Nominations are open for the inaugural elections of the European Regional Committee! 

Each country within the Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East regions can nominate two members for the Committee until the 21st of May, 17.00 CET. This is a great opportunity for members who are keen to become leaders in a dynamic international grassroots network and build valuable connections across the region, as you will be involved with a Committee that plays a central role in strengthening regional advocacy and the international SSDP network itself.

Approved at the General Assembly in January 2021,  the European Committee will serve as a space for strategic planning, shared problem solving and decision making within the region, including for chapters from non-EU countries. It will be a central part in coordination, collaboration and mutual support within a horizontal structure which will also encompass working groups (WGs) specialised in the key areas of SSDP’s work. These can range from Harm Reduction, to Drug Policy Advocacy, Campaigning, and Outreach WGs, based on the regional needs at the time. The European Committee will be the space where the regional representatives and the members of the WGs can come together to identify opportunities for cooperation, discuss what challenges they are facing and strengthen networks of support both on the national and the international level. 

If you would like to apply, please complete the following form: European Committee Elections – Nominations form.

Elections will be held from the 28th to the 31st of May, where each chapter that participated in the General Assembly (or registers with Róisín) will get one vote that they can cast (online) through their Chapter Leader. With this vote they can select five nominees who they would like on the Committee, although the vote does not define specific positions. Once the nominees are elected by the network it will be up to them to decide how they would like to divide their roles within the Committee. Of course, the Organisational and Membership Structure team will be there to provide support and guidance throughout this process and assist with the further steps of implementing the new structure.

Stay tuned to get to know the nominees for the European Regional Committee! 
For more information, do not hesitate to get in touch at: outreachmembership@ssdp.org