20 Years of Empowerment: The Truth That’s Changing Lives
When the Foundation for a Drug-Free World was established in 2006, its mission was clear: give people factual information about drugs so they can make informed decisions and live drug-free. Twenty years later, that mission has become a global force for change, with volunteers having reached more than one billion people across 198 nations and territories.
From the streets of Paris to classrooms in Mexico and training grounds in South Africa, the Foundation for a Drug-Free World’s Truth About Drugs campaign has inspired a worldwide movement.
In France during the 2024 Summer Olympics, volunteers distributed one million Truth About Drugs booklets to visitors and residents across Paris. They reached Olympic venues, landmarks like the Louvre and even the Seine River, where a bannered cruise boat spread the message of living
Across the United States, Drug-Free World Chapters have brought their message to some of the country’s biggest sporting stages. At Super Bowls, volunteers have distributed over 2.7 million Truth About Drugs booklets in host cities from San Francisco to Miami, reaching fans and families alike with drug education materials.
In Baja California Sur, Mexico, the Truth About Drugs program was adopted in all public secondary schools, resulting in a 30 percent drop in first-time drug use among youth.
In South Africa, police integrated the program into their training curriculum, enabling 2,000 officers to reach 130,000 youth and citizens and helping drive down drug-related crime by up to 30 percent in some regions of the country.
In the Philippines, after national police were trained on the program, communities saw a 45 percent overall crime reduction and a 58 percent drop in crimes against persons and property.
“Our goal has always been simple—to empower people with the truth,” says the Executive Director of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World. “Twenty years later, that truth has reached every corner of the globe, and it is changing lives. Behind every statistic is a person—a young life that didn’t fall into addiction because someone cared enough to tell them the truth. That’s what keeps us going, and that’s why our volunteers never stop.”
With Special Consultative Status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the foundation enters its third decade stronger than ever—with the facts, the volunteers and the heart to build a drug-free world.
TAKING ACTION
Make It Your Biggest Year
As the Foundation for a Drug-Free World celebrates 20 years, it’s your turn to make this year the biggest ever. Every lecture given, booklet distributed and student reached adds to a movement that has empowered millions—but the work isn’t done. With drug abuse claiming lives daily, your actions matter more than ever.
Whether you teach, volunteer or help at events, the Truth About Drugs materials change minds, prevent first-time drug use and reduce crime.
Imagine the impact if everyone gave their highest effort this year: more youth reached, more schools adopting the program, more communities inspired to live drug-free. The 20th anniversary is not just a celebration—it’s a call to expand the movement.
Step up. Teach a seminar, distribute booklets, train others or bring the program to your school. Your action could help a young person choose life over drugs.
SAVE YOUNG LIVES
Support the Foundation for a Drug-Free World and help protect young lives from the destructive effects of drugs. Your contributions enable us to make our educational materials available free of charge to schools, youth organizations and other groups and individuals. Your support helps empower people with the facts they need to live healthy, drug-free lives.
