National Peer Programs Day

National Association of Peer Programs Designates Wednesday of Red Ribbon Week as National Peer Programs Day.

Showcasing the millions of young people that actively participate in peer helping programs, the National Association of Peer Programs designated Wednesday of Red Ribbon Week (falling on October 25, 2006) to be National Peer Programs Day. This day will recognize the peer helpers and their advisors in their critical role in creating positive and caring schools and communities.

Annually, millions of young people and adults celebrate a healthy, drug-free life by wearing or displaying a Red Ribbon during the Red Ribbon Week. Since 1988, National Family Partnership has provided national leadership for this exciting event. This nationwide celebration has become a major force for raising public awareness and mobilizing communities to combat alcohol and drug use among youth.

The NAPP chose to utilize this high profile and positive event to highlight the efforts of peer programs. This will allow schools to celebrate peer programs in an effective and efficient manner.

Please share with NAPP how your program participated in this day so we may highlight it in our newsletter to members, website updates and/or e-mail updates to membership.

Possible Activities:
• Have your peer helpers wear a blue ribbon to showcase their work in your school and community
• Have a ceremony celebrating peer helping at your courthouse or city hall
• Generate media attention through PSAs, press releases, kick-off event, or press conference
• Ask local politicians to issue proclamations supporting National Peer Programs Day and prevention efforts
• Sponsor a luncheon and honor individuals in your community who have made outstanding contributions in support of youth and healthy lifestyles
• Have local peer programs make large posters or banners to hang at City Hall, schools and local businesses
• Ask local grocers to have National Peer Programs Day information imprinted on grocery bags
• Coordinate activities with crime prevention officials by inviting someone from law enforcement to give a drug and alcohol presentation • Sponsor a non-alcoholic mixer
• Ask the Chamber of Commerce or other civic organizations to issue a challenge to businesses to support peer programs
• Ask your local newspaper to publish an article about your school or community’s peer programs

Here's a possible Press Release for you to use.