What is a Red Ribbon Week?

What does Red Ribbon signify?

A red ribbon has several different meanings and differs with every context. Primarily it is the symbol of solidarity of people who are struggling with society first and life next because they have AIDS, or to be more clinical and enlightened, HIV +positive. It is an accepted symbol across the world to signify the fight against AIDS which initially came into prominence at the 1991 Tony Awards. It has always been a reminder to the world and the people going through the trauma everyday that AIDS is not a stigma, it is just a disease and if not careful, it might take anybody and everybody in its deadly grasp. Yes I said "careful" which means careful with your ways which would only include three things, first careful of clinical Blood transfusion and the instruments involved in the same, secondly safe sex and loyalty to your partner and third way it has a chance of spreading is from an HIV infected mother to her child. Red Ribbon was adopted and was created by the Visual AIDS Artists Caucus in 1991. There is no name as to who created the red ribbon, the image is copyright free so that any organization that wants to use can use to raise consciousness and not as a commercial or trademark tool. The color red was chosen for it is the color of blood and it symbolizes passion and compassion for those who are suffering and demonstrates our love and sympathy for the ones who are suffering and ones who are caring. The Red Ribbon is a strong symbol in the AIDS awareness programs and in the lobbying of efforts to increase the funds for AIDS services and research.

Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week is the initiative taken by the government and people of United States for the prevention and education of the dangers of drugs and alcohol. During this week in October, students all over the country pledge to live a drug and alcohol free life. Red Ribbon Week is by far the most far-reaching and well-known drug prevention event in America. The National Family Partnership, which coordinates Red Ribbon activities nationally, estimates that more than 80 million Americans participate in Red Ribbon events every year. The first Red Ribbon Celebration was organized in 1986 by an organization of parents concerned about the annihilation caused by alcohol and drug abuse. The red ribbon was adopted as a symbol of the movement in honor of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, an agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration who was kidnapped and killed while investigating about drug traffickers. The campaign today has reached millions of children and has been recognized by the U.S. Congress. Children in schools are given red ribbons to wear which usually has a drug-free motto. The last week in October is celebrated, as the Red Ribbon Week. Nancy Reagan is the one who took the initiative and put Red Ribbon week into action.

There are several points that are stressed throughout the week, which includes encouraging children to get involved in positive youth activities and being a good role model. People of all age groups participate in Red Ribbon Week. At the elementary level, high schoolers pin ribbons to each student. At the middle schools, there are various activities throughout the week like assemblies, red clothes day, or building improvement projects. For high school, seniors help fourth graders plant a Red Ribbon garden. This garden serves as a constant reminder to students as well as the community that it is important to remain drug free. To spread awareness students are asked to write essays, give presentations, hold debates and speak about drugs and AIDS. They are encouraged to ask questions and express what they feel about it. Those people who made outstanding contributions to tobacco, alcohol and drug use prevention, are recognized by various organizations. Red Ribbon Week is a positive activity since it brings the entire community together to stand up against the evils of illegal drugs and AIDS.