Each year, natural high creates new red ribbon week
lesson plans for grades 4th – 12th
Check out this year’s Red Ribbon Week lesson plans here.
Easy To Use
5 days of short lesson plans for educators to use during Red Ribbon Week.
Inspiring Influencers
Stories told by influencers and athletes who kids admire and trust.
Discussion Guides
Discussion questions and activities paired with each video.
Free Curriculum
Educators and students love our free content year-round.
What Teachers Say About Natural High's Red Ribbon Week Content
Awards and Recognition
Outstanding Prevention Program Award
Outstanding Prevention Award
Outstanding Prevention Program Award
Natural High’s Red Ribbon Lesson Plans & Video Playlist Includes:
Easy-to-use series of 5 inspirational influencer videos paired with discussion questions and
activities for your classroom. Our curriculum is designed for 4th – 12th grade students.
Educator toolkit
Our Red Ribbon Week Toolkit contains everything you need for a successful prevention week. The PDF features our printable lesson plans. Red Ribbon facts, information on fentanyl for your, morning announcements, and so much more.
Red Ribbon Merch
Help fund the Natural High movement and reach more kids by shopping our Red Ribbon Week and Natural High merchandise. We've got banners, stickers, shirts, wristbands, and more.
Take the pledge
Join thousands of young people who are taking the pledge to live drug-free, standing up for what they believe in, and choosing to follow their passions and dreams by saying YES to a natural high and healthy lifestyle.
Real Results
83%
of educators report a change in their students’ perception about drugs and alcohol after going through the Natural High program.
83%
of youth participating in the program reported that having a natural high will help fight the temptation to use drugs or alcohol.
43,000
There are 43,000 educators in Natural High’s network across the U.S. and growing.
40+ We’ve recruited over 40 celebrity storytellers who tell powerful stories of transformation.
80,000 80,000 people have directly pledged to live naturally high.
Millions Millions of lives transformed. Still lots of work to do. That’s why we need your support
Red Ribbon Week Merch
Available Now
Who We Are
Natural High is a substance abuse prevention nonprofit that inspires and empowers youth to find their natural high and develop the skills and courage to live life well.
Our evidence-backed program is used in all 50 states and makes use of current scientific findings on youth behavior, brain development, social norming, and substance abuse prevention. The latest scientific research speaks to the power of positive example, of engaging influencers to create change in culture, and of course — the power of the natural high. This research shows that when young people find their true passions — those activities that uplift, motivate, and inspire them — and are supported in these choices by family, friends, school, and community, they are more likely to avoid drugs and alcohol. Natural High has dozens of Red Ribbon Week ideas for drug-free week and throughout the year.
FAQs
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What is Red Ribbon Week?
Red Ribbon Week is a time for schools across the country to engage students in critical dialogues about the importance of making positive life choices and avoiding drug and alcohol use.
The Red Ribbon Week Campaign was created to honor Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. He was a special agent who worked for the Drug Enforcement Administration. In 1985, he was kidnapped by drug traffickers in Guadalajara, Mexico. His murder and death brought anger to the community and was a catalyst for the Red Ribbon Campaign. In 1988, the National Family Partnership coordinated the first National Red Ribbon Week.
Together in Kiki’s honor, parents and youth in communities nationwide began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness around his killing and the destruction caused by drugs in America. Read more about Red Ribbon Week here.
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When is Red Ribbon Week?
Red Ribbon Week takes place each year from October 23-31. This doesn’t always fall on a Monday through Friday so some schools and communities choose the M-F week before or after.
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What Can Parents Do To Participate In Red Ribbon Week?
Kids aren’t just using illegal drugs, they are taking prescription medications found in the home. Teen prescription drug misuse is on the rise, so we need to educate them about this and help them build the skills to avoid drug and alcohol use.
One of the most influential factors during a child’s adolescence is maintaining a strong, open relationship with a parent or caregiver. When parents create supportive and nurturing environments, children make better decisions. Providing opportunities for open discussion at school will provide opportunities for discussion at home, too.
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What Are Natural High's Red Ribbon Week Lesson Plans?
Each year, Natural High creates new Red Ribbon Week lesson plans and video playlist. We have 5 days of lesson plans that include: an inspiring Natural High Storyteller video, discussion questions, and an activity. Learn more about our program and Storytellers (influencers and athletes) here.
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What Grades Are Natural High's Red Ribbon Week Lesson Plans For?
Natural High’s Red Ribbon lesson plans are designed for grades 4-12. We also hear educators use our Red Ribbon Week lesson plans for younger elementary students, too. If you're planning to use our content for younger students, we suggest you watch our videos first to find the ones that you think your students will relate to best.
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Is There A Drug-Free Pledge For Students?
Yes, you can have students take the drug free pledge online or download the printable pledge here.