
Leading In The Battle Against Commercial Tobacco
Reality Check is a youth-led movement in New York State that empowers young people to become community leaders. Supported by adults, the initiative exposes the manipulative and deceptive marketing tactics of the tobacco industry.
Exposing Tobacco Marketing Tactics
Reality Check exposes the tobacco industry’s tactics to normalize tobacco use in New York communities. Tobacco products that are sweet, cheap, and easily accessible, make it easy for tobacco companies to hook new young smokers
and retain current ones.
Standardized Tobacco Assessment
Retail Environment Observation Toolkit
A How-to guide for store assessments


Educating on the Benefits of Tobacco-Free Spaces
Reality Check educates communities on the benefits of tobacco-free, smoke-free, and vape-free spaces, highlighting the hazards of tobacco waste and secondhand smoke. Leaders in Reality Check raise awareness and encourage action, contributing to over 500 municipalities in New York State establishing tobacco-free outdoor areas.
Park/Public Space Observation Toolkit
Clean-Up & Counter Messaging Toolkit
You have questions, we have answers.
What do Reality Check members do?
Reality Check works to make change. We educate and engage our communities to raise awareness about the negative impact of tobacco. We educate our key decision makers on how tobacco is marketed, and the impact that it has in our communities. Reality Check members are actively involved in public speaking, collecting data, and speaking with members of the news media.
Is Reality Check open to anyone?
Anyone 13 – 18 years in New York State is able to join Reality Check. There is a Reality Check program in every county in New York State. There are groups in schools and community centers. You can also be an individual member even if you are the only person from your school.
How can I get involved in Reality Check?
There are a few ways to become involved in Reality Check. If you know your school has a Reality Check group, listen to the announcements and attend their next meeting. If you are unsure if your school has Reality Check, you can contact us and a program coordinator from your area will contact you.
Can I still be involved if my school doesn’t have a club?
Yes. Many areas across the state have Reality Check groups at community centers and libraries. Just complete the online registration form and a program coordinator will contact you and will let you know of upcoming meetings or events. If other students at your school are also interested in forming a group, they may be able to help establish one.
What if I smoke, vape, or us other tobacco products?
Reality Check fights the tobacco industry, not users. We know that nicotine products in all forms (smoking, vaping, e-cigarettes, and chew) is addictive and we understand. Your voice is important to us.
Are you a leader in Reality Check – Be sure to apply for the Youth Ambassador of the Year Award. Find out more information HERE

Help Quitting
Drop The Vape – Text-Based Quit Vaping Program for Youth and Young Adults
Drop the Vape is a free, confidential text program for young people. It’s a great resource for people of any age seeking help to quit vaping and other nicotine and tobacco products. DropTheVape is all about realistic goals and building on your strengths. You will learn ways to cope, grow, and take control at your own pace. Sign up for texts by visiting DropTheVape.org.
You can also contact the New York State Quitline for free and confidential quit coaching via telephone, internet, and text, and free starter kits of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for eligible New Yorkers.
Want posters/materials for your school, church, or other community organization?
You can order FREE materials at this publication page: DropTheVape Educational Materials