If you attended college, particularly if you paid your way through it, you might remember more than a few evenings of eating Easy Mac for dinner. I know I do.
Well, despite their tight budgets, hundreds of students converged last fall for Students for Sensible Drug Policy's International Conference. A year later, we are still seeing the dramatic effects of that one weekend. Students who were new to drug policy reform before attending the event are now running serious campaigns to change failed drug policies.
Who made it possible? People like you.
Because supporters gave generously to our Conference Scholarship Fund, students who would otherwise be unable to afford the trip were able to be there. I'd like to share a few "Thank You" notes from some of last year's scholarship recipients, in hopes that you will help us make our upcoming conference a success by sponsoring a student's attendance. http://www.ssdp.org/sponsor
Dan Mitler (Kalamazoo College)
"The financial assistance that I was offered made all the difference. Without it, I simply couldn't have attended. It was deeply inspiring to be in the presence of hundreds of students who passionately support the same cause as me. Owing to my attendance, I have been motivated to get more involved and have started working extensively to reform harmful policies on campus and in my community."
(Within the past year, Dan's SSDP chapter has changed several campus policies and has implemented a life-saving needle exchange program in the city of Kalamazoo.) Irina Alexander (University of Maryland)
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me a chance to attend SSDP's conference. Learning so much while being surounded by such amazing people was a priceless and moving experience I'll never forget. Even the thought of it gives me goosebumps, brings a smile to my face, and fills me with instant inspiration."
(This year, Irina's SSDP chapter has been selected to host our 10th annual conference, with Irina at the helm of much of the planning.) Randolph Hencken (San Diego State University)
"I appreciate the help that you gave to myself and my fellow SSDP members in getting to the conference. Sometimes it feels lonely trying to operate an SSDP chapter out here in San Diego, California. Going to the conference was incredibly invigorating! I have returned to the west coast with plenty of enthusiasm for SSDP's mission and I expect to breathe new life into our chapter this semester."
(Since then, Randy's chapter generated national media coverage with their response to a massive drug bust at SDSU. Randy has gone on to work full-time within the drug policy reform movement.)
As you can see, your contribution can make a tremendous difference in the life of an SSDP member. And thanks to a generous matching grant from an SSDP supporter, any donation you make today will go twice as far as usual, as it will be matched dollar-for-dollar.
A donation of just $25 will cover one night in a hotel for a student. $100 will cover their lodging for the entire conference. $250 or more will take care of lodging and travel. A generous donation of $1,000 will sponsor an entire SSDP chapter, while $3,000 will bring an entire state delegation to the conference.
Can you help us bring a record number of students to SSDP's 10th Annual Conference by making a donation today? Our online sponsorship form makes the process as easy as adding powdered cheese to a bowl of macaroni. http://www.ssdp.org/sponsor
Many thanks in advance for your generosity.
Best,
Micah Daigle, Associate Director
Students for Sensible Drug Policy
www.SchoolsNotPrisons.com
P.S. There are several international students who are interested in bringing SSDP back to their country to establish full-fledged sister organizations, as our friends to the north have done with Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy. We are currently seeking individuals who will sponsor students from the UK, Nigeria, Australia, and Ghana to attend our conference. Please contact SSDP executive director Kris Krane if you are as excited as we are about investing in the start of these international SSDP organizations. kris@ssdp.org
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