Supports America's Future By Supporting SSDP

Donate To Students For Sensible Drug Policy

The world is a scary place, full of people that have selfish motives and agendas. The drug p0licy movement is no exception. That’s why it is a breath of fresh air to meet an organization that is full of nothing but amazing, sincere people that want to make the world a better place. That organization of course is Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP). I know that it is hard economic times right now, but I strongly encourage all readers to consider donating to SSDP.

This last weekend, and over the last couple of months, I have seen first hand the amazing things that SSDP chapters are doing around the world. While a lot of non-students sit around and argue about the details of mmj programs and/or mj initatives, SSDP chapters are out gathering signatures, organizing rallies, and hosting debates. That’s not to say that all non-students just sit around arguing, but I would gladly take a team of five SSDP students over ten non-student activists any day. SSDP students have passion, drive, and focus while avoiding the traditional greedy pitfalls of drug reform.

I hope it doesn’t sound like I am bashing other drug policy reform groups, because I encourage supporting them too. I would never suggest people stop donating to initiatives or great organizations like the Drug Policy Alliance or L.E.A.P.. However, I would strongly encourage that everyone on the planet consider donating to SSDP, in addition to other organizations if that’s the case. I talked to numerous students at the SSDP national conference in Denver that wouldn’t have been able to make it had it not been for donations. There is no amount too small, and definitely no amount too big, so dig deep TWB, and click this link to donate to Students for Sensible Drug Policy today! Below is more information about SSDP for those of you that haven’t been reading TWB lately:

About

We are the only international network of students dedicated to ending the war on drugs. At heart, SSDP is a grassroots organization, led by a student-run board of directors. We create change by bringing young people together and creating safe spaces for students of all political and ideological stripes to have honest conversations about drugs and drug policy. Founded in 1998, SSDP comprises thousands of members at hundreds of campuses in countries around the globe.

Mission Statement

Students for Sensible Drug Policy is an international grassroots network of students who are concerned about the impact drug abuse has on our communities, but who also know that the War on Drugs is failing our generation and our society.

SSDP mobilizes and empowers young people to participate in the political process, pushing for sensible policies to achieve a safer and more just future, while fighting back against counterproductive Drug War policies, particularly those that directly harm students and youth.

Key Values

Shared power and authority
Youth-controlled agenda
Collaboration and partnership
Constituent-specific strategies
Learning
Diversity and inclusion

Values Statement

SSDP neither condones nor condemns drug use, rather we respect the right of individuals to make decisions about their own health and well-being. We encourage honest conversation about the realities of the drug war. We promote youth civic engagement as a critical tool in reforming drug policy. SSDP respects the diverse experiences and identities of our constituents. We develop leaders who advocate for policy changes based on justice, liberty, compassion and reason.

SSDP’s Structure as a Grassroots Organization

SSDP is comprised of student chapters all across the world. Any student anywhere can start a chapter. While SSDP has a variety of national campaigns and actions that everyone can participate in, chapters are also encouraged to work on those issues that have the most traction in their own communities. Annually SSDP’ers convene for a national conference. There, students acquire essential activist knowledge and skills. Also, chapters elect students to serve on SSDP’s Board of Directors. The Board in turn selects and oversees SSDP’s executive director, who is responsible for tending to both the day-to-day operations of the organization, as well as its long-term direction. An important duty of the executive director is to hire and manage staff. Currently, besides an executive director, SSDP has two associate directors, an International Liaison, a webmaster and an office administrator. Ultimately, the SSDP staff exists to serve and represent SSDP’s chapters and activists. Click here to meet the SSDP staff and board.

Legally, SSDP consists of two separate, distinct entities – Students for Sensible Drug Policy Foundation and Students for Sensible Drug Policy Inc. The former, as a 501(c)3 organization, engages in education and outreach. Donations to SSDP Foundation are tax-deductible. SSDP Inc, as a 501(c)4 organization, engages in advocacy, or attempts to effect change to law and policy. Accordingly, donations to SSDP Inc are not tax-deductible. Click here to read SSDP Foundation’s bylaws.

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