Red Ribbon

Transcript

1. Support Red Ribbon Week Parents, educators, and communities reinforce drug-free messages during Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week is celebrated annually October 23-31. During Red Ribbon Week, learn more about the destructive effects of drug abuse and prescription drug use. Take a stand and wear a red ribbon to show your intolerance for drug misuse. Spread the word and encourage everyone you know to live a healthy, drug-free life.
2. Celebrating a Hero’s Life On February 7, 1985, drug traffickers kidnapped DEA Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena. Authorities found his body in March. He had been beaten and tortured. Kiki was investigating marijuana and cocaine trafficking in Guadalajara, Mexico. He had been close to unlocking a multi-billion dollar drug pipeline. Kiki's murder mobilized the public and raised awareness about drug use and prevention. Today, his sacrifices continue to galvanize communities through Red Ribbon Week. Credit: Drug Enforcement Administration
3. Unified Against Drug Misuse In response to Kiki's death, "Camarena Clubs" united adults and teens against drug misuse. Students from Kiki's alma mater, Calexico Union High School in California, started the first club on April 20, 1985. The National Family Partnership coordinated the first National Red Ribbon Week in 1988. They encouraged students and community members to wear red ribbons in memory of Kiki and to raise awareness of the problems of drug misuse. Credit: Marianna Gamboa Koehmstedt
4. Spreading the Message Since 1988, Red Ribbon Week has spread to communities around the U.S. Rallies are organized all over the country and often include guest speakers, awards, and dance or choral performances. Above: 2008 Red Ribbon Week is celebrated in Guam. Left: A choral performance at the 2019 Red Ribbon Rally at DEA Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Credit: Drug Enforcement Administration Credit: Drug Enforcement Administration
5. Going Red for Red Ribbon One of the ways communities can show their support for drug misuse prevention is by participating in the Go Red for Red Ribbon campaign. As a show of solidarity, community leaders are asked to illuminate local landmarks with red light for the month of October. A variety of buildings, from small town halls to state capital buildings, “go red” every year. Communities have also gotten creative, lighting up Ferris wheels and even Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls New York Cuartel de Ballajá San Juan, Puerto Rico Big Four Bridge Louisville, Kentucky St. Louis Wheel Missouri Credit All Photos: Drug Enforcement Administration
6. Red Ribbon Contests Young artists channel their creativity to show their support for living a drug-free life. Entries feature talented artists showing off their skills in art, dance, singing, and decorating! Are you excited about sharing a drug-free message? Pick one or more of the contests to participate in and submit your entry this year! Credit: Thunyarat Klaiklang Credit: Ketut Subiyano
7. National Family Partnership Contest 2020 Families and schools (even virtual schools) can enter the National Family Partnership Photo Contest during the month of October. Submit a picture of your home or school creatively decorated with the theme: Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free. Anyone can vote for a winner at www.redribbon.org/contest or submit your own entry by November 1st! Winners receive an iPad and a $1,000 award for the K-12 school of their choice! Credit: National Family Partnership, Inc.
8. Campus Public Service Announcements DEA and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration cosponsor the PSA contest. College students create short video PSAs showcasing Red Ribbon Week's messages. The contest promotes the importance of preventing alcohol and drug misuse among college students. Credit: Drug Enforcement Administration
9. Scout Patch Program Scouts can participate in the Red Ribbon Patch Program to engage with their community through activities designed to encourage healthy life choices and strengthen their anti-drug beliefs. To earn a patch, scouts must coordinate a community or school activity, attend a drug use prevention education session, and take the Red Ribbon Week Pledge. Credit: Drug Enforcement Administration
10. Community Impact Communities can work together to make Red Ribbon Week have an impact. Increase awareness by hosting activities: • Invite elected officials to participate and issue a Red Ribbon Week proclamation • Display red ribbons on buildings, schools, and clothing and make them available to fellow community members • Organize a drug misuse prevention awareness fair and invite local health organizations Find more ideas in the Red Ribbon Toolkit at www.DEA.gov/RedRibbon. Credit: Drug Enforcement Administration Youth at a Red Ribbon event tour a drug lab clean-up trailer.
11. More Resources www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.gov