International Day Against Drug Abuse: How will you observe it?

For many years, countries around the world have participated in the June 26 observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987, this day serves as a reminder of the goals agreed to by Member States of creating an international society free of drug abuse.

The United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) selects themes for the International Day and launches campaigns to raise awareness about the global drug problem. This year’s theme is “Do drugs control your life? Your life. Your Community. No place for drugs.

Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) as a Non-Government Organization that enjoys Special Consultative Status with the United Nations will coordinate a variety of activities in conjunction with observances of this important day. Below we have listed a variety of suggested activities for your coalition.

The International Day against Drug Abuse represents a wonderful opportunity for you to highlight the outstanding work that your coalition is engaged in to reduce drug use in your local community.

• Sponsor a “take back” your community type rally or other event
• Have your county or city issue a proclamation for the date
• Insert the International Day into your awareness campaigns
• Link up with local civic and service organizations
• Work with your National Guard – either/or Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) or Prevention, Treatment & Outreach (PTO) office
• Hold a press event
• Publicize the International Day through your social media sites
• Sponsor a youth activity.

CADCA will hold a press conference on June 25th at the National Press Club in Washington DC to kick off the International Day Against Drug Abuse observances with some of our national partners.

To help you with your local efforts to observe International Day Against Drug Use, CADCA is developing sample proclamations and media outreach material that your coalition can tailor to your community. These materials and other helpful resources will be available on CADCA’s Web site in the near future. Stay tuned.

CADCA is also planning to

• Work with Congress to issue a national congressional proclamation
• Link with activities that communities are sponsoring internationally
• Highlight and promote activities that communities in the United States are sponsoring through the CADCA Web site and social media sites. (Coalitions will need to register their local event through CADCA;s Web site in order for us to promote your event).

Please let us know about any creative ideas and plans your coalition or community might have. We would love to hear how everyone out there will be observing such a powerful day!

This blog post was written by Cat Candela, former Associate for CADCA's International Programs. Click here to learn more about CADCA's International Programs