Get Involved

Since 1988, Red Ribbon Week has spread to communities across the United States. Rallies are organized all over the country and often include guest speakers, awards, and dance or choral performances.

Community Impact

Communities can work together to make Red Ribbon Week affect change. Increase awareness by hosting activities; invite elected officials to participate and issue a Red Ribbon Week proclamation; display red ribbons on buildings, schools, and clothing and make them available to fellow community members; or organize a drug misuse prevention awareness fair and invite local health organizations. Find more ideas in the Red Ribbon Toolkit at www.DEA.gov/RedRibbon.

Red Ribbon Contests

Two teenaged girls dabbing in front of a house

Photo Credit: Thunyarat Klaiklang.

Young artists channel their creativity to show their support for living a drug-free life. Entries feature talented artists showing off their skills in art, dance, singing, and decorating. Are you excited about sharing a drug-free message? Pick one or more of the contests to participate in and submit your entry this year!

National Family Partnership Contest

Families and schools (even virtual schools) can enter the National Family Partnership Photo Contest during the month of October. Submit a picture of your home or school creatively decorated with the annual theme. Learn more at www.redribbon.org.

Campus Public Service Announcements

DEA and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration cosponsor the PSA contest. College students create short video PSAs showcasing Red Ribbon Week's messages. The contest promotes the importance of preventing alcohol and drug misuse among college students.

Scout Patch Program

A troop of Junior Girl Scouts promote awareness at a Red Ribbon booth

Scouts can participate in the Red Ribbon Patch Program to engage with their community through activities designed to encourage healthy life choices and strengthen their anti-drug beliefs. To earn a patch, scouts must coordinate a community or school activity, attend a drug use prevention education session, and take the Red Ribbon Week Pledge.

Going Red for Red Ribbon

One of the ways communities can show their support for drug misuse prevention is by participating in the Go Red for Red Ribbon campaign. As a show of solidarity, community leaders are asked to illuminate local landmarks with red light for the month of October. A variety of buildings, from small town halls to state capital buildings, “go red” every year. Communities have also gotten creative, lighting up Ferris wheels and even Niagara Falls.

St. Louis Wheel, Missouri.

Niagara Falls, New York.

Long bridge with three arches lit up red at night

Big Four Bridge, Louisville, Kentucky.