When is Red Ribbon Week?
We
receive many inquiries regarding the dates of Red Ribbon Week because it's
a bit confusing. We thought that we would share with you some background information
and perspective
so you may decide when your school and/or community will celebrate Red Ribbon Week.
When Red Ribbon Week first started in 1986, it was observed the "last full week of October,
encompassing two weekends". This format means that the
dates for Red Ribbon Week change each year.
It has two benefits. First, it ensures that Red Ribbon
Week is a Monday through Friday celebration at the school
sites. Second, it emphasizes the role of
athletics/sports and faith based organizations in prevention
since the weekends were included with those two groups in
mind.
Several years ago, the national coordinators opted to
change the dates to a October 23rd to 31st regardless of how it falls on
the calendar.
We prefer to follow the dates established when
the campaign first began. For us, it just makes sense!
We prefer a Monday through Friday format for our schools.
We also embrace the idea of including athletic and faith based
organizations in our efforts on the two weekends!
We encourage YOU to consider both options and
decide what works best for your school or community.
If you are at a year round school you may need
to choose an entirely different week. Just be sure to host
Red Ribbon Week in the fall as your school or community "kick
off to a year of prevention." |
