RED RIBBON WEEK
Oct. 21-31



What is Red Ribbon Week and why do we celebrate it?

The Red Ribbon Week Celebration began when Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent Enrique Camarena was murdered by drug traffickers in Mexico in 1985.  Red ribbons are worn during the last full week of October as a way for Californians to proclaim "no use of illegal drugs, and no illegal use of legal drugs,". as a Red Ribbon Week slogan says.  This is the 13th anniversary of Red Ribbon Week in California.

Below in it's entirety is the yearly California State Resolution that supports the observance and celebration of Red Ribbon Week.

WHEREAS, Californians for Drug-Free Youth, Inc. (CADFY), a statewide parent-community organization, the office of the Governor, the office of the Attorney General, the State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, the State Department of Education, the California Parent Teacher Association, and over 100 other statewide agencies, departments, and organizations are cosponsoring October 23 through October 31, as Red Ribbon Week; and

WHEREAS, Parents, youth, schools, businesses, law enforcement, religious institutions, service organizations, senior citizens, medical and military personnel, sports teams, and individuals throughout the State of California will demonstrate their commitment to drug-free, healthy lifestyles by wearing and displaying red ribbons during this weeklong celebration; and

WHEREAS, The theme of this year's effort is "BE HEALTHY AND DRUG FREE!"; and

WHEREAS, Drug abuse stands as one of the major challenges our state faces in securing a safe and healthy future for our children; and

WHEREAS, The objective of Red Ribbon Week, will be to promote this view though drug prevention, education, parental involvement, and community wide support; and

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of California has further committed its resources to ensure the success of the Red Ribbon Week celebration; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature does hereby proclaim its support for the Red Ribbon Week celebration by proclaiming October 23 through October 31, as Red Ribbon Week; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature encourages all Californians to help build drug-free communities and to participate in drug prevention activities by making a visible statement that we are firmly committed to healthy, productive, drug-free lifestyles; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit a copy of this resolution to the Governor of the State of California, and to the author for appropriate distribution throughout the community.