Every October, schools across the country come together for Red Ribbon Week, the largest and longest-running drug prevention campaign in the United States. It’s more than just wearing red ribbons; it’s a powerful opportunity to have honest conversations with students about making healthy, drug-free choices while building school pride and community.

The statistics are sobering: According to the 2023 Monitoring the Future survey, 8th graders’ past-year use of illicit drugs is on the rise again after years of decline. But here’s what we can control: the culture we create on our campuses every single day.

As someone who has provided keynote assemblies for Red Ribbon Week and drug prevention across the country, CoolSpeaker Zach Gowen has overcome enormous personal adversity, including addiction. Zach knows firsthand how crucial it is to give young people tools, hope, and a supportive village before they ever face tough decisions. Red Ribbon Week isn’t about instilling fear in students; it is about empowerment, confidence, and showing your school they’re capable of writing their own story.

When we make Red Ribbon Week fun, meaningful, and student-led, we send an unmistakable message: being drug-free is the strongest, bravest, and coolest choice a young person can make.

After experiencing different schools’ strategies to engage students around drug prevention in meaningful ways, here are 4 of the most memorable ways to take your Red Ribbon Week from ordinary to unforgettable:

Theme It Up & Dress It Out

Why It Matters: A creative daily theme turns the entire week into a school-wide celebration instead of just another announcement students talk over.

Action Steps:

• Step 1: Pick a catchy overarching theme (examples: “Life is Your Journey—Travel Drug Free!” or “Your Future is Key—Be Drug Free!”).
• Step 2: Plan spirit days that kids actually want to participate in: “Wear Red Day,” “Team Up Against Drugs” (jersey day), “Shade Out Drugs” (sunglasses day), “Sock It to Drugs” (crazy socks), and “Hats Off to Being Drug-Free (hats).”
• Step 3: End with a school-wide photo forming a giant red ribbon or the word “DRUG FREE.”

Make the Red Ribbon Week Pledge Loud and Proud

Why It Matters: When students publicly commit to being drug-free, research shows they’re far more likely to stick to it.

Action Steps:

• Step 1: Create an oversized pledge banner in the main hallway for students and staff to sign throughout the week.
• Step 2: Host a short, high-energy morning assembly or live-streamed pledge led by student leaders, athletes, or even local first responders.
• Step 3: Give every student who signs a silicone red wristband or dog tag, or shoelace charm. Make it cool, and they will wear it (and talk about it) long after the week is over.

Turn Students Into the Red Ribbon Week Messengers

Why It Matters: Messages about healthy choices hit harder when they come from peers, not just adults.

Action Steps:

• Step 1: Form a Red Ribbon Leadership Crew (open to all grades) that plans activities, morning announcements, and social media posts.
• Step 2: Run a door-decorating or poster contest with the theme “My Reasons to Be Drug Free.” Winning designs get displayed (and photographed for the yearbook).
• Step 3: Have students create 15-30 second TikTok/Reel videos saying why they choose drug-free that can be posted on the school or district social media accounts. Remember to tag @RedRibbonWeek for extra visibility.

Bring in a Real Voice (Yes, Mine!)

Why It Matters: A powerful speaker turns awareness into inspiration and gives students a living example that no matter what life throws at you, your choices define your future.

Action Steps:

• Step 1: Book an upbeat, authentic Red Ribbon Week assembly with a youth speaker who connects (someone like myself or another member of CoolSpeak).
• Step 2: Combine the talk with a teacher/staff wellness component because we can’t pour from an empty cup.
• Step 3: Follow up with small-group “Lunch & Learn” sessions so kids can ask questions in a safe space. This can be groups of students who need it the most or student leaders working to make sustainable change.

Red Ribbon Week isn’t just one week on the calendar; I believe it is a chance to build a culture where every student knows they matter, they’re supported, and they have the power to choose a healthy future. When we make it loud, proud, and student-driven, the message sticks all year long.

CoolSpeak and Zach Gowen are here to help you make this your school’s best Red Ribbon Week yet. Let’s bring an unforgettable assembly or workshop to your campus that inspires students to own their story and equips your staff with the resilience to keep showing up strong.

Bring this energy to your community because a drug-free life is the ultimate flex, and every kid deserves to know it.