New to TRU

Want to start a TRU Group? Here's how!

  • Mission and Vision: Advocate for a nicotine and tobacco-
    free lifestyle.
  • History and Impact: Explore TRU’s history and successful initiatives
  • Group Structure: Understand the roles of Advisors and Co-Advisors and familiarize yourself with TRU Storms, advocacy events, and training programs by exploring these resources
  • TRU members must be ages 12-18 and must be passionate about being tobacco-free!
  • Need resources to assist in recruitment? See below!
  • Once you have found youth who are interested, collect the students’ names and the organizations or schools they are affiliated with.
  • Create a fun name for your group.
  • Register your group here!
    • While registering you will be asked to submit clearances for the Advisor and any Co-Advisors. The American Lung Association in Pennsylvania records TRU Advisor clearances to ensure all Pennsylvania background documentation is current. All TRU Advisors must submit the following three clearances within the school year:
      • PA State Police Criminal Record Background Check (Act 34 Criminal Record Check) Valid 5 years from date of issue
      • PA Child Abuse History Clearance Valid 5 years from date of issue
      • PA Act 31 Mandated Reporter Training Online Certification Valid 2 years from date of issue Renew with 2 hours of approved training

*If your co-advisor does not give you permission to submit their clearances they must do so here: TRU Advisor Clearances Submission*

  • You will receive an automatic e-mail notification that your registration has been received. You will be automatically added to the e-mail list and you will be contacted by the TRU Coordinator with any pertinent updates and information.
  • Meet with your TRU Group at least once per school year.
  • Host a tobacco-free holiday TRU Storm and access the toolkit below! A fun tobacco-free related activity can be planned around these holidays, including:
    • The Great American Smokeout
    • Through with Chew Week
    • Kick Butts Day
    • World No Tobacco Day
  • Day at the Capitol: Our yearly event where TRU youth from across the state of PA come together to advocate for tobacco control issues that matter to them–and they have fun while doing it!

Testimonials

Returning to TRU

Ready to join TRU this year? Sign up Now!

TRU Groups In Action

Want to see your TRU Group Featured? 

Click here to submit your photo!

Take Action

TRU Storms celebrate a tobacco-free lifestyle with the purpose of educating others about the importance of being tobacco-free. They are events hosted by TRU groups across Pennsylvania and can be held anytime, typically around tobacco-free holidays. These events can take place at schools, YMCAs, YWCAs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, LGBTQ+ organizations, and more. TRU Advisors, members, and even alumni can plan a Storm.

Plan a TRU Storm

Identify a storm in the TRU Storm Toolkit (or come up with one of your own)! Make sure the activity has a purpose and objectives.

Select a suitable date, ideally around tobacco-free holidays, and secure a venue such as a school, YMCA, YWCA, or other community organizations.

Use social media, posters, flyers, and word-of-mouth to attract participants. Gather necessary materials, such as educational pamphlets, banners, and supplies for activities. 

Execute the event as planned, ensuring activities run smoothly and are engaging. Invite any outside partners you think might benefit from attending your activity!

Document the event with photos and videos and share your achievements with the TRU community and on social media. Reflect as a group on what went well and the impact you made!

TRU Storms

Want to see your TRU Group Featured? 

Click here to submit your photo!

Get Your TRU Gear

TRU gear is available to all TRU groups free of charge.  To request gear, fill out the form using the button below. You will be notified when the order has been placed. It can take 1-3 weeks for gear to ship depending upon your location. If gear is needed by a specific date, please indicate that on the form and we will do our best to get it to you on time.

RECRUIT
• Requirement: Organize at least one recruitment event/activity in the next 3 months.
• Submission: In the "Purpose" box, provide a brief summary of your recruitment efforts.
• Gear Examples: Pen, Wristbands, Keychain.

EDUCATE
• Requirement: Conduct at least one educational session/presentation about tobacco prevention in the next 3 months.
• Submission: In the "Purpose" box, include a short description of the topic, audience, and event plan.
• Gear Examples: Magnet, Water Bottles, Ear Buds.

ADVOCATE
• Requirement: Be part of a registered TRU Group.
• Submission:In the "Purpose" box, share your group’s name and the number of students needing gear.
• Gear Examples: Baseball Hat, Drawstring Bag, T-shirts, Sweatshirts.

Please note, our inventory is constantly changing. If we do not have the requested items in stock, we will do our best to provide comparable alternatives.
Tshirts (select desired quantities of each size)
Sweatshirts (select desired quantities of each size)
Individual Items (select desired quantities of each)

YOUR INFO


Enter the shipping details of the address where the gear should be sent.
Subscribe to the TRU Newsletter

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: American Lung Association, PO Box 4348, Charleston, NY, 25364, US. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.

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

  • Access to resources to help you plan tobacco-free initiatives and activities of your own
  • Opportunities to mentor current TRU members on being a great advocate and making your voice heard among lawmakers & the community
  • Learn about the latest legislation and policy updates on tobacco prevention &cessation
  • Receive the quarterly TRU+ newsletter to stay up-to-date on TRU, our advocacy issues, and ways to support our tobacco-free mission
  • Continue your important role as an advocate working to keep Pennsylvania youth tobacco-free!

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:

  • Requirements:
    • Commit to a tobacco-free lifestyle
    • Join and lead monthly TRU calls
    • Organize and participate in TRU Storms and projects
    • Attend Day at the Capitol
    • Volunteer for social media, media interviews, & special projects
    • Stay active in the program all year!
  • Benefits:
    • Build leadership skills(great for your resume)
    • Access to cool gear
    • End-of-year scholarship opportunity
    • Contribute to a vital statewide tobacco control initiative
    • Make a real difference!

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.