Question of the Month
October 2002

Over the past few decades, the tobacco control movement has come a long way. Yet there is still a long road ahead of us. And constantly lurking in the shadows are rich and powerful transnational corporations, like Philip Morris and BAT, scheming to bring us down. It's an uphill battle, but one that we are winning, slowly and surely. We may not be rich and powerful, but the truth is on our side.

Still, the challenges that some tobacco control advocates face can be particularly daunting: lack of resources, tobacco industry political influence, low levels of public awareness about the hazards of secondhand smoke. Successful movements require not just the truth, but passion, commitment, and inspiration. This month, we want to hear what inspires you to keep on doing the work that you do.

Question: What do you draw on for hope, guidance, and inspiration? Are there any quotes, sayings, stories, and/or parables that you consider relevant to your tobacco control work and our collective struggle against the tobacco industry?

In particular, we are interested in examples that are specific to your country or culture, e.g. a word of wisdom that a family member passed on, a famous quote from an social justice advocate, a story that has been passed down through generations in your culture.

May we learn from and be inspired by each other's wisdom, humor, and vision!

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