Australia has become renowned for failing to adopt evidence-based tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategies. While countries like the UK and Sweden embrace vaping as a safer alternative to smoking, Australia continues to enforce some of the harshest restrictions on nicotine vaping products globally. In this difficult landscape, advocacy isn’t just important—it’s essential. And now, thanks to the ALIVE Advocacy Movement, that advocacy is finally being recognised in a groundbreaking new way.
The inaugural recipient of this prestigious honour is Al (Alan) Gore, a name familiar to many within Australia’s THR community. In a blog related to the award, Mendelsohn said that Al has been a driving force behind the ALIVE movement, working relentlessly behind the scenes and in public to promote rational, evidence-based vaping policies. His contribution has gone far beyond research and writing—Al is known for his mentorship, his encouragement of fellow advocates, and his ability to keep morale high when the going gets tough.
For Dr. Mendelsohn, the naming of the award in his honour is a humbling recognition. “I
was honoured to have the award named after me: the Colin Mendelsohn Medal Award!
,” he told Vaping Post. “I think this award by a vaping advocacy organisation is unique, but it is so important to reward advocacy champions to encourage more people to actively engage.”
Breaking the silence
Indeed, one of the greatest challenges in THR advocacy is mobilising consumers. Smokers and vapers—those most affected by these policies—are too often silent, namely because they feel unheard and feel that speaking up would be futile. Dr. Mendelsohn knows this all too well. He himself has faced relentless criticism, professional isolation, and media backlash for championing tobacco harm reduction, yet continues to advocate fearlessly for science-based, life-saving vaping policies.
But their voices are crucial to help turn the tide on Australia’s punitive stance. An award like this not only acknowledges exceptional contributions but also shines a light on the importance of getting involved. “One of the biggest challenges is to get consumers to speak up and actively campaign for THR. An award is worth considering for other vaping advocacy organisations globally.”
What Is the ALIVE Advocacy Movement?
ALIVE is a fully independent coalition of tobacco harm reduction advocates from across Australia. It’s made up of consumers—former smokers, vapers, and everyday citizens—united by the shared goal of improving access to safer alternatives to smoking. ALIVE is committed to fighting for the right to become and remain smoke-free through education, evidence, and direct engagement with policy.
As Australia continues to lag behind global best practices, movements like ALIVE and advocates like Al Gore remind us that change is possible—but only if we work for it. And now, thanks to the Colin Mendelsohn Medal Award, that work will be celebrated, recognised, and hopefully, multiplied.
Australia is in the grip of a public health crisis driven by misinformation, overregulation, and a refusal to embrace evidence-based harm reduction. Smokers are being denied access to safer alternatives, and vapers are treated as criminals under punitive laws. In this bleak environment, advocates like Al Gore and organisations like ALIVE are beacons of reason and hope. The Colin Mendelsohn Medal Award is more than recognition—it’s a call to action. Australia desperately needs reform, and only through grassroots advocacy, consumer voices, and unwavering dedication can we begin to reverse the damage caused by outdated, harmful policy.
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