InnerAct Alliance

Thursday, October 30, 2025

Fun Activities at Schools During Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week, celebrated each year from October 23 to October 31, has become our nation's largest drug prevention campaign highlighting a message that substance abuse prevention saves lives.

InnerAct Alliance's prevention specialists bring this important prevention message to students in classrooms throughout Polk County each year. Lessons are age and grade appropriate and our teachers make activities engaging and fun.

Don't you love the cool activity pictured above that IAA's teachers helped students create at participating elementary schools to celebrate Red Ribbon Week? Students had an opportunity to sign a handprint cutout that says, "I pledge to be drug-free." Then, the signed handprint pledges were affixed to an oversized Red Ribbon hung in the hallway at their school as a daily reminder that together our actions create a powerful message showing that a drug-free future is possible for every young person!

Tricks & Treats in Our Community!

InnerAct Alliance's Amy T. and Tammy C. shared Halloween fun at a family-friendly Trunk or Treat community event last evening at the George Harris Youth Crisis Shelter in Bartow, presented by Youth and Family Advocates. Congrats to our amazing prevention outreach duo for winning 1st Place for their "Halloween Twister Treats" game! 🧡

Kids of all ages had an opportunity to "twist" the spinner and win a tasty treat from InnerAct Alliance. Event attendees were also treated to free popcorn, cotton candy, games, and had an opportunity to learn about many helpful resources available in our community.

IAA is proud to support community events and initiatives that promote healthy, drug-free living. If your organization would like to invite our prevention outreach team to your event, please contact InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777.

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Create Your Own Positivity Potion

In the spirit of the Halloween and autumn seasons, what could be more beneficial than stirring up a positivity potion that contains all of the goods from a pinch of luck to a sprinkle of acceptance, along with a hint of gratitude. 🎕

Indeed, a positive mindset is a powerful thing - it can significantly improve both mental and physical health, boost resilience, and enhance problem-solving skills. It can lead to better coping mechanisms for stress and adversity and foster a more optimistic outlook when facing challenges. It's a mindset that can help you handle whatever comes your way. 💪

Thanks to our talented friends @PositivelyPresent for encouraging positive energy! 🧡

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Happy Faces & Healthy Choices at the 2025 Red Ribbon Run!

Thank you to the thousands of participants, sponsors, vendors, spectators, law enforcement, staff and volunteers who enjoyed healthy fun at the 2025 Red Ribbon Run, presented by InnerAct Alliance and title sponsor, Publix Super Markets, along with other local business sponsors and community supporters, this past Saturday morning, October 25 at Lake Mirror in Lakeland. Each year, this family-friendly event highlights positive choices without substance use and other risky behaviors.

Over 1,400 student runners in grades K-8 participated in the Kids Fun Run timed race heats, sponsored by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, and over 300 families ran or walked together in the untimed Family Fun Run around beautiful Lake Mirror in Lakeland. Participants also enjoyed healthy snacks, fitness activities, and festive entertainment at the World Tour vendor area during the event.

The Annual Red Ribbon Run culminated one of the largest Red Ribbon Campaigns in the state to support the prevention of substance abuse and bullying in our community. And this year, we also celebrated InnerAct Alliance's 40th Ruby Anniversary! For additional details and event information, please contact InnerAct Alliance's executive director, Angie Ellison, at (863) 802-0777.

Red Ribbon Kids Fun Run Results - Saturday, October 25

Kindergarten Girls
1st - Juno J.
2nd - Maven Z.
3rd - Jocelyn F. and Camila V.

Kindergarten Boys
1st - Jago J.
2nd - Ahziyah L.
3rd - Callen P.

First Grade Girls
1st - Cora M.
2nd - Treasure P.
3rd - Lilly J.

First Grade Boys
1st - Cameron W.
2nd - Isaac B.
3rd - Myers K.

Second Grade Girls
1st - Gianna L.
2nd - Analien A.
3rd - Holland C.

Second Grade Boys
1st - Brooks V.
2nd - Troy P.
3rd - Giorgio K. and Cayden C.

Third Grade Girls
1st - Nelissa C.
2nd - Rylin R.
3rd - Alexia A.

Third Grade Boys
1st - Sebastian H.
2nd - Caleb M.
3rd - Trey S. and Rory K.

Fourth Grade Girls
1st - Lydia T.
2nd - Noa H.
3rd - Madison B. and Harper F.

Fourth Grade Boys
1st - Benjamin B.
2nd - Owen P.
3rd - Lucas A.

Fifth Grade Girls
1st - Elle H.
2nd - Alexandra P.
3rd - Kamryn R.

Fifth Grade Boys
1st - Mason R.
2nd - Austin L.
3rd - Wesley D.

Middle School Girls
1st - Haidyn B.
2nd - Mikayla S.
3rd - Hannah C.

Middle School Boys
1st - Robert D.
2nd - Luke P.
3rd - Callum P.

🎀 Congratulations to 🎀

Elementary School with Highest Participation

1st place - Valleyview Elementary
2nd place - Highlands Grove Elementary
3rd place - Brigham Academy

Middle School with Highest Participation

Lakeland Highlands Middle

Private/Small School with Highest Participation

Magnolia Montessori Academy

Monday, October 27, 2025

Mutual Family Trust is a Valued Protective Factor

Communication between parents and children about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs is more important than ever with substances becoming more dangerous, appealing, addictive, and easier to conceal. Kids are much less likely to use drugs and alcohol when they have two-way ongoing conversations with their parents about the risk of substance use. Remind them early and often about your family expectations - it means more to them than you may realize! 👪

Research shows that the most influential ages are 9-13. After that, teens tend to be more peer influenced but parents can still provide a solid foundation. Prevention statistics prove that safety factors also increase when students have prevention instruction in their schools as well!

Parents, you've got this! 💪 Let's be our children's most trusted source of information, guidance, and support on these complicated life issues by fostering ongoing dialogue and continuing to build mutual lifelong trust between kids of all ages and the adults who care about them!