Essay and Poster Contests
In coordination with a local school or community center, arrange special contests
for children to raise awareness about drugs and promote drug-free living.
Get permission from the teacher or supervisor to announce an essay contest and
ask the students for a one-page essay with a theme such as: “What would it be like
to live in a drug-free city?” Make it known that awards for the best essays will be
presented at a special event for students, open also to parents, teachers, etc. Set a
submission deadline for the essays and then follow up to collect all of them at that
time.
You can also hold a poster contest where the students create a painting or drawing
depicting “A drug-free neighborhood” or “Why drugs are bad.” Then organize a
special award event where you will acknowledge the five best essays or posters, etc.,
and present an appropriate prize.
As these should be contests where everybody wins, make sure all the participants
receive a special certificate or commendation. Take this opportunity to get the student
attendees to form their own drug-free youth clubs. And get your local media to cover
the contest!
