Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) is an international non-profit advocacy and education organization based in Washington D.C., with offices in Washington D.C. and Mexico City, Mexico. SSDP is focused on reforming drug policy in the United States and internationally, while empowering young people to get involved in the political process through this necessary effort.
SSDP was first founded in 1998 by a small group of U.S. students at Rochester Institute of Technology and George Washington University in response to that year's reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which contained a provision denying student loans and grants to students with drug convictions.
Aaron Houston has served as executive director since June 1, 2010. Stacia Cosner serves as associate director. Drew Stromberg and Devon Tackels serve as Regional Outreach Coordinators while Edward Spriggs serves as an office administrator. Zara Snapp leads SSDP's efforts internationally, based out of the Mexico City office. The Board of Directors is currently chaired by Thomas Silverstein, a graduate of the College of William and Mary who currently attends the University of Virginia School of Law. SSDP works closely with Ethan Nadelmann, the executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance.
SSDP functions through somewhat autonomous chapter networks in universities, colleges, and high schools around the world promoting student and teacher activism for sensible change in attitudes toward marijuana prohibition, drug use and drug abuse, and drug policies. As of December 2010, there are more than 150 chapters in the United States, Colombia, Poland, Mexico, Australia, Nigeria, Ireland, Canada and the U.K. SSDP has staff in Washington DC, San Francisco, Ottawa, and London.
Read more about Students For Sensible Drug Policy: Mission, Values and Structure As A Grassroots Organization, Campaigns, SSDP V. Rep. Mark Souder
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