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.
2025-2026 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 THIRD 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 series must be used. The paper weight must be at least 65#. The student information on the back must be legible and complete.
Poster Contest Grades 4-12
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.
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DESIGN GUIDELINES: COLORS - Select harmonious colors with high contrast to make your poster stand out! Think bright, bold combinations that attract attention. LETTERING - Use a variety of lettering styles and spacing that are easy to read. Make sure key points are prominent and clearly communicated. Experiment with the design to effectively deliver your main message. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX - Be creative! Show the hidden dangers of substance use in an original and impactful way. Remember, originality is essential.
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Cutouts are allowed for grades 4-9 only. Grades 10-12 MUST be original artwork. Posters that use product images, trademarks, brand names, or copyright material will be disqualified.
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POSTER SIZE: 8 1/2" x 11". Use posterboard or heavy card stock weight.
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The BACK of the poster in the upper right-hand corner must include the student's name, grade, age, school, city, state, and teacher's name.
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JUDGING CRITERIA
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Originality - 40%
Design & Color - 20%
Clear & Accurate Message - 20%
Instant Appeal - 20%​​
Essay Contest Rules and Requirements
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Content must be relevant to the assigned 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 letter-sized white paper with one-inch margins, double-spaced, using only one side of the paper. (Essays can be neatly handwritten or typed).
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The original and two copies must be submitted. It is recommended to keep an extra 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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Email Signal Press: signalpress1730@gmail.com
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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​
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Division I - grades 4-6: Alcohol is NOT for ME!! (200-300 words)
Division II - grades 7-9: Is marijuana a safe alternative to tobacco? (300-500 words)
Division III - grades 10-12: What are the Dangers of Fentanyl? (600-1,000 words)
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JUDGING CRITERIA
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Style & Persuasiveness - 30%
Factual Accuracy - 20%
Originality - 20%​​
Grammar & Construction - 20%
Neatness - 10%
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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. Additionally, the WCTU has the right to use the entries for other purposes, such as in publications or educational materials, with proper credit given to the student creator. Both the student and their parent or guardian agree to these uses.
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DEADLINES FOR ALL CONTESTS
Entries for local contests are to be completed by February 15th.
The first place winning entries of local contests must be received by the State WCTU by March 15th.
The first place winning entries of state contests must be received by the National WCTU Educational Director by April 15th.
National winners will be announced at the National WCTU convention and on the National WCTU website (wctu.org).