The SSDP Outreach, Recruitment and Diversity committee, in cooperation with dozens of chapter leaders and members, has begun an initiative that is going to transform the drug policy movement into a force that cannot be ignored. For too long, voices from demographics directly impacted by the war on drugs have gone unheard. In order to thrive, our efforts must be informed by a diversity of perspectives and stories. We must incorporate strategies, concerns and best practices from other movements, expand how we define our base, and demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of all those with a stake in reform. To kick-start our efforts, we are creating a Diversity and Outreach Manual to serve as the go-to resource for chapter outreach efforts. We need your help to make it a success! How will the manual accomplish its mission? Each section of this manual will focus on a particular demographic. We understand that no group can bereduced to a chapter in a manual and are making no attempt to do so here. The manual will attempt to prepare chapters by providing a starting point, and we hope that other leaders and activists will pick up where we left off to provide insight and information for the outreach process. They will be split up into the following sections:
- Background information
- Relevant vocabulary
- History of how the war on drugs affects the demographic
- Ways the demographic’s current struggles intersect with drug policy
- Tips on how to address these issues
- How to make your chapter a safe space for this demographic
- Examples of events to co-sponsor
- Some positive examples of successful outreach efforts