of AHA’s Statewide Smoke-Free Leadership Council, has always encouraged him to stand up for what he believes in.
At just 12 years old, Brett's been able to effectively lobby City Councilmembers, recruit volunteers, and educate the public on the positive impact a comprehensive smoke-free ordinance would have in Lubbock.
On September 20th he even secured over 30 petitions cards during the Lubbock Heart Walk, which was one of the biggest hauls a single person had collected that day! During the Heart Walk, he also helped people create their Vine videos to post to social media about why they support a smoke-free Lubbock.
He has also educated his community through teaching his Boy Scout troop the dangers of secondhand smoke, attending community events with his dad, and even recording his own call to action for the Lubbock City Council on Vine.
The Harris family is also interested in other heart healthy activities. For instance, on the weekends Brett can be seen hiking with his Boy Scout troop, working out, and gardening with his dad. The two have a passion for growing fresh vegetables to give to the community. We caught up with Brett and got to know a little more about this Youth Advocate.
Getting to Know: Brett Harris
1. What's the most exciting part about advocating for Smoke-Free Lubbock?
Meeting some of the survivors as part of the Heart Walk. I’m hoping they can come and speak to the city council.
2. What was it like for you to get people to sign SF petition cards?
It was pretty fun. Some people turned me down, but most people went for it. It was really cool and fun doing it.
3. What are your hobbies?
I really like riddles, but what I like the most is going camping with my Boy Scout troop and playing with Legos. Playing with Legos is useful everywhere. Legos expand your mind with imagination.
4. What do you want to be when you grow up?
I plan to go and work at Lego. It would be pretty cool to work there. It would not be just for the pay. I’d do it for $1 just to play with all the Legos they have. I would like to test out the instructions and see how it goes, and also make models with random pieces.
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