You don’t just have to celebrate Red Ribbon Week at school. There’s lots you can do at home, parents, or even on your own, students, to support making good choices when it comes to drugs and alcohol. Keep reading for more ideas from RedRibbon.org.
For Students
Enter the Red Ribbon photo contest on the RedRibbon.org website for a chance to win an iPad and $1,000 for your school. Make a drug-free pact with your friends and hold each other accountable. Write an article about the importance of Red Ribbon Week in your school or local newspaper. Contact local government officials about declaring Oct. 23-31 Red Ribbon Week in your community. Organize or participate in themed days during Red Ribbon Week. Some examples include Put a Cap on Drugs Day, where you wear a hat; Shade Out Drugs, where everyone dons their sunnies; or Wear Red Day. Join or start a Students Against Drunk Driving chapter at your school.
For Educators
Work with the parent-teacher organization to plan a school-wide Red Ribbon rally. Organize an essay contest around this year’s theme: Send a message. Stay drug free. Hold a door decorating contest. Plan a Walk Out on Drugs walk-a-thon. Make a meal or a snack out of all red foods.
For Parents
Use Red Ribbon Week to start a conversation about alcohol and drugs. Secure and take inventory of your medicine cabinet. Wear and bring red ribbons to your work. Get to know the parents of your children’s friends. Work together to set boundaries. Talk to neighbors about any drug use in your neighborhood.
For Businesses
Sponsor a local school with Red Ribbon merchandise. Use Red Ribbon Week to talk to staff and reiterate policies on drug and alcohol use. Hold a fundraiser for a local prevention organization. Distribute and wear red ribbons. Volunteer to speak about Red Ribbon Week at a business gathering or Chamber of Commerce meeting.
For Medical Professionals
Organize a Miles of Quarters Campaign to support prevention. Display Red Ribbon Week posters and literature in your clinic or office. Volunteer to speak about drug and alcohol use to a group of parents or another community group. Incorporate Red Ribbon Week into your newsletters.