October is particularly a busy month for the Youth Prevention Team. During the week of October 23rd-31st, they participate in special activities to celebrate Red Ribbon Week—an opportunity for parents and educators to reinforce a drug-free mindset among children. Students across the country pledge to stay drug-free during this important week.
Click here for the history of Red Ribbon Week.
Spencer Jones fondly recalls the team’s first Red Ribbon Week: “Seeing the students’ enthusiasm was truly inspiring. It motivated me to ask, ‘How can we do more of these?’”
Each year, the National Family Partnership sponsors a Red Ribbon Week Theme Contest, and this year’s theme is: “Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free.” This Theme allows the Youth Prevention Team to showcase their creativity. They will set up a red-carpet event where students can walk the carpet and, at the end, sign their pledge to stay drug-free on their own star.
Building confidence is crucial in promoting a drug-free lifestyle, and this year’s activities are designed to empower all students. “They walk these hallways every day, but now they get to walk down a red carpet,” he adds.
The red carpet will be available all week, giving even the more reserved students a chance to participate when they feel comfortable. At the end of Red Ribbon Week, while the carpet will be removed, schools can choose to keep the pledge board of stars displayed throughout the year.
In addition to the red-carpet event, the team will host a reading corner where eighth graders will read age-appropriate Red Ribbon Week books to third and fourth graders, fostering a sense of community and support among students.
Looking ahead, the Youth Prevention Team hopes to incorporate more parent programs, recognizing the importance of starting these conversations at home. As Mr. Jones emphasizes, the source of information is crucial for children.
If you’d like to support the Youth Prevention Team’s activities, please consider contributing through their Amazon Wishlist to help provide materials for these impactful and life-changing initiatives.