From October 23rd to 31st, 2024, students across the country will take part in Red Ribbon Week, celebrating the importance of living drug-free. This year’s theme, “Life is a Movie. Film Drug Free™, encourages students to take control of their life’s story by making positive, healthy choices. Here’s how teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators can help engage students and make this week impactful!
Engaging Activities for Red Ribbon Week:
Wear Red Day
Encourage the entire school to wear red on a designated day. This creates a powerful visual reminder of the importance of a drug-free lifestyle. Take school-wide photos and share them online to spread awareness even further!
PSA Contests
Invite students to create and record their own Public Service Announcements (PSAs). Share them during morning announcements or on social media to amplify the drug-free message across the school.
This year, LRADAC is hosting a PSA contest where students can win prizes for submitting creative PSAs! Send your PSA videos to Kimberly Myers at kmyers@lradac.org!!
Pledge Wall
Set up a pledge wall in a central area of the school where students can sign their commitment to staying drug-free. This could create a visual representation of the student body’s dedication to making positive choices.
Creative Challenges
Students can participate in contests like poster-making or bookmark design. Winners’ work can be displayed around the school to promote the theme. Alternatively, have students create chalk drawings of drug-free messages on the playground or at school entrances for everyone to see.
Group Photo Op
Coordinate a group photo where students and staff form the shape of a red ribbon or spell out “drug-free.” This fun activity creates a memorable image that can be shared with the wider community.
Decorate with Red
Get creative with a bulletin board using red handprints or sticky notes. You could also use red plastic cups to spell a drug-free message on a chain-link fence or tie red ribbons around the school. These displays create lasting reminders of the importance of a drug-free lifestyle.
Let’s Make Red Ribbon Week Memorable!
The goal of Red Ribbon Week is to engage students in fun and meaningful activities that reinforce the importance of being drug-free. By participating in these activities, we can ensure that the message sticks with students, encouraging them to make positive choices that will impact their futures.
For more resources and ideas, visit www.dea.gov/redribbon or check out our suggestions for school-based activities at www.redribbon.org!
