Unite the students in your classroom and throughout the school in a stand against drugs by celebrating Red Ribbon Week on October 23-31. The National Red Ribbon CampaignTM was founded after the death of DEA agent Kiki Camarena in 1985, with a mission to present a unified and visible commitment toward the creation of a nation that is drug free. This year's theme, "Your Future Is Key, So Stay Drug Free.™", was created by a middle school student in Solon, Ohio. It's a reminder that each of our actions have consequences and living a drug free lifestyle can help us reach our full potential. Take a look at some of the ways you and your students can celebrate Red Ribbon Week below.

1. Red Ribbon Photo Contest

Prevent youth drug use and win $1,000 for your school by participating in the 2017 National Red Ribbon Photo Contest. Learn more at www.redribbon.org/contest.

2. A Natural High

Take a look at naturalhigh.org for videos and lesson plans on drug prevention. Natural High is a nonprofit organization with the goal of inspiring youth to discover, amplify, and pursue their natural high so that they have a reason to say no to drugs and alcohol. Teachers can show stories from celebrities and role models that promote drug-free lifestyles and use available curricula to enrich understanding. As always, make sure you preview the material before presenting it to your students.

 3. Door Decorations

Place students into groups and have them plan how to decorate your door for Red Ribbon Week. Let all of the students in the class vote on the best design and then gather all necessary materials to adorn the door with a drug free message. 

4. Spread the Word

Create a campaign that helps spread the word about the dangers of drugs with students. Next, distribute collection boxes around the school and ask faculty, staff, and students to donate items that they can hand out to the community with pamphlets that have facts and information about the importance of being drug free. One school’s student government association asked their school to donate stuffed animals that they could attach messages to for their “Hugs, Not Drugs” program. 

red_ribbon_infographic_2017_v2.jpg

5. Plan Next Year’s Theme

Encourage students to send in ideas for next year’s Red Ribbon CampaignTM theme. All entries must be received by December 1 and include a double looped red ribbon or bow. For more activities and ideas, visit the Red Ribbon website!

Let us know what you are doing for Red Ribbon Week. Leave comments below or tweet us @GPBEducation on Twitter!

Unite the students in your classroom and throughout the school in a stand against drugs by celebrating Red Ribbon Week on October 23-31. The National Red Ribbon CampaignTM was founded after the death of DEA agent Kiki Camarena in 1985, with a mission to present a unified and visible commitment toward the creation of a nation that is drug free. This year's theme is "Life Is Your Journey. Travel Drug Free.™" Take a look at some of the ways you and your students can celebrate Red Ribbon Week below.

1. Red Ribbon Photo Contest

Prevent youth drug use and win an iPad and $1,000 for your school by participating in the 2018 National Red Ribbon Photo Contest. Learn more at www.redribbon.org/contest.

2. A Natural High

Take a look at naturalhigh.org for videos and lesson plans on drug prevention. Natural High is a nonprofit organization with the goal of inspiring youth to discover, amplify, and pursue their natural high so that they have a reason to say no to drugs and alcohol. Teachers can show stories from celebrities and role models that promote drug-free lifestyles and use available curricula to enrich understanding. As always, make sure you preview the material before presenting it to your students.

 3. Door Decorations

Place students into groups and have them plan how to decorate your door for Red Ribbon Week. Let all of the students in the class vote on the best design and then gather all necessary materials to adorn the door with a drug free message. 

4. Spread the Word

Create a campaign that helps spread the word about the dangers of drugs with students. Next, distribute collection boxes around the school and ask faculty, staff, and students to donate items that they can hand out to the community with pamphlets that have facts and information about the importance of being drug free. One school’s student government association asked their school to donate stuffed animals that they could attach messages to for their “Hugs, Not Drugs” program. 

5. Plan Next Year’s Theme

Encourage students to send in ideas for next year’s Red Ribbon CampaignTM theme for a chance to win $500 in Red Ribbon Theme Merchandise in 2019. All entries must be received by December 1 and include a double looped red ribbon or bow. 

For more activities and ideas, visit the Red Ribbon website.

Let us know what you are doing for Red Ribbon Week. Leave comments below or tweet us @GPBEducation on Twitter!