Opening Statement by NDPA:
Over the years there have been many snide remarks about the ‘Just Say No’ campaign, suggesting that it is limited to putting kids in a row and getting them to recite the slogan. The truth is very different – NDPA has copies of the manuals that set out the campaign; these run to several hundred pages of detailed definition of actions to be followed, a match for many other programmes which have escaped such slurs.
Although I’ve been deeply concerned about this problem since my days in Sacramento, over the past nearly 8 years, I’ve focused mainly on education, on prevention, and on the need to change attitudes.
NANCY REAGAN
Remarks at the White House Conference for a Drug Free America Washington, D.C. 02/29/1988
The White House
People finally are facing up to drug abuse. They’re banding together, and they’re making real progress. And I just want to say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all those people out there who are working so hard to get drug abuse under control.
NANCY REAGAN
Radio Address to the Nation on Federal Drug Policy 10/02/1982
As First Lady, Nancy Reagan focused on fighting drug and alcohol abuse among youth. She expanded the drug awareness campaign to the international level when she invited First Ladies from around the world to the First Lady Conference on Drug Abuse April 24-25, 1985.
“Just Say No”
Thank you for being part of the first international ‘Just Say No’ walk. Look around at how many young people are walking with you today. And just think, there are groups as big as yours, or even bigger, doing the same thing all over the world! Can you imagine just how many children are saying ‘Just Say No’ today? Children everywhere are learning about drug abuse at an early age. And that’s a good thing.
NANCY REAGAN
Remarks at the Just Say No International Walk 05/22/1986
First Lady Nancy Reagan urged the nation’s youth to “just say no.” She appeared on television talk shows, attended rallies and sporting events, taped public service announcements, and wrote guest articles.
Signings
This legislation allows us to do even more. Nevertheless, today marks a major victory in our crusade against drugs – a victory for safer neighborhoods, a victory for the protection of the American family.
President Ronald Reagan
Remarks on Signing the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 10/27/1986
The United Nations
In your deliberations, I urge you not to be diplomatic for the sake of diplomacy, but to speak the truth about the effects of drugs on our peoples and our governments. I urge you to be tough and firm in the recommendations you make.
Nancy Reagan
Remarks to the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly 10/25/1988
On October 21, 1985, during the United Nation’s 40th anniversary, Nancy Reagan hosted a second international drug conference.
On October 25, 1988, she addressed the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly where she spoke about the illegal use of drugs and its impact on families.
The picture below shows the various trips Nancy Regan made in promoting her campaign.
