RED RIBBON WEEK (Oct 22-30) Alcohol, Tobacco & Drug Awareness

sponsored by the National Family Partnership and Californians for a Drug-Free Youth, Inc.

Red Ribbon Week (Oct. 22-30)

What is Red Ribbon Week?

Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest proactive drug prevention program in the country. It is an awareness campaign about the dangers of drug abuse; an experiential learning lesson for children and adults alike - and a plan to help parents, schools and others deliver effective anti-drug themes in a positive and fun way. It is an ideal way for people, communities, schools and children of all ages to unite and take a visible stand against drugs.

Red Ribbon Week began after the murder of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena in 1985.

In his home town of Calexico, California, the public responded by wearing red ribbons and becoming a voice for reducing the demand for illegal drugs in the United States. In 1986 the California PTA adopted the Red Ribbon Week campaign and in 1988, it was recognized nationally.

The Red Ribbon campaign is sponsored by the National Family Partnership and Californians for a Drug-Free Youth, Inc. This year, the dates chosen by the California Department of Education are October 22-30.

Our Red Ribbon Week Outreach

Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 84 proclaims the last week of October
2011 as Red Ribbon Week and encourages all Californians to help build drug-free communities and participate in drug prevention activities.

In addition to our outreach to your school, we have listed below some strategies and resources that you can use as a parent or caregiver. These have been provided by Californians for Drug Free Youth (CADFY).

Prevention Strategies and Parenting Resources

As a parent or caregiver, you play a vital role in influencing your child's attitudes and behaviors. You serve as a role model on the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATOD), control the availability of ATOD in your home, and help set your child's expectations concerning illicit behaviors. A recent study shows that children whose parents are involved in their lives (hold regular conversations, attend after-school events, and listen to their
problems) are less likely to use/abuse drugs.

Through the following links you will find information, questions to ask yourself about your child and community, prevention strategies parents can take, and resources for effective parenting:

• The Partnership for a Drug-Free America
  Drug information, news, and parenting resources.
• National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
  Alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention materials.
• AboveTheInfluence.com
  Encouraging empowered decision making among young people.
• NaturalHigh.org
  The Sundt Memorial foundation offers resources to parents to influence the hearts and minds of their children by inspiring them to choose a natural high and reject drugs.
• PARENTS. The Anti-Drug (Spanish Version)
  Learning how to talk to your kids about drugs.
• Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free
  An initiative to prevent the use of alcohol by children ages 9 to 15.
• Connect for Kids
  Making the best use of communications technologies, specifically the Internet, to give adults the tools and information they need.
• Join Together
  Media updates on advancing effective alcohol and drug policy, prevention, and treatment.
• Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
  Substance abuse and mental health services available to the people who need them.
• Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration ­ Facility Locator
  Finding a treatment facility near you.
  
  
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism
  Publications, databases, news and events, grant information and other resources relating to alcohol abuse and alcoholism.
  
• National Institute on Drug Abuse
  An institute of drug abuse research.
• The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)
• The California Attorney General's Website