Bud Walton Arena

Thursday, October 27, 2011

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The National Red Ribbon Celebration brings millions of people together to raise awareness regarding the need for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug and violence prevention, early intervention, and treatment services. It's the largest, most visible prevention awareness campaign observed annually in the United States.

In Northwest Arkansas, area schools from the 4 county-region (Benton, Carroll, Madison and Washington) are invited to bring 5th graders to share in a day of fun while at the same time learning about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. 

Overview of 2011 Red Ribbon Rally

The program will consist of a variety of positive activities and interactive demonstrations that will show kids in attendance the reasons for NOT doing drugs. Included will be University of Arkansas cheerleaders, mascots, athletes, and the Marshallese stick dancers. The Rally will also include well known Fayetteville residents and other motivational speakers.

• The NWA Red Ribbon Rally seeks to educate children in the 5th grade about the effects of drug abuse.
• Drug and alcohol abuse has caused devastation to the children, families, and community as a whole in Northwest Arkansas.
• It is the largest, most visible prevention awareness campaign observed annually in the United States.
• Studies have shown that the most impressionable age for children regarding their drug use is 10 - 12 years of age.
• Drugs and alcohol are the single biggest drain on the Arkansas economy. This is the result of medical complications, loss of work, workman comp claims, theft, and cost of law enforcement and imprisonment.
• Talking about drugs and alcohol with children is the easiest, and least expensive way to help them remain drug free.
• When kids see examples of successful individuals who have not done drugs, they are more encouraged to remain drug free themselves, especially if the person is someone they admire.
• Most drug problems start in the home. The most difficult part of fighting drugs is fighting the "drug cycle", particularly if it is within the family.
• Peer pressure to do drugs can be overwhelming. Yet, if hundreds of kids take the stance not to do drugs, the peer pressure is to remain drug free. This then becomes more of a positive influence than negative peer pressure.