Foundation for a Drug-Free World

Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life Program Activities

Drug-Free Pledge Signings

Get young people and adults from all walks of life to promise to live and promote a drug-free lifestyle — by signing the Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life pledge. Set up a large pledge at your information booth and get passersby to sign on. These signed pledges can then be presented to community leaders as part of events to raise public awareness; or proposals to gain civic support for drug education actions, events or concerts, etc. You can also arrange for a group of schoolchildren or a delegation to visit famous athletes, entertainers, politicians or officials to have them sign special Drug-Free pledges. Set these up as photo sessions and get each occasion covered by the media. There are two versions of the pledge, one for youth and another for adults:

Youth Pledge:

Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life Pledge

I pledge to lead the way by:
1) Living a drug-free life.
2) Showing my friends that a drug-free life is more fun.
3) Learning more about how drugs really harm people.
4) Telling people the truth about the harmful effects of drugs.
5) Helping my family and friends be drug free.
6) Setting a good example to all children by leading the way to a drug-free ___________________ [name of community or country].
[Leave space for signatures at bottom]

Click here to sign the Drug-Free Pledge on-line

Adult Pledge:

Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life Pledge

We, the undersigned, hereby recognize our concern over the growing drug problem among our youth of _______________________[city or area] and pledge our support for the Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life program and agree to speak out publicly whenever possible to encourage young people to SAY NO TO DRUGS.

Further, we ask the elected leaders of our country and others in positions of influence to join with us in support of this ideal by encouraging young people everywhere to lead drug-free lives.
[Leave space for signatures at bottom]
Click here to sign the Drug-Free Pledge on-line

Here are several ideas of how you can use these pledges.

A) Get athletes to sign the pledge: Professional athletes are always happy to support drug prevention activities and most will want to contribute by signing the Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life pledge. Your friends or relatives may know athletes in a variety of sports, or you can contact the offices of the sports teams in your city or area, present the campaign to a manager of the team and arrange this signing event. Document the event with great photos and video footage. Once you have one signing done, you can also get the whole team to sign the pledge and that can open the door to much larger venues for your events! For example, arrange for the team to sign the pledge as a halftime ceremony at their next game.

B) Get celebrity artists to sign the pledge: After briefing a celebrity artist (singer, actor, dancer, etc.) on your drug prevention activities, present him or her the pledge to sign. Make it clear how lending a famous name to the fight against drugs can help raise awareness and make a real difference in preventing drug abuse, and arrange the best time to sign the pledge. Make it an effective event with supporting fanfare and get the permission of the person to use the photos or footage, and any statements in the media.

C) Get your mayor, city council members or legislative representatives to meet and sign the pledge: Your city mayor, well-known politicians or high officials will be happy to meet with you, given a good enough reason — such as a presentation of your Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life program. Contact the person's office staff, who are usually very helpful in setting up such meetings. Also arrange to visit with chiefs of police and fire departments, community leaders and others who might help to expand your activities.

Prepare thoroughly so you are able to clearly present your drug prevention program, using your booklets, photos and media of events and activities, letters of acknowledgement and other relevant material. Then present a special pledge to be signed by the person. Have your professional photographer or cameraman with you to capture the signing and, if appropriate, take the opportunity to get other officials to join in and sign as well. Acknowledge all of them for officially taking a stand against drugs. Send a thank you letter to all who signed, and let all concerned know you will continue to brief them on the progress of your drug prevention efforts.

In this way, you can build broad-based community support for the program.

AN EFFECTIVE DRUG EDUCATION AND DRUG PREVENTION PROGRAM

Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life Program Activities

Drug-Free Pledge Signings