Who We Are
The Tobacco Resistance Unit (TRU) is here to help youth, ages 12 to 18, stay tobacco-free and expose the sneaky tactics of tobacco companies. TRU keeps youth informed and empowered through fun and engaging education. Funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and managed by the Pennsylvania Alliance to Control Tobacco (PACT) and the American Lung Association in Pennsylvania, TRU is your chance to make a real difference.
TRU’s vision is for all Pennsylvania youth to be tobacco-free and to avoid the dangers of nicotine in all forms.
TRU’s mission is to protect Pennsylvania’s youth from all tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes, through community outreach, education, prevention and cessation.
Let young Pennsylvanians know about the dangers of tobacco and nicotine addiction and reveal Big Tobacco’s dirty tricks.
Get more friends and classmates to join TRU through fun community events.
Make TRU’s mission known and get more people in your area hyped about joining the movement.
Plan awesome activities that get everyone excited about TRU.
Ensure TRU is around for a long time to help stop tobacco use (including e-cigarettes) in Pennsylvania.
Help shape laws and policies about tobacco products.
Support youth who want to quit smoking by promoting the N-O-T (Not On Tobacco) Training Program and other helpful resources.
Where We Are
Discover TRU groups across Pennsylvania with our statewide map! Each highlighted area represents a community with an active TRU group.
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Feature Your Group
Interested in having your TRU group featured?
Submit your photos by completing this form!
Educate
Take a deep dive into the resources below to educate yourself on the dangers of tobacco products like e-cigarettes, learn about cessation programs you or your friends can use, and learn how to create a tobacco-free campus at your college or university!
Participate
Join TRU+
By completing this form, I am agreeing to subscribe to the quarterly TRU+ Newsletter.
Apply
TRU Ambassador applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now open!
TRU offers awesome opportunities to learn leadership and advocacy skills to make our students well-equipped to handle the lies of Big Tobacco companies and to educate lawmakers on the importance of tobacco control laws! These opportunities include:
TRU Youth Ambassadors are passionate about tobacco prevention, advocacy, and leadership. Here’s what you need to know:
Join TRU
Interested in becoming a TRU student? Find a group by completing this form!
Find a TRU Group
Complete this form and a TRU advisor will reach out to you.
