All About Red Ribbon Week
Wondering how to participate and raise awareness for this special week in October? Read on for tips on why this week was created, who should participate and how you can raise awareness in your community.
What is Red Ribbon Week?
Red Ribbon Week is a great way for citizens and communities to unite to take a stand against drugs during October 23-31. Each year since 1985, the National Family Partnership (NFP) sponsors the Red Ribbon Campaign™ to touch the lives of millions of people around the world. The mission of this special campaign is to “present a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of a drug-free America” according to the organization’s website RedRibbon.org. This year's theme is: Send a Message. Stay Drug Free. According to the website, the theme is "a call to action to speak out in support of healthy choices." The theme is also a reminder that by staying drug-free, you are sending a message to yourself and others about how much you value yourself, your overall health, your community and your future.
Why was this week created?
Originally organized in response to the murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, supportive parents and youth began wearing red ribbons as a symbol of support and an ally in the fight to raise awareness of the devastating consequences that occur because of drugs in America. In 1998, NFP sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Celebration, and today it serves as a catalyst to unite communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention programs and activities.
Who should participate and how can we raise awareness?
During this special week, citizens across the country are able to come together to keep children, families and communities safe, healthy and drug-free through education, training, networking and sponsorship activities. Many schools choose to participate in Red Ribbon Week by hosting activities and informational sessions on keeping students safe and drug-free.
Movie events featuring popular titles is an easy and low-cost method for attracting families to educational sessions and informational programming related to Red Ribbon Week. Plus, films that portray characters rising above the influence or dealing with drug and alcohol abuse is a great way to raise awareness in your community. Titles like "Freedom Writers," "The Blind Side," "Hoosiers" and "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" are all great picks covered under our annual site license.
For more information on how you can start planning for Red Ribbon Week, log onto RedRibbon.org for programming ideas by grade level, sample messaging templates and much more.