The official web address for the Museum & Archives is franceswillardmuseum.org
National Woman's Christian Temperance Union
"Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit,
perfecting holiness out of reverence for God."
2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)
The Mission of the White Ribbon Women is to organize the motherhood of the world for the protection and exaltation of its homes.
2026-2027 Contest Rules
Please call Signal Press at 847-864-1396 or email Signalpress1730@gmail.com to order the FULL LIST of rules for all contests (Catalog # C2025) and to order official color sheets.
Award ribbons are also available from Signal Press.
Coloring Contest Kindergarten - 3rd Grade
This is the FOURTH year in a FOUR-YEAR SERIES of coloring sheets. Call Signal Press (847) 864-1396 or email Nancy at SignalPress1730@gmail.com for more information. Order ESC-00 for a set of 4 coloring sheets with permission to copy for $10.00. The current sheets must be used. The paper weight must be at least 65#. The student indentification on the back must be legible and complete.
JUDGING:
There are to be three judges, preferably including a primary teacher, an individual with an art background, and a member of the WCTU.
Originality - 25%
Appropriateness of Colors - 25%
Neatness & Accurate - 25%
Instant Appeal - 25%
Poster Contest Grades 4-12
Division I - grades 4-6
Division II - grades 7-9
Division III - grades 10-12
STUDENT CHALLENGE:
Choose a substance (alcohol, tobacco, other drug, or the misuse of prescription or over the counter medication) to focus on. Research its effects on the physical and mental health, the potential for addition, and societal consequences. Create a poster that exposes the hidden dangers of substance use.
DESIGN GUIDELINES:
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Colors: Select harmonious colors with high contrast to make your poster stand out! Think bright, bold combinations that attract attention.
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Lettering: Use any combination of lettering styles and spacing that is easy to read. Make sure key points are prominent and clear. Play with the design to highlight the important message.
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Think Outside the Box: Encourage students to be creative! Show the hidden dangers of substance use in an original and impactful way. Remember originality is key!
General Guidelines:
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Poster Size - 8 1/2" x 11". Use poster board or cardstock weight.
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Cut-outs are allowed for grades 4-9 only. Grades 10-12 MUST be original drawings.
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Posters that use product images, trademarks, brand names, or copyright material will be disqualified.
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Upper right-hand corner of the BACK of the poster must include student's name, grade, age, school information, teacher's name, city and state.
JUDGING:
There are to be three judges, preferably at least one with an art background, and a member of the WCTU.
Originality - 40%
Design & Color - 20%
Clear & Accurate Message - 20%
Instant Appeal - 20%
Essay Contest Rules and Requirements
Division I - grades 4-6: Healthy Habits, Happy Life: Why I Choose to Stay Drug-Free (200-300 words)
Division II - grades 7-9: Why Staying Alcohol-Free Protects My Dreams (300-500 words)
Division III - grades 10-12: How Tobacco and Vaping Hook the Teen Brain (600-1,000 words)
General Requirements
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Content must adhere to the topic.
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Sources should be included as a bibliography. All direct quotations must be noted and attributed (not to exceed 20% of the content).
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Use standard paper size, white paper with one-inch margins. Use one side double-spaced. (Essays can be neatly handwritten or typed).
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The original and two copies must be submitted. NO copies will be returned. It is recommended to keep a copy, as no copies will be returned.
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Each essay must have a cover sheet and all pages, including the cover, attached. The cover sheet must include the participant's name, age, grade, school, teacher's name, city, and state.
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Each essay should include a word count placed in the upper right corner of the page.
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Purchase of resource packets is not required, but the use of references (listed below) is encouraged.
REFERENCES
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National Institute on alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: niaaa.nih.gov
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National Institute on Drug Abuse: drugabuse.gov
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Get Smart About Drugs: getsmartaboutdrugs.gov
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Center for Disease Control & Prevention: cdc.gov
JUDGING:
There are to be three judges. One judge should be a member of the WCTU.
Style & Persuasiveness - 30%
Factual Accuracy - 20%
Originality - 20%
Grammar & Construction - 20%
Neatness - 10%
GENERAL RULES
WCTU is the official sponsor of all contests. Rules are established by the WCTU, and the judges' decisions are final. By entering the contest, students grant the WCTU permission to display their entries at WCTU conventions or meetings and on the website for educational purposes.
The WCTU is granted permission from the student (and parent/guardian) to use the winning entries for other purposes, such as publications or educational materials. In such cases, proper credit will be given to the student creator.
KEY CONTEST DEADLINES (2027)
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February 15: Local contests conclude.
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March 15: Local 1st-place entries due to the State WCTU.
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April 15: State 1st-place entries due to the National WCTU Educational Director.
National winners will be announced at the National WCTU convention and on the National WCTU website (wctu.org).