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Every year, all of the SSDP chapters attending the International Conference come together during the SSDP Congress, where we discuss the future of the organization and have a say in how we feel the organization is doing and how it can continue to excel.
 
SSDP prides itself on being a grassroots organization, and so the Congress exists to give a formal voice to our chapters.  One of the most important ways chapters can do this is to introduce resolutions and elect SSDP's board at Congress.  Resolutions and board members are voted upon by the chapters, with each chapter having one vote.

RESOLUTIONS

The purpose of the resolution process is to allow the chapters to express their opinion on various issues that might be incorporated into the national agenda.  While it is important for chapters to weigh in on issues of governance, resolutions are not the proper channel for that.

The basic information you should include in the resolution is: 1) What is the issue, 2) How does it apply to students or the fight against the War on Drugs, and 3) What should we be doing about it.  Ideas for resolutions could be: limiting the use of SWAT/military tactics in drug raids, increasing our involvement with healthcare organizations, or taking a stance on felon disenfranchisement. Click here to download two example resolutions.

Section 4.02 Powers of Congress.
    ( a ) Congress shall, by resolution, recommend those matters to be part of the Organization's national agenda.
    ( b ) Congress shall elect students to serve on the Organization's Board of Directors pursuant to Article II.
    ( c ) Congress may nominate persons to be considered by the student Directors of the Board for appointment to the board pursuant to Section 2.05
    (d). Nominations shall be accompanied by a statement of qualification of the nominee.

BOARD ELECTIONS

Board Elections, meanwhile, are the process through which SSDP members can actively select who will govern their organization.  Due to changes decided upon by the board, based on strong sentiment by SSDP's members as well as a lengthy consensus process by which we gathered thoughts from chapters, staff, board members, and former staff and board members, we will be electing four new student members to the board.        

What is the Board of Directors?  

SSDP is two not-for-profit organizations, Students for Sensible Drug Policy Foundation AND Students for Sensible Drug Policy, Inc.   Both are incorporated in the District of Columbia.  The SSDP Foundation is an educational foundation with tax-exemption under the 501(c)(3) section of the Tax Code.  The SSDP Foundation is only able to engage in educational work and cannot spend more than 20% of is budget on lobbying or direct political activity.  However, SSDP, Inc is exempt from taxes under the 501(c)(4) organization that can spend unlimited monies on political activity.  

Who Serves on the Board of Directors?

The Board of Directors (and therefore the legal organization) adopted a document called the By-Laws, which articulates the procedure by which the Board will operate. Among many other things, the By-Laws specify that 2/3 of the Board must be made up of students. The Board is currently fifteen people: 10 students Directors, 4 appointed Directors and 1 Executive Director.  As a result of recent changes to the board structure, the board will decrease to 13 members: 9 elected (5 remaining and 4 to be elected in 2008) and 4 appointed. 

Students are defined as any person who is currently enrolled or has plans to enroll within one year in a full- or part- time education.  Appointed Directors may be students, but in general are chosen for specific experience or expertise and are not students.  
 
What is the Board's Role in the National organization?

The Board of Directors is the legal body that is ultimately responsible for the conduct of the organization.  The Board hires the Executive Director who then hires his/her own staff who then plan the national conference, pursue national efforts, and support chapters around he country.  

What are the Responsibilities of the Board?

1. Fiduciary Responsibility (Legal Responsibilities) --- The board is ultimately responsible for the conduct of the organization which means the National Office. The board makes sure the organization maintains fiscal health and receives and spends money lawfully.  This responsibility is chiefly undertaken by the Treasurer and the Chair.  SSDP chapters are not technically subsidiaries of the national organization, but are informally affiliated groups.  The board is not legally responsible for the conduct of chapters and can withdraw a chapter's right to use the name "Students for Sensible Drug Policy" if the chapter's conduct is a legal liability for the national organization.
 
2. Fundraising --Without money, SSDP cannot survive.  The board seeks out funding on behalf of the organization through personal and professional networks.  The executive director and the Board members (especially those who choose to be on the Fundraising committee) facilitate the board's ability to fundraise by identifying  interested individuals and soliciting contributions.  
 
3. Evaluation of Executive Director -- The Board is responsible for managing the Executive Director of SSDP.  The Board is the legal entity that hires the Executive Director who then hires the national staff and authorizes expenses on behalf of the organization.  The Board conducts an annual review of the Executive Director to ensure that the ED is conducting his/her operations in accordance with establish criteria and expectations.
 
4. Strategic Planning -- The Board maintains the long-term vision of SSDP. The Board is responsible for the implementation and evaluation of the annual strategic plan which helps to ensure that the organization engages in activities and initiatives that are consistent with the organizations' mission and values.
 
5. Board Committees--The Board has established committees to carry out the vital work that is best completed by sub-group of the entire Board.  Some committees are standing, or permanent committees, while others are created for a specific purpose with limited duration.

• Executive Committee-- The Executive Committee is composed of the Chair, the Vice Chair, the Secretary and the Treasurer.  This committee meets (usually by phone) to initiate board projects or follow through with established plans. The Executive Committee is not authorized to make decision on behalf of the Board unless explicitly authorized to do.
• Advisory Council Committee— Seeks out, invites and recommends the inclusion of new persons to the Advisory Council.  The committee is also charged with
• By-Laws Committee – A standing committee that exists to draft language for the board when changes to the By-Laws are necessary.
• Congress Election Committee – A committee tasked with planning and implementing the annual Congress board elections.
• Diversity Committee—A standing committee focused on increasing organizational diversity.
• Executive Director Evaluation Committee – A standing committee charged with the annual assessment and report of the performance of the executive director.
• Fundraising Committee – A standing committee that exists to raise money for SSDP.  The committee's work includes calling lists of supporters and finding new ways that SSDP can raise funds.
• Strategic Planning Committee – A standing committee charged with writing, implementing, and evaluating a Strategic Plan that will guide SSDP's actions.