Become an SSDPer!
Join the Youth Movement to End the War on Drugs!
Start a new chapter of SSDP, join an existing chapter or committee, and get involved!
By starting a Students for Sensible Drug Policy Campus Chapter, Community Chapter, or becoming an SSDP Ambassador in your area, you can join the youth movement to end the War on Drugs. SSDP provides training, guidance, materials, and support to empower current youth activists and future thought leaders and changemakers.
Becoming an SSDPer takes a little work, but it isn’t prohibitively difficult or time-intensive, and is a great way to help serve your community. Unlike most chapter-based student organizations, we do not charge our chapters any dues or fees. We also have tons of free, useful resources to help you build your chapter, spread the word, lobby for key issues, and actually change drug laws at the local, state, and federal level (see our active campaigns here)
The steps below outline the typical process of starting an SSDP chapter. Every school, chapter, and chapter leader is different, so take this more as a general guide than hard requirements. Stay in touch with SSDP as you go through the steps and keep us up to date on your progress so we can help with any snags that may come up along the way. We’re here to be a resource for you!
How to Join SSDP
There are many different ways you can get involved in SSDP!
SSDP Campus Chapter
Steps to Becoming an SSDP Campus Chapter
- Complete the Interest Form
- Press “Select here to get started” and select “Chapter” along with any other interests you may have. This step will officially begin your journey to establish an SSDP chapter and connect you with the resources and network you need to succeed.
- Watch for Your Welcome Email from SSDP
- You’ll soon receive an introductory email with critical information about SSDP’s mission and how you can be a force for change on your campus. Be sure to review it thoroughly and follow the next steps.
- Attend an SSDP Orientation
- Sign up for an upcoming orientation session to deepen your understanding of SSDP’s advocacy work and how to effectively organize. This will equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to lead your chapter successfully.
- Work Toward Chapter Recognition on Your Campus Start taking action to get your chapter officially recognized. Most schools require an advisor, 6-12 committed members, and a constitution; SSDP’s Chapter Development Director will guide you every step of the way.
- Start Regular Group Meetings
- Begin holding regular meetings with your members to drive action and make progress on SSDP’s mission. Set goals that reflect your shared vision for reform and positive change.
- Stay Connected with SSDP
- Consistent communication with SSDP is key to your chapter’s success. We are here to provide ongoing support, resources, and strategies to help your chapter thrive.
SSDP Community Chapter
An SSDP Community Chapter is formed by at least one SSDP alum (someone who was formerly an SSDP Ambassador or a member of another SSDP Chapter) and is composed of community members, instead of students.
Steps to Becoming an SSDP Community Chapter
- Complete the Interest Form
- Press “Select here to get started” and select “Community Chapter” along with any other interests you may have. This will initiate the process of forming your SSDP Community Chapter.
- Watch for Your Welcome Email from SSDP
- SSDP will send an email outlining the next steps and providing essential information to help you move forward.
- Attend an SSDP Orientation
- Sign up for an upcoming orientation to understand how SSDP functions and how to successfully operate a community chapter.
- Start Regular Group Meetings
- Begin holding regular meetings with your group to pursue goals that further SSDP’s mission. Consistency is key to making an impact within your community.
- Stay Connected with SSDP
- Maintain regular contact with SSDP to receive ongoing support and resources as you develop your chapter.
SSDP Ambassador
SSDP Ambassadors are powerful, trusted voices who can amplify the reach of SSDP’s mission but may not have the capacity to start and run a chapter themselves.
Steps to Becoming an SSDP Ambassador
- Complete the Interest Form
- Press “Select here to get started” and select “Ambassador” along with any other relevant interests. This is the first step to joining the SSDP network as an advocate and supporter.
- Watch for Your Welcome Email from SSDP
- Look out for an introductory email that will provide the next steps to officially become an SSDP Ambassador.
- Attend an SSDP Orientation
- Register for an orientation session to equip yourself with the knowledge to effectively represent SSDP’s mission.
- Attend SSDP Meetings and Events
- Regularly participate in SSDP committee meetings, online trainings, Chapter Networking Collective meetings, or attend in-person SSDP events to stay engaged and informed.
- Stay Connected with SSDP
- Consistent communication with SSDP is essential. Keep in touch to receive updates and support as you fulfill your role as an Ambassador.
Join a Committee
For additional questions, please contact ssdp@ssdp.org.
Find a Chapter
We are replacing the disastrous war on drugs with policies rooted in evidence, compassion, and human rights.
