Est. 1997 • boldteens.Org • boldteens@gmail.com
Equip. Encourage. Empower.
03
Initiatives
Social, Health, Environmental Justice
Cover Story
BOLD Teens Continue 29-Year Fight for Community
From tobacco advocacy to climate justice, Dorchester youth lead the charge for lasting change.
Since 1997, Breath of Life Dorchester Teens has been at the forefront of youth-led advocacy in Boston. What began as four teens determined to protect their community from tobacco-related illness as the Teens Against Tobacco has grown into a comprehensive movement addressing health, environment, and safety.
Today’s BOLD Teens continue this legacy through the Codman Square Farmers Market, Dorchester Winter Farmers Market, Summer Eats program, Friday Movie Nights, and ongoing advocacy against illicit vape sales. Located in Dorchester, BOLD continues to empower youth to advocate for positive change in the community.
Health Policy
BOLD Teens Sound Alarm on Illicit Vape Sales
BOLD Teens are sounding the alarm on illicit vape sales in the community, continuing a legacy that began in 1997. Their advocacy builds on decades of victories: convincing the Boston Globe to stop tobacco advertising in 1998, making Fenway Park smoke-free in 2001.
The teens helped ban tobacco in Boston pharmacies in 2008, and achieved the nation’s first statewide ban on flavored tobacco in 2020. They work with the Boston Public Health Commission and community partners to identify and report illegal sales targeting youth.
From a 1998 victory convincing the Boston Globe to stop tobacco ads, to the 2020 statewide flavored-tobacco ban, B.O.L.D. has led the fight for a quarter century — and the next generation is carrying it forward.