Est. 1997 • boldteens.Org • boldteens@gmail.com
Equip. Encourage. Empower.
Cover Story
B.O.L.D. Teens Continue 27-Year Fight for Community Health
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 has grown into a comprehensive movement addressing health, environment, and safety.
Today’s B.O.L.D. Teens continue this legacy through the Codman Square Farmers Market, Summer Eats program, and ongoing advocacy against illicit vape sales. Located at 14 Euclid Street in Dorchester, they welcome new members through SuccessLink registration.
Above: B.O.L.D. Teens at a recent community gathering in Dorchester.
Community Bulletin
2026 Dorchester Winter Farmers Market
Fresh local produce indoors! January 24th – March 14th, Saturdays 11am–2pm at The Great Hall, 6 Norfolk Street, Dorchester.
Jan 24 – Mar 14, 2026
Health Policy
B.O.L.D. Teens Sound Alarm on Illicit Vape Sales
Current B.O.L.D. 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.