We’re looking for new Appointed and Elected members of our Board of Directors.

At Students for Sensible Drug Policy, we don’t just talk about empowering young people — we build our organization around it.

SSDP is governed by a Board of Directors made up of both current students and youth leaders who are actively shaping the future of drug policy reform. And right now, we’re looking for new Appointed and Elected Board Members to join them.

If you care about the future of SSDP — and the future of drug policy — this is your opportunity to step up.

Congress 2026: Your Voice, Your Vote

Every year, SSDP’s Board convenes Congress — our annual governance gathering where active members (SSDP Ambassadors) help shape the organization’s direction.

At Congress, members vote to elect new Elected Directors and support or oppose Resolutions, or formal, non-binding strategic recommendations submitted by members to guide the work of SSDP’s Staff and the Board.

This year:

• Voting takes place virtually March 6–8
• Results are announced March 9

How SSDP’s Board Works

Our Board of Directors includes two types of members:

• Elected Directors – These directors are current students and youth members elected directly by SSDP’s membership. They represent the voice of our chapters and ambassadors nationwide and ensure that young people remain at the center of our strategy.
• Appointed Directors – Appointed Directors are selected by the existing Board. They bring specialized expertise, leadership experience, and strategic insight to help guide SSDP’s long-term vision and sustainability.

Together, the Board is responsible for crafting SSDP’s organizational strategy, overseeing financial and legal compliance, and supporting and supervising the Executive Director (who serves as an ex officio member of the Board). This structure ensures both grassroots representation and strong institutional leadership.

Applications Close February 21

Serving on SSDP’s Board of Directors is an opportunity to:

• Amplify youth voice in national drug policy reform
• Shape organizational strategy and education priorities
• Build leadership skills at the highest level of governance
• Make real, nationwide impact

This isn’t symbolic leadership. It’s real responsibility — and real influence. We are currently accepting applications for both Appointed and Elected Board Members.

If you’re ready to lead the student movement, help guide SSDP’s strategy, strengthen our governance, and drive meaningful change, apply by February 21st.

SSDP has always been powered by students and young people who refuse to accept the status quo. If that sounds like you, step forward.

Apply to be an Elected Director

Apply to be an Appointed Director

Want to Submit a Resolution?

If you have an idea that could strengthen SSDP’s work, we want to hear it. Resolutions are how members influence strategy. If you see a gap, identify a need, or envision a new opportunity, this is your moment.

To submit a resolution:

• Email board@ssdp.org
• Use the subject line: Resolution
• Submit by February 21

A strong resolution includes:

• A clear statement of the current problem
• A description of the scope of that problem
• An explanation of the harms or impacts
• A clear “Be it resolved” section outlining who should act and what action should be taken

Resolutions should be formatted like this (edit the fields [in the brackets])

[RESOLUTION TITLE]

Presented at [date]

Sponsored by [your name and chapter or committee]

Whereas, [state the current problem] [keep it to one problem per “whereas” clause] [can have multiple clauses in this section]

Whereas, [describe the scope of the problem] [one scope per “whereas” clause] [can have multiple clauses in this section]

Whereas, [explain the impact of the harms caused by the current problem] [one harm/impact per “whereas” clause] [can have multiple clauses in this section]

Let it be resolved that… [who will take action and what will they do to address the current problem]