TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Red Ribbon Campaign was started when drug traffickers in Mexico City kidnapped, tortured, and murdered DEA Agent Enrique Camarena in 1985. In response to the execution of ‘Kiki’ Camarena, angered parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction cause by drugs in America. In 1988, the National Family Partnership (NFP), sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Celebration. Today, the Red Ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities. Since its beginning, the Campaign has touched the lives of millions of people around the world.
Every year a theme is selected to unify each campaign and helps to broadcast one message, creating a tipping point to change behavior. This year’s theme, “Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free.” was submitted by Tricia Nelson of Locust Corner Elementary School in Cincinnati, Ohio. “So many of our youth are fascinated by superhero culture from Superman and Wonder Woman to Captain Marvel and Spider-Man. It’s only fitting that this year we encourage them to be happy, brave and drug free,” said Peggy B. Sapp, NFP President.
Here are some suggestions on how to be brave:
- Set goals for yourself. Studies suggest that having goals (and people who support those goals) encourages you to consider what you want out of your future and what you’ll do to get yourself there.
- Talk to someone about what’s going on. If you’re being pressured, or bullied, to try drugs, talk to someone in authority, such as a parent, teacher, or counselor. You don’t have to face this pressure on your own.
- Keep your distance. If you see a family member or friend taking drugs, stay away from them and definitely don't follow in their footsteps. Be aware that vulnerability to drug addiction can run in the family. If you have friends who actively use drugs, find new friends.
- Say no assertively. If someone who offers you drugs asks you why you do not want to do them you do not need to give any reasons. Just say that you don't do drugs. If you provide reasons you leave the door open for further conversation, where the person can then try to persuade you to try the drugs.
- Avoid temptation. If you are at a party and you realize that there are drugs there, simply leave. Be aware that social influence is very strong.
- Stop before you start. If you're offered drugs, decline and walk away. If you're afraid of peer pressure, then know in your heart that true friends will respect you if you decide to say no to a drug, and they won't push you into doing something you don't want to do.