European Action on Drugs 2009 

The European Commission, Directorate General for Justice Freedom and Security would like to invite Primary and Secondary Schools to join recently launched campaign, the European Action on Drugs (EAD). Its main purpose is to give an opportunity to the European Civil Society to act on the growing problem of drug abuse.

This campaign is launched to provide a common platform for European schools, organization, institutions and individuals to undertake concrete actions in the field of drug prevention, awareness and promotion of healthy lifestyle. If you would like to learn more about the campaign and its current signatories please visit the website  www.action-drugs.eu

 Why join?

Taking part in European Action on Drugs will give students a unique opportunity to act among their peers or in local community in the area of drug prevention or awareness. Additionally, it will promote your school on European level by listing its profile and your commitment on the EAD website. Moreover EAD will allow you to network with other secondary schools in 27 EU member states. From the moment you sign, you will be part of the European Action on Drugs and European Commission will provide you with the tools for your campaign such as:

·        ‘information kit’ on drugs and the EAD,

·        press kit with the campaign’s logo and slogan,

·      opportunity to become more involved in European awareness-raising campaigns through the EAD website and also the possibility of information exchanges with the other signatories.

·        regular information on EAD developments, including newsletters.

All you need to do is describe a concrete action that you are going take in one of the following areas;

·        raising awareness about illegal drugs and the dangers of abusing them (you can also include legal substances like alcohol and prescription medicines),

·        highlighting the potentially terrible economic and social consequences of misusing them, especially among young people,

·        promoting healthy lifestyle among young people to reduce the risk of drug abuse.

·        Create leaflet on drugs and distribute it at school

·        Organise a poster competition on drug related topic

·        Organise a workshop for students/ parents on the topic of drug abuse

·        Write an article for a school paper (or a series of articles) related to drug abuse or awareness.

Practical Information

In order to join all you need to do is to register on website www.action-drugs.eu and fill in the attached declaration which can be sent back by post to Kinga Byrne, Project Coordinator, 49 St. John’s Close, Clondalkin, Dublin 22.

If you would like to know more about making the commitment see the guidelines attached and an example of a commitment from another EU state.

If you have any questions about becoming a signatory, or the EAD, please contact me, Kinga Byrne, directly at Ireland@action-drugs.eu .