The first "Just Say No" club was formed in Oakland, California in 1985 in response to First Lady Nancy Reagan's campaign against drug use. The Just Say No Foundation was incorporated in 1986 and later renamed Just Say No International. Mrs. Reagan was its honorary chairperson.
The Just Say No Foundation first served as a coordinator for school "Just Say No" clubs across the country. It received financial support from other national organizations such as the 4-H Club and the Girl and Boy Scouts of America as well as from the Department of Agriculture and various private companies, foundations and celebrities. Its goal was to prevent the use of alcohol and other drugs by children and young teenagers. In addition, it provided free services to existing clubs and communities interested in forming clubs, including educational materials, on-site training for club leaders, and coordination of annual national events such as Back-to-School Month and the Spring Walkathon.
In 1989 Just Say No International joined forces with public housing authorities in six cities to train local residents as adult club leaders and to help them form "Just Say No" clubs in public housing projects. The program was later expanded to eight cites and lasted through 1992.
After leaving the White House, Mrs. Reagan established the Nancy Reagan Foundation to continue her campaign to educate people about the dangers of substance abuse.
From the guide to the Just Say No Campaign collection, (bulk 1985-1992), 1985-1996, (John Hay Library Special Collections)
