Students for Sensible Drug Policy

Students for Sensible Drug Policy

Formation	1998
Type	Non-profit organization
Purpose	Drug policy reform
Headquarters	Washington, D.C., United States
Executive Director	Betty Aldworth
Website	ssdp.org

Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) is a non-profit organization founded in 1998 that advocates for drug policy reform. With a focus on empowering young people, SSDP works to end the War on Drugs and promote sensible drug policies that prioritize public health and safety.

History

SSDP was established in 1998 by a group of students at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. The organization was formed in response to the harmful consequences of the War on Drugs and the lack of evidence-based drug policies. Since its inception, SSDP has grown into an international network of students and young activists working towards drug policy reform.

Mission and Goals

The mission of SSDP is to mobilize and empower young people to advocate for sensible drug policies. The organization aims to replace the current punitive approach to drug use with policies that prioritize harm reduction, public health, and human rights. SSDP believes that young people should be at the forefront of shaping drug policies that affect their lives.

SSDP's goals include:

• Ending the criminalization and stigmatization of drug users
• Promoting harm reduction strategies, such as needle exchange programs and overdose prevention
• Advocating for the legalization and regulation of marijuana
• Supporting evidence-based drug education and prevention programs
• Challenging racial and social disparities in drug law enforcement
• Fostering a global network of students and activists working towards drug policy reform

Activities and Initiatives

SSDP engages in a wide range of activities and initiatives to advance its mission. These include:

Advocacy and Lobbying: SSDP members actively engage in grassroots advocacy and lobbying efforts at the local, state, and national levels. They work to educate policymakers and the public about the need for drug policy reform and push for evidence-based solutions.

Campus Organizing: SSDP chapters are established on college and university campuses across the United States and around the world. These chapters organize events, campaigns, and educational programs to raise awareness about drug policy issues and mobilize support for reform.

Conferences and Events: SSDP hosts an annual international conference, bringing together students, activists, and experts in drug policy reform. The conference provides a platform for networking, education, and skill-building to empower attendees to become effective advocates for change.

Research and Education: SSDP conducts research and produces educational resources to promote evidence-based drug policies. The organization publishes reports, fact sheets, and other materials to inform the public and policymakers about the harms of current drug policies and the benefits of reform.

Impact and Recognition

Over the years, SSDP has made significant contributions to drug policy reform and has been recognized for its work. The organization has played a key role in the successful campaigns for marijuana legalization in several U.S. states. SSDP's advocacy efforts have also led to changes in campus drug policies, resulting in harm reduction measures and a shift towards a more compassionate approach.

SSDP has received numerous awards and accolades for its work, including the "Outstanding Organization" award from the International Drug Policy Reform Conference and the "Nonprofit of the Year" award from the Cannabis Business Awards.

See Also

• Drug policy reform
• Harm reduction
• War on Drugs
• Marijuana legalization

External Links

• Official website