Start a Chapter
"How do I start an SSDP chapter at my school?"
An SSDP chapter is a group of students who care about ending the failed War on Drugs, and who receive support and advice from SSDP's national staff. Starting a chapter takes a little work, but it isn't that hard. Unlike most national organizations, we don't charge dues or make you fill out lengthy paperwork. And we've got tons of useful resources to help you here: ssdp.org/resources. Keep in touch with your Outreach Coordinator as you complete these steps and notify us of your progress along the way. We want you and your chapter to succeed and it’s (literally) our job to help you.
In order to become an official Students for Sensible Drug Policy chapter and listed on our website,
you must complete the following steps:
Submit New Chapter Application
- Fill out this simple form to get the process started: http://ssdp.org/chapters/chapter-application
Get acquainted with SSDP
- Read SSDP’s mission and values statement.
- Meet your regional outreach coordinator!
- Participate in an SSDP101 conference call.
- Review our Student Organizing Manual.
- Join the SSDP chapter leaders Facebook group.
- Join the SSDPtalk listserv.
Recruit members
- Send a list of (minimum 3) officers to the national office *Please use the chapter roster Excel spreadsheet for this
- Start building your membership base by collecting contact information of students who are interested. (We strongly suggest keeping this information in an Excel spreadsheet as your chapter roster)
Receive official student group status from your school
- Look into your school’s requirements for new student groups/clubs/organizations.
- Usually this process involves some paperwork, such as submitting a constitution. Find samples and templates to help with this on our website.
- Typically, schools will require new groups to find a faculty advisor as well. Start by asking professors you know who might be sympathetic to the issue. You can also search your school’s website for professors in related subject areas such as criminal justice, sociology, political science, and economics.
Put information about your chapter online
- Create a Facebook group, website, twitter account, or other online resource for interested students.
- Create an email address for the chapter.
- Create a chapter listserv or google group.Start holding meetings and events on campus.
Start holding meetings and events on campus
- Schedule your first meeting.
- Make a plan for the semester.
- Host your first event.
The student movement to end the War on Drugs is expanding rapidly, and we're happy to welcome you into that growing movement. Talk to you soon!
