The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: To maximize opportunities for the development of voluntary policies by community organizations and events to not accept tobacco industry monies, the Hispanic/Latino Tobacco Education Partnership (H/LTEP) developed a turn-key tool kit that counters tobacco industry tactics used to sponsor community cultural events and Chambers of Commerce. The Tool Kit components help communities to understand the deliberate targeting of susceptible organizations; debunk the myth of the industry's “good and caring corporate citizen” image; and provide mechanisms to advocate for policy adoption.

Methods: The Tool Kit was developed from the H/LTEP policy campaigns and contains relevant demographic information; Hispanic/Latino tobacco use trend data; talking points; key Hispanic/Latino cultural values; suggestions on how to build strategic alliances; and information on a policy continuum that ranges from voluntary adoption to mandated regulation. It includes sample policies and a strategy chart that is user-friendly and adaptable to various populations and environmental contexts.

Results: The Tool Kit was evaluated and modified accordingly by a panel of experts. The incorporation of key cultural values makes the Tool Kit adaptable to other Hispanic/Latino populations in the United States (US). Strategies presented in the Tool Kit may help inform other communities in the US and Latin America that wish to maximize opportunities for the development of voluntary anti-tobacco sponsorship policies. As we move in a global direction to challenge the deliberate tactics of the tobacco industry, the Tool Kit will be useful for tobacco control advocates, business owners, key-opinion leaders, and individuals who want to counter pro-tobacco influences in their communities.