SSDP Chapter Leaders Newsletter June 2013

Hi again SSDP rockstars! We hope you are all enjoying your summer! Here is another installment of our monthly chapter leaders newsletter to keep you in the loop about what’s new and on the horizon for Students for Sensible Drug Policy. 2013 Federal Marijuana Lobby Day This past June, SSDP students from across the country came to Washington, D.C. to lobby legislators for federal marijuana reform. With over 50 students present, SSDP was able to make our voice heard in the halls of Congress. After lobbying, we held a reception on Capitol Hill with special guests Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO), and conservative stalwart, Grover Norquist. Be sure to check out our online photo album of the event, and see this article in the Washington Post about our success.   Leadership Transition Resources   The Fall semester is almost upon us, which for a lot of people means you’ll be moving into new chapter leadership positions. No matter if you’re a seasoned leader who is passing on leadership, or a new leader taking the reins, SSDP has the right solutions for you. Be sure to check out our leadership transition training materials on our website.

• Leadership Transition Webinar Materials
• Leadership Transition Resource Page
• Student Organizing Manual (p.10)

Take action

• OH: Ohio HJR 6 – Marijuana Legalization
• NJ: New Jersey Bail Reform Act
• FEDERAL: Support HR 1523: the Respect State Marijuana Laws Act of 2013
• FEDERAL: The Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2013
• FEDERAL: The Justice Safety Valve Act of 2013

See a list of all of our actions here, including older pieces of legislation.   From our blog June 3: SSDP Welcomes Summer Intern, Cassie Whalen  SSDP is happy to have Cassie as a summer intern working on policy analysis. Learn more about what she brings to SSDP and why she is excited to be on the team. June 10: Eric Petro Joins SSDP Ranks as Summer Intern Eric joins us from Dayton, OH as part of the Koch Summer Fellowship Program. He’s working on building up our online student resources this summer. Learn what he brings to SSDP and why he’s excited to be working in the SSDP headquarters. June 12: SSDP to Host Reception on Capitol Hill Following Federal Marijuana Lobby Day SSDP hosted a reception on Capitol Hill with Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) and conservative stalwart Grover Norquist to discuss marijuana reform from both sides of the aisle after our Federal Marijuana Lobby Day. June 20: Hemp Amendment Passes House The US House of Representatives recently passed a historic hemp amendment within the Federal Agricultural Reform and Risk Management Act (FARRM Bill). This was a historic step in reforming our agricultural laws surrounding hemp. June 26: SSDP Speakers Bureau Updated SSDP has added over a dozen new speakers to our Speakers Bureau. This is a great list of speakers to bring to your campus for an event or speaking engagement. June 26: New UN Report, Old Solutions on International Drug Day  The UN released a new report on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with many of the same solutions we expect from the them. Their approach to abstinence only drug policy and education is not only built on failed strategies, but is also dangerous. July 2: Announcing SSDP’s Organizational Objectives for 2013-2014 Each year, the Students for Sensible Drug Policy board, staff, and select students and alumni come together for an in-person “Strategy Summit.” Last weekend we discussed the activities and direction of the organization and came to conclusions on our plan for the upcoming year. This plan is finalized, and we’re proud to share this with you. Upcoming events 5th Annual East Coast Camping Trip BARRYVILLE, NEW YORK – July 12-14, 2013 Come join fellow activist-students from across the east coast as we enjoy a weekend of camping, friends and fun in a beautiful and friendly campground. More information. Second Annual West Coast SSDP Regional Camping Trip BELDEN, CALIFORNIA – Friday August 9-11, 2013  Last year’s West Coast Campout was such a success that this year our Alumni have started planning it earlier! This time we’re moving inland to the Sierra foothills, where it’s warmer and the water is much more inviting. This is a great event to keep the momentum going through the summer months. The Second Annual West Coast SSDP Regional Campout will be held in beautiful Belden, California. More information. International Drug Policy Reform Conference  DENVER, COLORADO – Wednesday October 23-26, 2013 The biennial International Drug Policy Reform Conference brings together over 1000 reformers, from over 30 countries, who believe the war on drugs is doing more harm than good. SSDP is a co-host of the event. More information.     Thanks for everything that you do to help end the war on drugs. Keep up the great work! Sensibly, Drew Stromberg and Devon Tackels Outreach Directors Students for Sensible Drug Policy     If you aren’t receiving our newsletter via email and would like to, click here.