Ribbon
Week Goals
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Increase awareness of drug-free living
•
Increase support for those who make a
commitment to a drug-free lifestyle
•
Promote prevention of substance abuse
•
Encourage community collaboration in
addressing prevention planning and activities
•
Support ongoing prevention planning
and activities within communities
•
Encourage family participation
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The 1985 murder of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a 37-year old husband and father
of three sons, enraged many Americans, and students in his hometown began
wearing red ribbons in his memory. The red ribbon became a symbol of
a national fight to eliminate the demand for illicit drugs, and in 1988,
the National Federation of Parents for Drug-Free Youth coordinated the
first National Red Ribbon Week, an eight-day celebration proclaimed by
the Congress of the United States. The Red Ribbon Campaign became the
annual catalyst to show intolerance for drugs in our schools, work places
and communities. Today, Red Ribbon Week is celebrated throughout the nation each October 23-31, regardless of how those dates fall on the calendar. Each year, larger and greater support for the cause and symbol of the Red Ribbon Campaign had an impact on millions of Americans like no other drug prevention movement in history. The simple concept has proven to be a vital link toward beginning dialogue and prevention programs in communities in all 50 states. Through a steady increase in corporate support, government participation and community involvement, a little piece of red ribbon has become one of the most powerful symbols of drug prevention in America. |
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