Plan a large event to launch the week-long series of campus events. This could be a music concert featuring a nationally known singer or band, a sporting event placing college professors against students, or an outdoor fair with food, games and entertainment. For example, include the inflatable Velcro wall, human Gyroscope ride and gigantic Zorb inflatable ball to support the notion that you can have fun being drug-free. Feature informational booths, and hand out red ribbons to be worn all week long. Gather students together outdoors to release red balloons with anti-drug-and-violence messages attached and cards asking the public to visit a website and join in a pledge with other balloon discoverers to live drug free.
A large booth in the student center should display and distribute information about prevention, intervention and treatment of illegal drug addiction, the abuse of legal over-the-counter and prescription drugs, alcohol consumption, tobacco use and violence. Have students sign a large banner supporting drug-free living.
Complimentary giveaways (bracelets, pens, shirts and buttons) imprinted with drug-free messages and magnets with phone numbers for student counseling services, help hotlines, campus police and other emergency contacts are beneficial. A wrecked car displayed all week can leave a powerful impression about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Provide information about the specific car accident.
Festivities during the week might include guest speakers, a student dance serving mocktails (non-alcoholic mixed drinks), 5K race, basketball tournament, self-defense workshop, Red Ribbon trivia game night, relevant drama department performance or open mic poetry night.
Choose motivational speakers who discuss personal struggles with alcohol binging, drug addiction, anger, smoking and other relatable topics. An interactive display might feature "drunk" goggles and video games that simulate what it is like to drive or perform simple tasks while under the influence. Sell red flowers to benefit a charity, or place a donation box in the campus bookstore for distribution to children in domestic violence shelters or with parents battling addiction.
Encourage student and faculty involvement with campus-wide promotional posters. Host a poster contest for all students and print the winning design onto shirts or enlarge and display it in the student center. Individual dorms can host Red Ribbon-themed door decorating contests, and the cafeteria or campus bookstore can offer daily discounts or free items to students wearing red ribbons. Select a random red ribbon-wearer on campus daily throughout the week to receive an iPod, eReader, restaurant or store gift certificate, iPad, laptop or other large prize. Attention is also drawn to Red Ribbon Week when holding "theme days." In addition to wearing red ribbons, Monday can be "Crazy Hat Day," while Tuesday might be "Color Your Hair Day" featuring hair spray painting booths on campus.