We’re coming up on that brilliant time of year, when SSDPers across the world join together to celebrate IDPC’s Support. Don’t Punish international day of action. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage in a network wide campaign, where events & actions are held globally, that reinforce our mission to replace the War on Drugs with sensible drug policy.  

What is Support. Don’t Punish and where did it come from?

Support. Don’t Punish is a global grassroots-centred initiative in support of harm reduction and drug policies that prioritise public health and human rights. The campaign seeks to put harm reduction on the political agenda by strengthening the mobilisation capacity of affected communities and their allies, opening dialogue with policymakers, and raising awareness among the media and the public.

The campaign’s yearly high point is the Global Day of Action, which takes place on, or around, 26th June (the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking). Historically, this date has been used by governments to showcase their drug control “achievements” in coercive terms. The campaign’s Global Day of Action seeks to reclaim and shift that day’s narrative. And so, every year, an increasing number of activists in dozens of cities all over the world join this unique and multifaceted show of force for reform and harm reduction. 

How do I participate?

Make some plans about how you’d like to celebrate the day of action. (Find inspiration from previous years here and learn about SSDP’s actions last year here) Consider contacting your national committee or other chapters in your country/region in order to coordinate your activities. We also encourage you to connect with local organisations to make sure your event/action is as effective and impactful as possible. Once you have your ideas together and a rough plan figured out, fill out the application form here. 

Note: When applying, have your budget prepared. If you would like assistance creating a budget or with any step of your planning process, feel free to reach out to your Movement Building Fellow or Global Program Coordinator. 

Organising during the COVID-19 Pandemic, how do you do it?

It is impossible to accurately estimate how the pandemic will evolve in the coming weeks and months, but we know it will disproportionately affect many of the populations at the heart of the Support. Don’t Punish campaign. We believe we have a responsibility to do our best to keep ourselves and others healthy. When completing the form, we invite you to consider alternative plans in case the pandemic impedes the realisation of your initially-planned activities. Please, check the official advice of public authorities in your country. We also invite you to consider the following resources:

Rolling updates and guidance on coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

By the World Health Organisation

COVID-19 Harm Reduction for People Who Use Drugs

By the International Network of People who Use Drugs, in collaboration with TalkingDrugs

COVID-19 Guidance for People Who Use Drugs and Harm Reduction Programs

By the Harm Reduction Coalition

We can’t wait to see how our network unites for Support. Don’t Punish this year!