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Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week Activities 2021

*Monday, Oct. 25 – Kick off Red Ribbon Week-Wear Red
*Tuesday, Oct. 26 – Drugs make you CRAZY-Crazy Sock Day
*Wednesday, Oct. 27 – I am too BRIGHT for drugs-Wear Neon
*Thursday, Oct. 28 – Peace Out to Drugs-Wear Tie Dye
*Friday, Oct. 29 – Team Up against Drugs-Wear Team Jersey

History of Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week was started becuse of the people of Calexico, Cal., which is the hometown of DEA Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. In 1985, Kiki was working undercover in Mexico gathering information on drug traffickers, when he was discovered as a DEA agent and abducted, tortured and killed. Camarena’s friends and neighbors pledged to live drug free and started many clubs to honor those that risk their lives to stop drug use. During the spring of 1985, two club members brought national attention to the programs when they presented the Camarena Club Proclamation to First Lady Nancy Reagan. Parent groups then joined the campaign and promoted the wearing of red ribbons. In 1988 the U.S. Congress proclaimed the last week of October as Red Ribbon Week.

Here are some ways to talk to your kids about drugs which has been taken directly and paraphrased from www.talkingwithkids.org

1. Listen carefully. Student surveys reveal that when parents listen to their children’s feelings and concerns, their kids feel comfortable talking with them and are more likely to stay drug-free.

2. Role play how to say “no”. This empowers your child to say “no” in situations that could endanger them to the influence of drug use. Always use the phrase. “So what could you say?” Then expand with your child to say, “No thanks. I don’t……….” The possibilities are endless.

3. Encourage choice. Allow your child plenty of opportunities to become a confident decision-maker. As your child becomes skilled at making various types of choices, you and your child will feel more secure about his/her ability to make the right decision concerning alcohol and drugs when the time arrives.

4. Provide age appropriate information concerning drugs and alcohol. For more information see the above mentioned website.

5. Establish a clear family position on drugs and alcohol.

6. Be a good example.

7. Discuss what makes a good friend. Since peer pressure is so important when it comes to kids’ involvement with drugs and alcohol, it makes good sense to talk with your children about what makes a good friend.

8. Build self esteem. Kids who feel good about themselves are less likely to fall into the drugs and alcohol cycle.

9. Repeat the message. Be sure to answer your child’s questions about drugs and alcohol as often as they ask. Use opportunities as teachable moments. Learning and being informed about the affects of drugs is not something that should be talked about only once a year.

10. If you suspect a problem, seek help. The Mitchell Counseling Department is always available to assist you and your family. Resources such as www.timetotalk.org are excellent places to start.