Methods: Skills youth need to work against the industry and information on emerging industry marketing trends were used to develop an innovative training agenda including Advocacy 101 and interactive Expression Sessions, that provided development in Video Production, Communication/Drama, DJing, Hip Hop Dance, Media/Public Relations, and Street Art. TRE culminated with a rally in support of statewide smoke free workplaces legislation.

Results: Significant pre/post increases were achieved in knowledge of advocacy skills (p<.01) and youth beliefs that the industry targets specific ethnic groups (p<.001). Nonsignificant increases were found in the teens' confidence to work effectively against the industry, comfort in speaking out against the industry, knowing how to talk to friends about tobacco issues, and negative attitudes about glamorization of tobacco in Hollywood movies including using music, fashion, dance, and art to target youth. Most youth agreed to make efforts to speak up against the industry (84%) and use the skills they learned to work against the industry (84%). Youth rallying at the capitol provided motivation for the Governor to sign smoke free workplaces legislation.

Conclusions: Using relevant modes of teen expression to provide training and opportunities to use new skills is an innovative way of effectively engaging youth. Youth respond well to non-traditional training incorporating most current tobacco marketing trends. Youth should be engaged in developing and delivering training to peers.