What is Red Ribbon Week?
Red Ribbon Week is a way for individuals, schools, and communities to show their stand
against drugs and alcohol and increase awareness of the dangers of drug abuse. The Red
Ribbon Celebration was ignited to commemorate the kidnapping and brutal death of Drug
Enforcement Agent Enrique (Kiki) Camarena who was killed by a drug cartel in the line of
duty. In that way, Red Ribbon week is not only a stand against drugs, but also a stand
against violence. In 1988 the National Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth (NFP)
sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Celebration. Once a year in October Sunset
celebrates Red Ribbon Week.
How We Celebrate Red Ribbon Week at Sunset
Each year we pick a different theme with a drug free message. This year’s theme is “Don't
be a Ghoul, Drugs aren't Cool!”. Each day during Red Ribbon week we will have
educational or recreational activities to reinforce the drug free message. Some of the
activities include;
Guest Speakers such as law enforcement talk with students about the dangers of drugs
Student Pledge to be Drug Free
Contests such as essay or poster contests
Daily Red Ribbon Drawings for prizes
Spirit Week Dress Up Days
Classroom Learning Activities
Ways Parents Can Support Red Ribbon Week and Support
Drug Free Youth all Year Long
Talk to your children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol
Get to know your child’s friends and the parents of your children’s friends
Set limits on unsupervised time with your child’s friends/peers
Get involved in your child’s activities
Form a Neighborhood Watch to support suspicious drug activity
Keep prescription drugs out of the hands of children to prevent prescription drug abuse