History
In 2010, the Department of State Health Services called on the Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) to develop and maintain a Texas youth leadership and activism movement to be implemented in coordination with existing youth tobacco prevention stakeholders to link all youth groups in Texas who are working to make a difference in their schools and communities in tobacco prevention and cessation.
Throughout that year, TxSSC gathered input and direction from the key teen stakeholders during an extensive brainstorming process surrounding the name, look and focus for the youth movement brand.
Launch
Say What! officially launched to the State of Texas on March 23, 2011 in conjunction with Texas Tobacco-Free Kids Day. Since then, efforts have been concentrated on spreading the movement through local projects supported by Say What! Mini-Grants and by allowing groups to adopt and adapt the Say What! logo and other movement graphics to fit their needs.
In addition, TxSSC implemented an online tracking system for local youth group activities, measuring progress, and rewarding groups based on level of participation. The website is constantly being updated regarding the functionality of the networking features that will make it more user friendly to youth groups across Texas.