Many people can be facing addiction regardless of age, gender, or race. Drugs affect millions of people around the world every day, affecting parents, siblings, and friends. One does not know who could be struggling with addiction. Red Ribbon Week is celebrated to help bring awareness to drug addiction and the damage it can cause.
According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration site, Red Ribbon Week is one of the largest drug prevention programs in the world, yet most do not know how it began. It was started in 1985 because DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was brutally tortured and murdered by drug traffickers while investigating in Mexico. After his death, Congressman Duncan Hunter and high school friend Henry Lozano launched Camarena Clubs in Kiki’s hometown of Calexico, California. Members of the Camarena clubs wore red ribbons and pledged to lead drug-free lives. People did this as a way to honor the sacrifices Special Agent Enrique made. Today, the organization has grown and helps identify how damaging drugs can be in schools and communities around the nation. From Oct-23 to Oct-31, millions of people show how important it is to live a drug-free lifestyle by wearing a red ribbon.
Want to be a part of this holiday? Well, there are many ways to celebrate RRW. One way to celebrate is to make red ribbons and hand them out to friends and family. This will help spread awareness and alert people to the holiday. Schools can have assemblies and have law enforcement speak on the dangers of drugs. Starting a club that promotes staying drug-free year-round.
This year’s Lewis Cass SADD sponsor, Mrs.Sheetz, was asked about the upcoming Red Ribbon Week. Mrs. Sheets responded, “Bringing awareness to drugs and the impact we can make for the students and the community.” When asked what Sheets would change to try to make Red Ribbon Week better, she stated, “I wish that it were longer than a week so we could do more community outreach.” Mrs. Sheetz said she thinks the most important point about Red Ribbon Week here at Lewis Cass is “Coming together as a school to educate our students and offer information and help.” Everyone has their own favorite part of Red Ribbon Week. For many students, their favorite part is enjoying the dress-up days in support of RRW. Mrs. Sheetz stated, “The dress-up days and seeing the excitement from the students are my favorite parts.”
Mrs. Davis, the former sponsor of SADD, reflected on her time leading the group. One of her favorite parts of running Red Ribbon Week was “I loved hearing the ideas the SAD members had. And I loved the drunk goggles (simulating drunk driving).” Finally, Mrs. Davis was asked what she would have done differently. She replied, “I would like to have a whole school activity during school hours. (to support SADD)”
Here at Lewis Cass, we love celebrating Red Ribbon Week. Being able to promote such an important topic is amazing. Whether that is having dress-up days or driving golf carts with drunk goggles. Making the topic easier to talk about can help students feel more comfortable coming to a trusted friend or adult. In conclusion, Red Ribbon Week is not just another random holiday or dress-up opportunity. It is a tribute to all the lives affected by drugs and addictions.
Want to be a part of this week? There are many ways to celebrate RRW. One way to celebrate is to make red ribbons and hand them out to friends and family. This helps spread awareness and alert people to the week. Schools can have assemblies and invite law enforcement to speak on the dangers of drugs. Starting a club that promotes staying drug-free year-round. Making posters and flyers that send positive messages and place them around the school/workplaces.
In conclusion, RRW is a special time of year. It brings people together to talk about drugs and addictions. RRW pays tribute to all the lives lost to drugs. Red Ribbon Week: A Time to Unite
