Red Ribbon Week - Ideas For Promoting a Drug Free Life

Red Ribbon Week is a national event celebrated every October 23-31 at schools, police departments and community centers. The event takes place to teach children the dangers of narcotics and drug abuse. The lessons are taught in a way to leave a lasting impression as well as to bring home to families and neighbors in the community.

The idea for Red Ribbon Week is created to honor the late US Drug Enforcement Agent, Enrique Camerena, who was tortured and murdered by drug lords in Mexico in 1985 as he was close to making arrests of a dangerous drug cartel there. The wearing of red satin ribbons was started in his memory, and the practice continues today. In fact, most schools and organizations take advantage of this tradition by purchasing ribbons with imprinted messages and often their school imprint.

The message continues to promote the prevention of illegal drug use. It also serves as a warning to those who have tried drugs or may even have a problem. For those who use drugs regularly or to the point of addiction, they do not suffer alone. Family members, coworkers and friends all have to live with the horrible effects of drugs. We all know someone who abuses drugs or has in the past, and we all know that they have taken many victims down their spiraling course of destruction.

As a teacher, school administrator, law enforcement officer or community leader, you can do your part by sending an early message to the students in your area schools. While the message is serious, there is no reason why Red Ribbon Week should not be fun. After all, you are trying to sell children the idea that there are better things to do than drugs. Here are some fun, yet effective ways to promote your anti-drug message during Red Ribbon Week:

Wear Red Day - Besides passing out red ribbons with drug free slogans on them, you can have everyone in your school wear a red clothing article to school. It makes a great kick-off for Red Ribbon Week and can be held as a parade, or an event in your gymnasium or auditorium.

Show Your Pride - Hang Banners & Posters with anti-drug message so they will be seen in every hallway and the cafeteria of your school. Hang them outside, too so your entire community can see your drug-free commitment.

Make It Fun & Festive - Red Ribbon Week is a celebration of positive living! Show children that people are happier without drugs. Decorate your facility with balloons, streamers and ribbons.

Life Is Sweet Drug Free - Hand out fun candies like decorated lollipops and customized chocolate bars. Red Ribbon Week ends on Halloween, so what a better tie-in?

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Smiles - Have students and teachers bring in baby pictures and hold a guess the baby contest. At the end of the event, distribute magnetic photo frames with a "drug free" student message printed on them.

Shade Out Drugs - Hand out imprinted sunglasses so students will feel "cool" about not trying drugs.

Sign On The Dotted Line - Create a 'commitment to be drug free' giant poster for each class or the entire student body to sign. Hang it in the main lobby for everyone to see.

Funny Is Good - Hold silly, but fun events like crazy hat day, red socks day and wear your clothes backwards day ("don't let drugs make you go backwards"). The events and the messages will be remembered long after the week ends.

Give Your Message A Sporting Chance - Red Ribbon Week is all about good health, so what is healthier than exercise?

Say Boo To Drugs - Halloween marks the end of Red Ribbon Week, so hold a "drugs are scary" party of costume contest.

If you search online, you will find hundreds of imprinted Red Ribbon Week products to help make your event a success. If funds do not exist, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the event. You can create handouts and have students write poems and design their own ribbons and shirts. The cost of this event is low while the results can be priceless.