Students for Sensible Drug Policy
contents schedule at a glance detailed conference agenda speaker biographies story booth local information sponsors+exhibitors
ssdp-2012
04 06 14 22 24 26
conference at a glance
friday, march 23rd 5:00p - 8:00p: Registration 2nd Floor Lobby 6:00p - 10:00p: Welcome Reception Atrium 6:00p - 9:00p: Alumni Gathering Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant, 5050 S. Syracuse Street 8:05p - 9:30p: Congress I Atrium
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saturday, march 24tH
sunday, march 25th
9:00a - 6:00p: Registration 2nd Floor Lobby
1:30p - 2:45p: Congress II Chasm Creek B
9:00a - 1:00p: Anti-Oppression Training
9:30a - 6:00p: Exhibits Grand Mesa Lobby
3:00p - 4:15p: Choose one:
Workshop Wind Star
9:30a - 6:00p: Story Booth Summit 9:30a - 10:00a: Breakfast Grand Mesa
1. Communicating Our Message:
9:30a - 6:00p: Exhibits Grand Mesa Lobby
Tips From the Pros Chasm Creek B
9:30a - 6:00p: Story Booth Summit
2. Reforming Drug Policy While Not Work-
10:00a - 10:30a: Breakfast Grand Mesa
9:30a - 10:15a: Ethan Nadelmann Grand
ing In Drug Policy Chasm Creek A
Mesa Ballroom
3. Practical First Aid For Partygoers
10:15a - 10:45a: Opening Remarks: Steve
10:30a - 11:45a: Choose one:
Highlands
DeAngelo Grand Mesa Ballroom
1. Saving Lives By Changing Laws: Call
4. Raising the Bar: Law SSDP Windstar
11:00a - 3:00p: Scholarship Processing
911 Good Samaritan/Medical Amnesty
4:30p - 5:45p: Choose one:
Grand Mesa Lobby
Policies Chasm Creek B
1. Marijuana Reform: 2012 Statewide
2. Surprising Allies: Collaborating with
11:00a - 12:15p: Choose one:
Ballot Initiatives Chasm Creek B
Cops and Moms Chasm Creek A
1. Schools Not Prisons, Not Schools TO
2. Tips, Tricks, and Traps: Employment
3. Global Drug Policy: From the Field to
Prisons! Chasm Creek B
in Drug Policy Reform Chasm Creek A
UN Highlands
2. Practicing Non-Violent Communication
3. Just Say Know: Reality Based Drug
4. Finding the Leader Within You Wind Star
Chasm Creek A
Education Programs Highlands
3. More Women In The Movement: Ending
4. “Dos” & “Don’ts” of Effective Fundrais-
Alcohol Prohibition As A Model Highlands
12:00p - 1:15p: Choose one: 1. Colorado: A Model for Medical
ing Wind Star
12:30p - 1:45p: Choose one:
Marijuana Regulation Chasm Creek B
6:00p - 6:30p: Closing Remarks: Kris Krane
2. Cannabusiness: From Activist to
1. Case Study: Beating Mandatory Stu-
& Adam Smith Grand Mesa Ballroom
dent Drug Testing Chasm Creek B
6:30p - 7:00p: Diversity Committee Meeting
2. AMPLIFYing Our Message: Recruiting
Entrepenuer Chasm Creek A 3. Transcending Political Differences: Drug Policy Reform as a Non-Partisan
Chasm Creek B
Issue Highlands
8:00p - 9:00p: Awards Ceremony Grand
4. Take Over Your Student Government
Mesa Ballroom
Wind Star
9:00p - 12:00a: Concert + Dance Party
1:30p - 3:00p: Lunch Grand Mesa
Grand Mesa Ballroom
At Concerts Chasm Creek A 3. Speaking Truth to Power: Getting Elected Officials On The Record Highlands 1:45p - 3:00p: Lunch Grand Mesa 2:00p - 3:15p: Congress III Chasm Creek B 3:00p - 3:15p: Group Photo Atrium 3:15p - 4:15p: Regional Meetup : Northeast + Western Chasm Creek B : Mountain Plains Chasm Creek A : Midwest Highlands : Mid-Atlantic + South Wind Star : International Grand Mesa Ballroom 4:30p - 5:00p: Closing Remarks: Rick Doblin Grand Mesa Ballroom 5:00p - 6:00p: DanceSafe VIdeo Highlands
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detailed conference agenda
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friday, march 23rd
saturday, march 24th
5:00p - 8:00p
9:00a - 5:00p
Registration
Registration
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--
2nd Floor Lobby
2nd Floor Lobby
6:00p - 10:00p
9:30a - 6:00p
Welcome Reception
Story Booth
provisions among the 12 state laws that have
--
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been enacted so far. They will offer advice on
Atrium
Summit
negotiation tactics, persuasive talking points,
Meet and greet reception for all conference
9:30a - 6:00p
immediate help is the fear of police involvement. Good Samaritan policies aim to reduce fear and save lives by protecting help-seekers and overdose victims from arrest or prosecution for possession of alcohol or other drugs. Panelists will provide an overview of their advocacy efforts for campus-based policies and statewide laws. They will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of specific
attendees.
6:00p - 9:00p
Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant Alumni gathering will take place at Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant, 5050 S. Syracuse St. Denver, CO 80237.
8:15p - 9:30p Congress I: Candidate Speeches SSDP Board of Directors Atrium Candidates for SSDP’s Board of Directors will have the opportunity to briefly introduce themselves to conference attendees. Board candidates will each give brief speeches about their backgrounds, experiences, and
and law enforcement opposition. Panelists will also explore ways to enhance the effective-
Exhibit Hall
ness of Good Samaritan laws with targeted
--
awareness campaigns. One panelist will offer
Grand Mesa Lobby
a unique perspective on organizing within medical associations.
Alumni Gathering --
and ways to overcome bureaucratic obstacles
9:30a - 10:00a Breakfast -Grand Mesa Ballroom
9:30a - 10:15a
Surprising Allies: Collaborating with Cops and Moms Sam Kamin, Jason Thomas, Leonard Frieling, Dr. Erika Joye, Sean McAllister Chasm Creek A Although police and parents are often those who most discourage drug use, they can be
Welcome to Colorado
students’ greatest allies when it comes to ad-
Art Way, Brian Vicente
vocating for drug policy reform. This panel will
Grand Mesa Ballroom
feature the stories of law enforcement officials and mothers who have become leading ad-
Opening Remarks
vocates for sensible drug policies. Their deci-
Ethan Nadelmann
sions to come out varied but were all based on
Grand Mesa Ballroom
firsthand experience witnessing how the drug
10:30a - 11:45a
why they would be a good fit for SSDP’s Board of Directors. (An effort will be made to post the
Saving Lives By Changing Laws: Call 911
speeches on YouTube for participants that are
Good Samaritan/Medical Amnesty Policies
unable to attend these speeches.)
Jeff Cece, Brandon Levey, Evan Nison, Dr. Larry Bedard, Katharine Celentano Chasm Creek B When someone in America overdoses, a call for help is made less than 50% of the time and the most common reason for not seeking
war destroys families. One judge on the panel, for example, resigned in protest of increasing marijuana possession penalties after seeing how marijuana convictions affected people’s lives. The panel will also discuss ways that students can team up with police and parents to collaborate on local efforts for change in their own communities. Global Drug Policy: From the Field to the UN Zara Snapp, David Guzmán, Fernando
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saturday, march 24th Thirión, Graham de Barra, Andrew Livingston
many experts think that marijuana legalization
they should take over their student govern-
Highlands
is imminent. Learn about the ongoing efforts
ments, how to run a successful campaign,
to reform marijuana laws in Colorado and
and how to effectively push for harm reduc-
With an estimated 60,000 people killed due
Oregon and how activists can assist these
tion and sensible drug policies once in office.
to drug-war related violence in Mexico since
historic campaigns.
Learn about all parts of a successful cam-
2006, drug trafficking money severely infiltrat-
paign, from broad strategies like messaging,
ing politics in Colombia, and users criminal-
Cannabusiness: From Activist to Entre-
to specific tactics like how to make the best
ized around the globe, the United States-led
penuer
chalk advertisements. While oriented towards
global drug war is in full effect. Meanwhile,
Kris Krane, Troy Dayton
student government campaigns, most skills
countries such as Portugal are experimenting
Chasm Creek A
taught in this workshop can be applied to
with innovative harm reduction policies, Gua-
issue campaigns or even campaigns for local
temala and Costa Rica are proposing a global
This panel will focus on the intersection of
or state office. All attendees will receive a
discussion on marijuana legalization and civil
activism and the emerging cannabis industry.
copy of the new “SSDP Student Government
society, including students and young people
As the medical cannabis industry matures
Takeover Manual.”
around the world are realizing that the war on
and grows into a legitimate industry, we are
drugs cannot be won. This panel will feature
faced with unique and challenging issues.
several international SSDP chapter leaders
Sometimes the challenges can be at odds
who will share experiences from their own
with our activist principles, while more often
countries, as well as discuss the linkages to
the two are complimentary. This panel will
global drug policy. Join us for an engaging
feature a discussion between Troy Dayton and
conversation with peers from around the world
Kris Krane, two SSDP alumni from American
as we take SSDP international!
University in the early days of the organization, about making the transition from activist
Lunch -Grand Mesa Ballroom
1:30p - 2:45p
Finding the Leader Within You
to entrepreneur, and how keeping our activist
Aaron Houston
values at heart in our work in the industry can
Congress II
Wind Star
have a profound effect on what the future of
SSDP Board of Directors
the cannabis industry will look like, and on
Grand Mesa Ballroom
Hear tips on how to embody mindful leader-
future cannabis policies and regulation. Board Candidate Q&A Session. The Satur-
ship through daily practices. Participants will
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1:30p - 3:00p
leave feeling better prepared to have difficult
Transcending Political Differences: Drug
day session of Congress will give students
conversations and ready to embody a new
Policy Reform as a Non-Partisan Issue
an opportunity to have their questions heard
leadership presence that emphasizes being
Peter Neiger, Alex Padilla, Shaleen Title, Jas-
and answered by the candidates running
present in the moment, more open, and more
mine Tyler, Eapen Thampy
for SSDP’s national Board of Directors. All
connected.
Highlands
students are encouraged to attend, especially
Traditionally, many have framed drug policy
please promptly grab your lunch from the
reform as a liberal issue, but this is not neces-
Grand Mesa ballroom lobby and bring it with
sarily the case. Five professionals from differ-
you to Congress in Chasm Creek B.
12:00p - 1:15p Marijuana Reform: 2012 Statewide Ballot Initiatives Brian Vicente, Mason Tvert, Adam Smith, Theresa Daniello Chasm Creek B This panel will focus on the exciting topic of marijuana reform through examining statelevel ballot initiatives. With public opinion for marijuana reform at its highest level ever,
ent organizations, backgrounds, and political leanings, discuss drug policy reform as a non-partisan issue.
each chapter’s voting member. Participants:
3:00p - 4:15p Communicating Our Message: Tips From
Take Over Your Student Government
the Pros
Sam Tracy
Rob Kampia, Scott Morgan
Wind Star
Chasm Creek B
In this session, SSDPers will learn about why
The war on drugs impacts different constitu-
saturday, march 24th encies in different ways. As with any contro-
Participants will also breakout into groups
will feature advice from people who work (and
versial issue, it is important to be aware of
and be assigned a specific party scenario to
hire) in the drug policy and marijuana indus-
nuances in communication and how others
practice rescue methods.
tries. We’ll cover how to ace the screening
perceive your message. This panel brings
process and interview, but you’ll also find out
together movement leaders to share their
Raising the Bar: Law Students for Sensible
how to prepare far in advance by developing
expertise about how various messaging
Drug Policy
the most in-demand skills and growing your
styles and tactics contribute to how we com-
Jesse Stout, Kellen Russoniello, Thomas
network in order to find opportunities when
municate our message of drug policy reform.
Silverstein, Bob Nichols, Bradley Steinman
you need them.
Hear from these professionals about their own
Windstar
messaging strategies so that you can bring
Just Say Know: Reality Based Drug Ed.
this knowledge back to your campus and
SSDP has almost 200 chapters, but only 10
Devon Tackels, Kristen Kidd Donovan
hone your communication skills to help you
are at law schools. This roundtable will feature
Highlands
be the most effective and well-rounded advo-
discussion of how LSSDP chapters may be
cate you can be.
different from undergraduate chapters; what
JSK is a reality based drug education series
events, activities, and campaigns have been
that seeks to provide fact based, non-biased,
Reforming Drug Policy While Not Working
successful at law schools; how to start an
harm reduction drug education to college
In Drug Policy
LSSDP chapter; how to find, recruit, and retain
students that was developed at VCU last year
Mike Liszewski, Aditya Mukerjee, Victor Pinho,
members at law schools; and how to reach out
by SSDP and the VCU Wellness Resource
Emily Stevenson, A. Kathryn Parker, Michael
and start chapters at other law schools.
Center. Our dream is to fine tune and evaluate
Blunk Chasm Creek A While several SSDPers will graduate and go on to work at one of the various drug policy reform organizations that we all know and love, the reality is that SSDP graduates more members each year than there are jobs available in the drug policy reform movement. Does that mean graduation spells an early end to your efforts as a drug policy reform activist? Of course not! In fact, several former SSDPers have gone on to become vital members of the reform community while earning their living outside of the movement. Learn how to be an active as reformer even if the company name on your paycheck is different than the policy organization patch on your backpack. Practical First Aid For Partygoers Billieer Tyler, Missi Wooldridge Highlands What is an overdose? What happens when someone overdoses? What is the most appropriate action to take? This workshop led by a registered nurse and a public health professional will answer these questions and more.
this program at VCU and be a resource to any
4:30p - 5:45p Colorado: A Model for Medical Marijuana Regulation Brian Vicente, Josh Kappel Chasm Creek B With more regulations than casinos or liquor stores, Colorado’s tightly-regulated medical marijuana businesses are viewed as a national example of how to properly control marijuana production and sale. Learn from experienced operators and state officials about the insand-outs of this burgeoning industry. Tips, Tricks, and Traps: Employment in Drug Policy Reform Shaleen Title, Jasmine Tyler, Caren Woodsen, Irina Alexander Chasm Creek A Want to work full-time for sensible drug policy? Join this practical discussion for real-life tips on navigating the job search, application, and interviewing process. Focusing on both traditional job skills and unique aspects of the drug policy reform movement, this roundtable
university in the country interested in implementing a similar program. SSDP can reach the students that can bring this type of education to their campus, and this panel can help them bring faculty and administrators to the table. JSK formats each seminar so that a public health professional and an SSDP student co-facilitate each session. This format has two salient benefits: the program has legitimacy in the eyes of the institution because of faculty involvement, and the student presenter lends credibility to the faculty member’s message. “Dos” & “Dont’s” of Effective Fundraising Emily Stevenson Wind Star Learn the basic “do”s and “don’t”s of effective fundraising and specific fundraising activities you can implement immediately on your own campus. Workshop participants will be able to share their own success stories, ask questions, and receive resource materials you can take back to your chapter.
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saturday, mar 24th 6:00p - 6:30p Closing Remarks Kris Krane, Adam Smith Grand Mesa Ballroom
6:30p - 7:00p Diversity + Outreach Committee Meeting -Chasm Creek B
8:00p - 9:00p Awards Ceremony SSDP Staff Grand Mesa Ballroom The SSDP staff will kick of the evening’s celebration by recognizing outstanding achievements during our annual awards ceremony. Soft and hard drinks available for purchase.
9:00p - 12:00a Open Jam + Dance Party -Grand Mesa Ballroom Following the awards ceremony, we’ll kick of the evening’s celebration with a one hour concert. The relationship between music and activism has been long established, and is an
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essential component of any successful social movement today. Join some of SSDP’s musically driven activists as they share some of their own artistic talents with our community. This concert will join the best of both worlds, showcasing the hidden musical talents of The Wets. These SSDP rock n’ rollers, and very special guests, will have you dancing in no time. Join us as they play some of your favorite tunes directly after the awards ceremony. Then, stick around for two hours of music provided by local DJs, including SSDP’s own, DJ Walker.
sunday, march 25th 9:00a - 1:00p
11:00a - 3:00p
Anti-Oppression Training Workshop
Scholarship Processing
Rachel Ibrahim
--
Wind Star
2nd Floor Lobby
The four-hour anti-oppression workshop will
All scholarship recipients will submit a confer-
focus on examining power and privilege by
ence evaluation form at the SSDP table in
looking at the unique relationship between
the exhibitor hall. Additionally, those getting
race and class in the US as it impacts all op-
reimbursements can pick up their checks dur-
pression. In developing common language
ing this time at the SSDP table from Edward
and examining how racism is internalized by
Spriggs.
all people, we will be able to better understand the dominant culture’s policies, laws, and institutions and our role in upholding or breaking down the oppressive construct. SSDP members will be able to use this knowledge and expanded perspective to better understand how drug laws fit into the structures of power and privilege within society.
9:30a - 6:00p
11:00a - 12:15p
and others. Instead we communicate our deeper feelings and needs to one another, in hopes of being heard and truly hearing one another. Nonviolent Communication can help SSDP chapters within their meetings, by providing a communication model which leads to more consensus, a calmer way to discuss intragroup problems, and help members understand and connect with one another at a deeper level. NVC can also help SSDP chapters as they interact with individuals or organizations who are not already in favor of drug policy reform. It does this by identifying the underling causes of resistance, and instead of getting stuck in an argument, NVC creates situations of shared problem solving.
Schools Not Prisons, Not Schools TO Prisons!
More Women In The Movement: Ending
Mike Liszewski, Jon Perri, Eric Sterling, Froggy
Alcohol Prohibition As A Model
Vasquez
Sabrina Fendrick, Betty Aldworth,
Chasm Creek B
AnnaRae Grabstein Highlands
For many young Americans, the nation’s public schools have turned into the functional
This round table discussion will focus on
Story Booth
equivalent of a police department’s central
the similarities and differences between the
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booking unit. By embracing a law enforcement
tactics and resources utilized by the women
Summit
disciplinary approach, educational institu-
who fought to end alcohol prohibition (Pauline
tions have become the entryway by which
Sabin and the Women’s Organization for Na-
many incarcerated people get caught up in a
tional Prohibition Reform), and those used by
lingering cycle of recidivism. What has caused
today’s female focused marijuana law reform
parents and educators to allow the “school-to-
campaigns and organizations. This includes
prison pipeline” to take hold? Have programs
messaging, financing, organizing strategies,
aimed at curbing gang violence had counter-
socio-political influence and forms of protest.
productive results due to misunderstandings
We will be discussing what lessons can be
about gang culture? Thankfully, there are tools
taken from the women in the 1930’s as well
available to dismantle the pipeline and keep
as how to leverage our existing resources in
students in schools, not prisons!
order to maximize our reform efforts, and build
9:30a - 6:00p Exhibit Hall -2nd Floor Lobby
10:00a - 10:30a Breakfast
support for legalization among the female
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Practicing Non-Violent Communication
Grand Mesa Ballroom
Alex Leach
10:15a - 10:45a
Chasm Creek A Nonviolent Communication (NVC) strives to
Opening Plenary
build connections between people based on
Steve DeAngelo
honesty and empathy. It avoids moralistic
Grand Mesa Ballroom
judgments, and other statements, which trigger fight-flight-freeze reactions in ourselves
demographic.
12:30p - 1:45p Case Study: Beating Mandatory Student Drug Testing Alex Kriet, Sam Walker Chasm Creek B
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sunday, march 25th Drug testing has been in the news with a number of states adopting or exploring programs to test welfare recipients. Though it has not received as much publicity, at least one college has attempted to drug test its students: Linn State Technical College. Though many high schools drug test their students, Linn State appears to be the first college to have
1:45p - 3:00p Lunch -Grand Mesa Ballroom
2:00p - 3:15p
during this regional meet-up. Topics can include collaborating on statewide and regional campaigns, facilitating communication with neighboring chapters, regional or statewide conferences, and developing strong local networks of active reformers. These are intentionally structured loosely to allow for self-directed discussions.
adopted a broad drug testing program. Students are currently challenging the program
Congress III
: Northeast + Western Chasm Creek B
in Court and SSDP has written a friend-of-the-
SSDP Board of Directors
(CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, AL,
court brief in the case. This panel will discuss
Chasm Creek B
CA, HI, NV, OR, WA)
policy issues related to student drug testing
Voting, Resolutions, and Election Results. The
: Mountain Plains Chasm Creek A
more broadly.
final day of Congress will begin with voting
(AZ, CO, ID, KS, MT, ND, NE, NM, SD, UT,
on Board candidates. Each chapter gets one
WY)
the Linn State case, as well as the legal and
AMPLIFYing Our Message: Recruiting At
vote, and each voting members must be certi-
Concerts
fied to vote in advance. (If your school does
Brooke Napier, Brian Gilbert, Chris Wallis
not have a certified voting member, please
Chasm Creek A
see a current Board member ASAP.) Next, resolutions will be introduced, discussed,
Have you ever tabled a concert for SSDP? If
and voted on. This Congress session will end
you haven’t, would you like to? If so, its time
with the announcement of the newly elected
to AMPLIFY your activism! This session will
Board of Directors and alternates. Newly
let you know how to get involved in SSDP’s
elected board members will be asked to stay
AMPLIFY project by combining your love for
for a board meeting following election results.
music and drug policy reform while becoming
Participants: please promptly grab your lunch
a killer street promoter for bands like Slightly
from the Grand Mesa ballroom lobby & bring it
Stoopid and Lotus.
with you to Congress in Chasm Creek B.
Speaking Truth to Power: Getting Elected
3:00p - 3:15p
Officials On The Record Irina Alexander, Scott Morgan
Group Photo
Highlands
-Atrium
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Our drug policy is such a disaster that many of our political leaders don’t even want to talk
Gather in the atrium for a group photo.
about it. That’s why SSDP activists have a rich tradition of breaking the silence and publicly challenging political leaders to go “On the Record” by answering tough questions about the harms of the War on Drugs. This panel features exciting videos of students confronting prominent politicians, including analysis of how to get noticed, what to ask, and how to turn a quick exchange into a viral video that impacts that drug policy debate.
3:15p - 4:15p
: Midwest Highlands (IA, IL, IN, KY, MI, MO, MN, OH, WI ) : Mid-Atlantic + South Wind Star (DC, DE, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV; AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, OK, TN, TX) : International Grand Mesa Ballroom
4:30p - 5:00p Closing Remarks Rick Doblin Grand Mesa Ballroom
5:00p - 6:00p DanceSafe Video -Highlands In the summer of 2010, a firestorm of negative media coverage & political outrage erupted as a result of the ecstasy-related death of a teen-
Regional Meetup
age girl who attended Electric Daisy Carnival
--
in Los Angeles. In response to the tragedy and
Chasm Creek B, Chasm Creek A, Highlands,
controversy, the County Public Health Depart-
Wind Star, Grand Mesa Ballroom
ment launched an innovative harm reduction campaign alongside local promoters, DJs,
Meet and strategize with other students,
and event safety experts. The story highlights
alumni, and other supporters from your region
their collaborative efforts.
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speaker bios
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Betty Aldworth is the Advocacy Director
icy. Recipient of the 2011 SSDP Outstanding
neur Stephen DeAngelo, of Harborside Health
for The Campaign to Regulate Marijuana like
Student Activist Award, she previously worked
Center. The ArcView Group runs the industry’s
Alcohol, where she is responsible to ensure
as College Coordinator at Law Enforcement
first angel investor group. ArcView created
women are empowered and enfranchised ad-
Against Prohibition. Katharine is particularly
a mobile app dispensaries and recently sold
vocates of Amendment 64. Betty is also Com-
interested in coalition building and outreach
that part of the company. ArcView’s latest
munity Relations Director for CDS Centers and
with the recovery community. She played a
project is the creation of CannaSure, a medi-
CDS Management Co, and is a member of the
key role in the development and passage of
cal cannabis insurance company. He teamed
board of directors of the National Cannabis
Columbia University’s Good Samaritan Policy.
up with SSDP’s first executive director, Kris
Industry Association, and facilitates the Medical Marijuana Business Alliance.
Lotlikar to start Renewable Choice Energy, Carissa Cornwell has been a pillar within
recently named the #1 green power provider
the electronic music community for over
by the EPA.
Irina Alexander was a co-founder of Virginia
twelve years and known best for her work with
Tech’s SSDP chapter in 2007 and served
DanceSafe. In 1999 she started a DanceSafe
Graham de Barra is currently studying
as chapter president at the University of
chapter in Madison, Wisconsin, which ex-
Philosophy and Psychology in University Col-
Maryland in 2009, where she helped pass a
panded into Midwest DanceSafe. In 2003 she
lege of Cork, Ireland. He helped setup SSDP
campus Good Samaritan policy. She gradu-
joined the Board of Directors and currently is
Ireland with fellow Irish activists in May 2011
ated in December 2010 with a BA in Criminol-
the secretary. Carissa is the National Outreach
and hopes to ensure Ireland’s participation
ogy & Criminal Justice and a minor in Black
Director and responsible for all volunteers and
in Global discussions and events. Graham
Women’s Studies. Irina works in Washington,
chapters. Development of training curriculum
is campaining for acceptance of his chapter
D.C. as Chief of Staff for the Criminal Justice
and outreach strategies are just a few of her
in UCC where he hopes to run a self sustain-
Policy Foundation and is finishing her term as
tasks.
able society aiming to spread information and
Chair of SSDP’s national board of directors.
objectively explore the effects of current drug Stacia Cosner is the Associate Director for
policy on student life. Graham is working to
Michael Blunk is a former Chair of SSDP’s
Students for Sensible Drug Policy. Working in
produce a feature length documentary high-
Board of Directors, and was the founder of the
Washington, DC she loves her job managing
lighting the effects of the Irish war on drugs.
University of Houston SSDP chapter. Following
outreach, communication and development
graduation, he first worked as campaign man-
for SSDP. At the University of Maryland, she
Steve DeAngelo is a dynamic leader who has
ager on a Democratic statewide campaign in
led the campus SSDP chapter that remains
spent his entire career at the intersection of
Texas. After the campaign concluded, Michael
one of the largest and most active chapters in
cannabis activism and entrepreneurship. As
moved on into the business world where he is
the country. In 2011, administrators imple-
CEO of Harborside Health Center, Steve co-
today. His company, SmallCap Support Ser-
mented a Good Samaritan policy that she
founded and directed California’s most widely
vices LLC, offers business consulting, investor
introduced as a University Senator in 2007.
acclaimed medical cannabis dispensary–and
relations, and marketing support for emerging
On Wednesdays during the summer, you can
set a new standard of excellence for the entire
start-up.
find Stacia playing softball on the national mall
industry. Steve graduated summa sum laude
with The One Hitters, a co-ed congressional
from the University of Maryland. He is also
league softball team.
the star of Discovery Channel’s “Weed Wars”,
Jeff Cece is a criminologist, drug policy analyst, educator, and consultant. He received
a charter member of Americans for Safe
a B.A. from the University of Connecticut and
Theresa Daniello is a director of The Ohio
Access, a lifetime member of NORML, and
M.S. from Florida State University’s College
Medical Cannabis Act of 2012. After falling
speaks and writes widely about cannabis.
of Criminology and Criminal Justice. He has
victim to the drug war, she reached out to
taught over 800 FSU undergrads, most in
drug policy reformers in Ohio to initiate a
Rick Doblin, Ph.D., is the founder and
his specialty course on Drugs in the Justice
medical marijuana ballot initiative campaign.
executive director of the Multidisciplinary As-
System. As a researcher and analyst in the
A University of Dayton graduate, Theresa is a
sociation for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). He
Florida Governor’s Office of Drug Control, he
mother of five, an avid off road trail runner, a
received his doctorate in Public Policy from
authored Florida’s 2009 statewide Drug Con-
dancer, and a big believer in common sense
Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government,
trol Strategy and the 2007 Methamphetamine
and compassion. She believes it is time to
where he wrote his dissertation on the regula-
Control Strategy.
take the patients off the battlefield in the drug
tion of the medical uses of psychedelics and
war.
marijuana and his Master’s thesis on medical
Katharine Celentano is a neuroscience and
marijuana in cancer care. His professional
economics student at Columbia University
Troy Dayton, one of SSDP’s co-founders, is
goal is to help develop legal contexts for the
where she also serves as president of Colum-
the CEO of The ArcView Group, co-founded
beneficial uses of psychedelics and mari-
bia University Students for Sensible Drug Pol-
in 2010 with prominent activist and entrepre-
juana, primarily as prescription medicines but
15
also for personal growth for otherwise healthy
summer! Brian has been involved with SSDP
Solidarity work and anti-oppression trainings
people, and also to become a legally licensed
ever since Devon Tackels founded the SSDP
at OWS, to Youth Leadership Development,
psychedelic therapist.
chapter at VCU in Spring ‘09.
organizing and providing training to New York
Rick Doblin, Ph.D., is the founder and
AnnaRae Grabstein CEO of Steep Hill Lab,
more, Rachael works with various communi-
executive director of the Multidisciplinary As-
AnnaRae oversees the business develop-
ties to create sustainable change.
sociation for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). He
ment, scientific, and outreach departments,
received his doctorate in Public Policy from
maintaining SHL’s unified vision of champion-
Dr. Erika Joye holds a PhD in Child, Family,
Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government,
ing the future of medical cannabis. Under
and School Psychology from the University of
where he wrote his dissertation on the regula-
AnnaRae’s leadership, Steep Hill is setting the
Denver. She is a Nationally Certified School
tion of the medical uses of psychedelics and
standard for socially responsible cannabis
Psychologist. Currently, she works full time
marijuana and his Master’s thesis on medical
entrepreneurship. In addition to her 10 years
as a school psychologist in a Title I elemen-
marijuana in cancer care. His professional
in the medical cannabis industry, previously
tary school in Denver. She is also a part-time
goal is to help develop legal contexts for the
AnnaRae has been instrumental in operations,
trainer and research consultant for the WhyTry
beneficial uses of psychedelics and mari-
project management and implementation of
Organization, a drop-out, violence, and drug
juana, primarily as prescription medicines but
marketing strategies in the renewable energy,
and alcohol prevention program used in over
also for personal growth for otherwise healthy
non-profit, and restaurant industries.
6,000 schools around the globe. She is also
Collective of Radical Educators and so much
people.
adjunct faculty at Metropolitan State College David Guzmán is currently a senior at
of Denver and Community College of Denver.
Sabrina Fendrick is the founder and coordi-
the Universidad Nacional de Colombia in
nator of the NORML Women’s Alliance, which
Bogotá, where he studies philosophy. David
Sam Kamin joined the faculty at the Sturm
she established in 2010 as a project of the
has worked with vulnerable communities in
College of Law in 1999. Holding both a J.D.
NORML Foundation. She came to NORML in
extreme conditions of poverty, co-founded a
and a Ph.D. from the University of California
2008 and currently works out of NORML’s DC
working group in his college to deal with edu-
at Berkeley, Professor Kamin is active in the
headquarters organizing female focused cam-
cation policies, and works as a paid database
Law and Society Association and in the field
paigns and fundraisers, as well as managing a
manager for an institute developing projects to
of law and social science generally. He is the
large database of female volunteers. Fendrick
promote human rights in public schools coop-
co-author of two books analyzing California’s
has been quoted in several national and
erating with Bogotá’s mayoralty. David joined
Three Strikes and You’re Out Law and has
international news publications including the
Universidad Nacional’s SSDP chapter in 2010,
published scholarly articles in the Virginia Law
Associated Press and the London Times.
where he serves as the co-president.
Review, The Indiana Law Journal, the Boston College Law Journal and Law and Contempo-
16
Leonard Frieling is a former municipal court
Aaron Houston leads a movement of student
judge for the city of Lafayette, Colorado, and
activists with a presence on more than 200
sat on the Board of Directors of the Colorado
campuses around the world. Named a “Rising
Rob Kampia is the Executive Director of the
Municipal Judges Association for one term.
Star of Politics” by Campaigns & Elections
Marijuana Policy Project. Rob grew up in Har-
He is a practicing attorney and served as
Magazine in 2008, Aaron is a nationally rec-
leysville, Pennsylvania, and graduated vale-
Chair of the Boulder Criminal Defense Bar for
ognized expert on drug policy and marijuana
dictorian of his high school class. From 1989
eight years. He also has acted as a Special
law. Aaron has appeared on NBC’s Today
to 1990, he served three months in a county
County Attorney for Boulder County. In 2007,
show, The Colbert Report, FOX News, CNN,
jail for growing marijuana for personal use. He
Leonard announced his resignation as a
and NPR, and his efforts on Capitol Hill were
then graduated with honors from Penn State
Lafayette Municipal Court Associate Judge in
chronicled in a Showtime original documen-
University in 1993, with a major in Engineering
protest of what he described as an unneces-
tary, In Pot We Trust.
Science and a minor in English. Rob spends
sary and drastic proposal to increase marijuana possession penalties in Lafayette.
rary Problems, among others.
his free time reading, bicycling, traveling, and Rachael Ibrahim, an anti-oppression com-
listening to heavy-metal music.
munity organizer, activist and trainer provides Brian Gilbert is Co-President of Students for
experiential and interactive workshops with an
Joshua Kappel, Esq., graduated from Univer-
Sensible Drug Policy at Virginia Common-
anti-racism lens. Trained by the People’s Insti-
sity of Denver, Sturm College of Law in May
wealth University & one of the two current Out-
tute for Survival and Beyond through Undoing
2010. While in law school, Josh received both
reach Coordinators for the AMPLIFY Project.
Racism and earning a Master’s degree from
the Patton Boggs Public Policy Fellowship
He is a dedicated drug policy reform activist
The Hunter College School of Social Work
and the Public Interest Law Clerkship to work
& also a compulsive, bordering on obsessive
in Community Organizing, Rachael brings a
for Sensible Colorado. At Vicente Sederberg,
fan of live music, broke 20 Phish shows this
wealth of experience. From the International
Josh routinely provides advice to patients,
caregivers, and businesses about medical
Alex Leach is an SSDP alumnus from the
environmental laws. He has sued several cities
marijuana, licensing, regulatory compliance,
College of William and Mary, class of 2010.
and counties related to their implementation
general business and transactional law, and
He leads Nonviolent Communication trainings,
of the medical marijuana law. He was also
the intersection of state and federal law. Josh
mediation between people, and Nonviolent
assisted in the drafting of the 2012 marijuana
is also currently the Associate Director of
Communication based meetings at Occupy
legalization initiative (I-30) that was recently
Sensible Colorado, advocating for medical
Sacramento.
certified for the ballot.
marijuana patient rights. Brandon Levey is the former co-President of
Scott Morgan is a blogger, filmmaker, and
Kristen Kidd Donovan, MPH is the Sub-
Students for Sensible Drug Policy at the Uni-
social media activist focusing on drug policy
stance Abuse Services Coordinator in the
versity of Maryland, and is also spearheading
and criminal justice reform. He writes regularly
Office of Health Promotion. She received her
the push for a comprehensive Good Samari-
at StoptheDrugWar.org and Huffington Post,
BA from Davidson College. After serving as
tan Policy this year there. He also serves as a
and has been called the best blogger in the
a Peace Corps Volunteer in Zimbabwe, she
member of the University of Maryland Senate,
drug policy reform movement (a claim he
earned her Master of Public Health from the
and as the Southern Region College Events
denies). Scott also serves as Associate Direc-
University of Iowa School of Public Health.
Coordinator for Law Enforcement Against Pro-
tor of Flex Your Rights, where he produces
Kristen then completed a three-year fellowship
hibition. Brandon also is on the SSDP National
innovative know-your-rights media, including
with the Centers for Disease Control and Pre-
Board of Directors, and chairs the Alumni
the highly-acclaimed film 10 Rules for Dealing
vention before returning to local public health
Committee. He plans to continue his SSDP
with Police.
as an epidemiologist. In her current role,
involvement in law school beginning in 2013.
Kristen educates on drugs (including alcohol),
Aditya Mukerjee is a graduating senior at
substance abuse, and connects students
Michael Liszewski is a graduate of Towson
Columbia University. He has been involved
struggling with substance abuse issues to ap-
University and UDC School of Law and is
in the Columbia SSDP chapter all four years,
propriate community resources.
Policy Director at Americans for Safe Access.
has served as chapter president, and helped
Before law school, he coordinated after-school
construct the Good Samaritan policy that
Kris Krane serves as a Principal and Manag-
youth programs and neighborhood empower-
went into effect this year. Aditya is also highly
ing Partner at 4Front Advisors, the nation’s
ment projects in southeast Baltimore. In law
involved in the New York tech community, hav-
premier medical marijuana dispensary
school, Mike interned for the ACLU-NCA,
ing worked at both OkCupid and foursquare.
consulting firm. Prior to forming 4Front, Kris
successfully leading a student lobbying effort
He plans on working in a NYC startup after
served as Director of Client Services for Cann-
to defeat a poisonous “gang injunction” bill.
graduation.
Be, where he helped develop many of the best
He clerked in the DC Council’s Committee
practices that have become the backbone of
on Health during passage of DC’s medical
Ethan Nadelmann is the founder and execu-
4Front Advisors’ operations. Kris served as
marijuana law.
tive director of the Drug Policy Alliance, the
associate director of the NORML from 2000-
leading organization in the United States
2005 and executive director of Students for
Andrew Livingston Going to a public school
promoting alternatives to the war on drugs.
Sensible Drug Policy from 2006-2009. Kris
in upper-middle class suburban New Jersey
Nadelmann was born in New York City and
currently serves on the national board of direc-
means Andrew Livingston grew up on the
received his BA, JD, and PhD from Harvard,
tors of Students for Sensible Drug Policy and
generally safe and nonviolent side of drug
and a master’s degree in international rela-
Common Sense for Drug Policy.
markets. But shows like HBO’s the Wire and
tions from the London School of Economics.
stories of prohibition taught him that criminal
Described by Rolling Stone as “the point
Alex Kreit is an Associate Professor and
markets are often violent forces in communi-
man” for drug policy reform efforts, Ethan
Director of the Center for Law and Social
ties. He became interested in the economics
Nadelmann is widely regarded as the most
Justice. Alex obtained his B.A. from Hamp-
of illegal markets while in college and started
prominent proponent of drug policy reform.
shire College and his J.D. from the University
a chapter of SSDP at Colgate University dur-
of Pennsylvania Law School. Alex is currently
ing his sophomore year.
President of the San Diego Lawyer Chapter
Brooke Napier is an SSDP alum, and one of the Outreach Coordinators for the AMPLIFY
of the American Constitution Society and
Sean T. McAllister is one of Colorado’s lead-
Project. A former intern for SSDP, she is cur-
serves on the Board of Directors of Students
ing drug policy reform lawyers. His practice
rently a member of LEAP’s booking team, and
for Sensible Drug Policy. From 2009 to 2010
focuses on civil rights, medical marijuana
is heading the state-wide medical amnesty
he served as Chair of the City of San Diego’s
issues, criminal defense, DUI, and family
campaign in Virginia. She is an avid music
Medical Marijuana Task Force, a position ap-
law. From 2000 to 2003, Sean served as an
lover, and loves bringing her passion for drug
pointed by the San Diego City Council.
Assistant Attorney General with the State
policy reform to the communities surrounding
of Colorado where he enforced the state’s
live music.
17
Peter Neiger is currently the Internal Opera-
fundraising work for the Marijuana Policy Proj-
an undergraduate at the College of William
tions Manager for Students For Liberty based
ect and Americans for Safe Access. She now
and Mary, he was a leader of that school’s
in Washington DC where he oversees 60
works as a paralegal for an appellate law firm
SSDP chapter and helped organize the first
Campus Coordinators across North America.
in Oakland and for Robert Raich. In addition
ever SSDP Southeast Regional Conference.
Prior to working for SFL, Peter served in the
to changing drug policy, Kathryn devotes her
Between college and law school, he was a
US Army as an Infantry Paratrooper and saw
time to hoop dance, yoga, reading, and play-
legal assistant at the Lawyers’ Committee for
combat in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Peter
ing with her four rabbits.
Civil Rights Under Law.
and ending the wars oversees. Peter’s interest
Jonathan Perri is the Senior Campaigner for
Adam J. Smith began working in drug policy
in drug policy became a prominent part of his
Criminal Justice at Change.org, the world’s
reform as a law student in 1992, and became
life after experiencing the medicinal quali-
fastest growing online platform for social
associate director of stopthedrugwar.org in
ties of MDMA to treat Post-Traumatic Stress
change. He previously served as the Associ-
Washington, DC in 1996. In 1998, Adam
Disorder.
ate Director of SSDP and has worked on drug
conceptualized and launched the Higher Edu-
policy reform initiatives in multiple states.
cation Act Reform Campaign, Raiseyourvoice.
Bob Nichols is President of the George-
While on staff with SSDP, he spearheaded the
org, which led to the creation of Students
town Law SSDP chapter and a third-year
organization’s West Coast chapter expansion.
for Sensible Drug Policy. Since 2001, Adam
law student. He’s been involved with SSDP
Jon earned his degree in Psychology from
has managed and consulted with political
since he was an undergrad in 2006 and is
Franklin Pierce University where he formed the
campaigns, non-profits, and business clients
constantly impressed by the ability of students
school’s first chapter of SSDP.
in New York, San Francisco, and Portland,
has written several articles on veteran’s issues
and young people to make an impact on drug policy (and other policy) in this country. Evan Nison is a senior business major at
Oregon, and spent several years negotiating Victor Pinho began his work as a drug
labor agreements on behalf of the Oregon
policy reformer in 2004 when he co-founded
Nurses’ Association.
the University of Maryland’s NORML and
Ithaca College where he serves as President
SSDP chapters. While there, he ran a suc-
Zara Snapp Born in Mexico, raised in the
of the school’s SSDP Chapter. He helps coor-
cessful SAFER campaign and began laying
United States, Zara Snapp has personally wit-
dinate SSDP’s legislative efforts in New Jersey
the groundwork for the later-adopted Good
nessed the effects of the failed war on drugs.
and New York, where he was instrumental in
Samaritan medical amnesty initiative. Over the
Prior to joining SSDP, Zara worked for diverse
passing the New York State 911 Good Samari-
years, he has continued to serve SSDP as NJ
organizations such as the Kellogg Foundation,
tan Law. He also co-founded NY Cannabis
Chapter Coordinator and an active alumnus.
the National Democratic Institute, the Denver
Alliance and worked in California for the Yes
He was instrumental in the passage of NJ’s
Tent City Initiative and Mi Casa Resource Cen-
on 19 campaign as the Statewide Campus
medical marijuana law and co-authored the
ter. As a national Truman Scholar and Public
Organizer. He was High Times’ “Freedom
state’s decriminalization bill.
Service Fellow, Zara received a Masters in
Fighter of the Month” in their April 2011 issue
18
Public Policy from the Kennedy School of
and was awarded NORML’s 2011 Student
Kellen Russoniello is a 3rd year Juris Doctor/
Activism Award.
Master’s in Public Health Candidate at the
Government at Harvard University.
George Washington University. Kellen is a
Bradley Steinman was born in his house
Alex Padilla is an Associate Professor of
Thurgood Marshall Scholar and GW Depart-
(with a midwife) in Buffalo Grove, IL, where
Economics at the Metropolitan State Col-
ment of Health Policy Chair’s Policy Scholar.
his parents still reside. While attending col-
lege of Denver. He is also the Director of the
He has interned at two prevention services,
lege at Indiana University, Bradley became a
Exploring Economic Freedom Project, which
the Criminal Justice Policy Foundation, and
brother of Delta Upsilon, and was a campaign
hosts the Exploring Economic Freedom Lec-
the National Organization for the Reform of
coordinator for Students for Barack Obama.
ture Series. His research is focused in Law &
Marijuana Laws. His first publication will be
Prior to law school, Bradley worked for Allstate
Economics and Industrial Organization. Alex
released this summer in the Yale Journal of
Insurance Corporation, and lived in the Neth-
teaches Principles of Microeconomics, Inter-
Health Policy, Law, and Ethics. Kellen gradu-
erlands. He currently works at Law420.com for
mediate Microeconomics, Law & Economics,
ated summa cum laude from Eastern Wash-
John C. Lucy IV, Esq.
Industrial Organization and the Economics of
ington University.
Vice, which includes the analysis of the drug addiction, prohibition, and legalization.
Eric E. Sterling is president of the Criminal Thomas Silverstein is in his second year at
Justice Policy Foundation. He testified for
the University of Virginia School of Law. He
marijuana decriminalization in 1976. In the
A. Kathryn Parker is an SSDP alumna from
currently serves as the Secretary of SSDP’s
1980s, he was Assistant Counsel for the U.S.
North Carolina State University, where she
Board of Directors and is the founder and
House Crime Subcommittee, responsible for
received a degree in English. Kathryn did
leader of the UVA Law chapter of SSDP. As
drugs, gun control, money laundering, and
pornography. He has been a DPA member
the SSDP chapter at Virginia Commonwealth
regulated model to control drugs. She holds a
since 1987 and is active in bar associations,
University, as a sophomore in 2008, and then
graduate degree in accounting and worked in
public commissions, and drug reform groups.
served as President until 2011. Devon worked
multistate tax consulting before joining LEAP.
His expert analyses are regularly published
to build strong relationships with the university
and widely presented and broadcast. Eric
administration and helped create “Just Say
Sam Tracy, has been a member of SSDP
serves as an appointed director on SSDP’s
Know”, an evidence-based drug education
since 2009. He served as President of UConn
Board of Directors.
program that is taught in partnership by stu-
SSDP during the 2010-2011 academic year.
dents and university health officials.
Under his leadership, UConn successfully
Emily Stevenson is a professional fundraiser
passed statewide marijuana decriminalization
with three years’ experience raising money
Eapen Thampy is the founder of Americans
and medical amnesty laws, and sent over 20
for national non-profit organizations, including
for Forfeiture Reform, a nonprofit advocating
students to the 2011 National Conference in
one year with the Marijuana Policy Project.
for the wholesale reform of America’s draco-
DC. Sam has made drug policy reform and
A sociologist by training and a passionate
nian asset forfeiture regime. He studied eco-
harm reduction a focus of their administra-
advocate and charitable donor by nature,
nomics, math, and statistics at the University
tion by expanding their student government’s
she approaches fundraising by asking the
of Missouri-Columbia, and worked in the wine
sober rides program and equalizing marijuana
question, “What motivates someone to give?”
and restaurant industry as a consultant.
and alcohol penalties on campus.
Washington, DC-based organization with a $1
Fernando Thirión is currently a senior at
Mason Tvert is co-director of the campaign
million annual budget.
the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de
supporting the 2012 initiative to regulate
She is currently the Membership Director of a
Mexico(UNAM), in the Department of Politi-
marijuana like alcohol in Colorado. He is the
Jesse Stout will graduate in 2012 from the
cal and Social Sciences, where he studies
co-founder and executive director of Safer
University of California, Hastings College
communications. He is an active member in
Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER)
of the Law, where he founded the Hastings
several civil society groups working to end the
and a coauthor of Marijuana is Safer: So why
SSDP chapter. He also helped start Brown
drug war and violence in Mexico, including
are we driving people to drink?
University SSDP in 2002. Between the two, he
SSDP UNAM. Before this he tried several
served for three years as executive director of
other means of expression, including writing
Billie Tyler earned her B.S. in Nursing from
the Rhode Island Patient Advocacy Coalition,
poetry, playing music in a rock band, manag-
the Catholic University of America and has
advocating for medical marijuana reform.
ing a restaurant and studying Literature and
has worked with not-for-profit organizations
Jesse is the Treasurer of the SSDP Board of
History (also at the UNAM).
committed to advancing community health,
Directors, and co-chair of the Drug Policy Committee of the National Lawyers Guild.
progressive social change, and empowerment Jason Thomas served as a detention officer
for over 12 years. Currently she is working
in a 125-bed county jail in Prowers County,
as the DC Community Coalition’s community
Drew Stromberg is a Regional Outreach
Colorado and as a town marshal’s deputy in
organizer for the International AIDS 2012
Coordinator for SSDP. Working out of the
Holly, Colorado. Jason has specific insight into
conference to be held July 2012. Tyler was
International headquarters in Washington, DC,
the emerging legal cannabis industry in Colo-
the Systems Administrator of Prevention
Drew works with students to build new chap-
rado as an industry stakeholder, consultant
Works! (syringe exchange) in Washington, DC,
ters, maintain established chapters, and grow
and advocate. Jason was the Leading Petty
charged with decreasing the harms associ-
SSDP’s overall network. Drew founded the
Officer Second Class, Santa Monica Bay divi-
ated with intravenous drug use, and increas-
West Virginia University chapter in 2009 and
sion, US Naval Sea Cadet Corps. During his
ing access to substance abuse treatment for
served as chapter President until 2011. Under
tenure as LPO, his Division was awarded the
injection drug users.
his leadership, the WVU chapter paved new
best division in the Nation out of hundreds of
ground in West Virginia, connecting isolated
divisions and thousands of cadets.
Jasmine L. Tyler is deputy director of na-
for statewide grassroots actions, and bring-
Shaleen Title has been involved with policy
advocates for policies that reduce racial dis-
ing drug policy to the forefront of community
reform efforts since she co-founded the Uni-
discussions.
versity of Illinois Students for Sensible Drug
pockets of reformers, laying the groundwork
Policy chapter in 2002. She is an attorney Devon Tackels is a Regional Outreach
and currently serves as speakers bureau
Coordinator for SSDP, where he serves to help
director of Law Enforcement Against Prohibi-
maintain, connect, coordinate, and expand
tion where she manages a global network of
our national chapter network. He got involved
cops, judges, prosecutors, federal agents and
with drug policy reform when he founded
corrections officials who support a legal and
tional affairs, based in Washington, D.C. She parities in the criminal justice system, increase access to social and health services, and treat people who use drugs with dignity. Jasmine’s work has included grassroots and grasstops organizing across the political spectrum, public speaking, and media appearances. She is one of the leaders of the Crack the Disparity Coalition, which works to equalize the penal-
19
20
ties for crack and powder cocaine. Froggy Vazquez was raised in a place where funerals replaced birthday cakes, where police were part of political disease that harass and kill little kids, a place where real history is a mystery, especially with the war on drugs, which works to dehumanize, demonize, and criminalize us, so they call us thugs, teach organizing and about political strategy because reality is families see tragedies with most parents in prison or missing, commercial hip hop is controlled from the tip top, people don’t know how mass media is in control, to keep people blind in the black hole, can’t talk about the real and expect to get a record deal, now how that make you feel. Froggy serves on the SSDP Board of Directors. Brian Vicente, Esq., is a founding member of Vicente Consulting, LLC, a law firm providing legal solutions for the medical marijuana community. He also serves as executive director of Sensible Colorado, the state’s leading non-profit working for medical marijuana patients and providers. Brian is the chair of the Denver Mayor’s Marijuana Policy Review Panel, serves on the Colorado Department of Revenue Medical Marijuana Oversight Panel, and coordinates the Colorado Bar Association’s Drug Policy Project. Sam Walker attends Linn State Technical College, and is the founder and president of the Linn State Technical College SSDP Chapter. Sam was a student at Linn State Technical College prior to his deployment in Afghanistan. He became involved in drug law reform after returning home to college from his deployment. Sam soon became aware of a new policy that would drug test all enrolling and returning students at his college. After working with SSDP and the ACLU, a successful SSDP chapter was born, and Linn State’s drug testing program was halted by a federal judge. Chris Wallis is an SSDP Alum from Kent State, where he founded a chapter in 2008. He currently volunteers with SSDP, as AMPLIFY Project Coordinator since 2008, and with the Ohio Medical Cannabis Act of 2012, and works for LEAP as a College Events Coordina-
tor. He also plays rock n’ roll in a band called Professor Greenhouse. Art Way is the Colorado drug policy manager for the Drug Policy Alliance. He is a graduate of Florida Coastal School of Law, where he was appalled at the gap between our theoretical constitutional liberties and what he witnessed growing up during the escalation of the drug war in the 1980s. A belief in the ills of mass incarceration and drug war policies fuel Art’s desire to manage DPA’s efforts in Colorado. These efforts include minimizing the role of the criminal justice system in addressing drug-related issues, increasing support for health-centered drug policies such as expanded access to sterile syringes, and building support to legalize marijuana in Colorado. Caren Woodson holds a Masters of Public Policy (M.P.P) from The American University and has advised decision-makers at all levels of government about medical cannabis law and policy over the past decade. Before joining The Green Cross, a licensed medical cannabis dispensary and delivery service in San Francisco, Ms. Woodson worked in Washington, DC, as the chief lobbyist for Americans for Safe Access (ASA), and as a Policy Analyst for the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA). She and her husband, Tony, “occupy” Oakland with their dog, Knucky. Missi Wooldridge graduated from the State University of New York at Potsdam with a B.S. in Community Health. She earned her Master’s in Public Health with a focus in Social Behavior and Community Health from the State University of New York at Albany. Her background is in health behavior theory, program planning, program evaluation, drug studies, and addiction as a public health concern. She was voted onto the Board of Directors in 2011. She has been a member of the electronic music community for years and brings her personal experiences and educational background to DanceSafe. Missi is the founder and director of the Denver chapter of DanceSafe.
21
story booth
22
Constructing a strong personal narrative: The material below is paraphrased from lectures and writings by Harvard Kennedy School Lecturer, Marshall Ganz and with a little drug policy context by Zara Snapp.
All stories have three parts: a plot, a protago-
The second story is the story of us. Why are
Please pass by the story booth in the
nist, and a moral. What makes a plot a plot?
we called? What experiences and values do
Summit room between 9:30 am and 6:00
What gets you interested? The unexpected.
we share as a community that calls us to our
pm and share your journey with us. It is
The uncertain and the unknown. A plot begins
cause? It’s putting what we share into words:
an excellent leadership practice and a way
when the unknown intervenes. We all lean
being students, having experienced the
to bring new people into the movement
forward because we are familiar with the
failings of the drug war or simply fighting for
through your experience.
experience of having to confront the unknown
social justice. Stories connect us and teach
and to make choices. We are all infinitely curi-
us how to be an “us”.
ous in learning how to be agents of change, how to be people who make good choices
Finally, there’s the story of now-the fierce
under circumstances that are unexpected and
urgency of now. The story of now is realizing,
unknown to us.
after the sharing of values and aspirations, that the world out there is not as it ought to be.
In a story, a challenge presents itself to the
And that is a challenge to us. It forces upon us
protagonist who then has a choice, and an
consideration of a choice: a choice of whether
outcome occurs. The story-booth featured at
to move into action or stay stagnant. Clearly
the conference is your opportunity to share
we are all at this conference because we want
your journey of how you became involved with
to move towards action. We are moved to
SSDP, drug policy reform or social justice.
action because we believe people are being
We are using this space to bring the power of
incarcerated unnecearily, because we have
public narrative and learn the art of leader-
witnessed violence, because we believe
ship storytelling in order to further drug policy
people should have access to what they need
reform?
or because we simply desire personal liberty. All these stories of self come together to
A leadership story is first a story of self. Some
create the story of now. Why is now the most
people say, “I don’t want to talk about myself,”
important time to be pushing this change?
but if you don’t interpret to others your calling
After developing our stories of self, then we
and your reason for doing what you’re doing,
work on building relationships, which forms
other people will interpret it for you. You don’t
the story of us. From there we turn to strategiz-
have any choice if you want to be a leader.
ing and action, working together to achieve
You have to claim authorship of your story and
a common purpose, learning to experience
learn to tell it to others so they can understand
hope-that’s the story of now.
the values that move you to act, because it might move them to act as well. This is even more important with controversial topics such as drug policy reform.
23
local info
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Internal Maps
Area map
Local AA Meetings: Saturday, 10:00 AM, Park Hill Sobriety: 1980 Dahlia (Ch. bsmt), Denver Saturday, 5:45 PM, DTC Sobriety: 8081 E. Orchard Rd. (5 S door), Greenwood Village Sunday, 5:45 PM, DTC Sobriety: 8081 E. Orchard Rd. (5 S door), Greenwood Village Sunday, 8:00 AM, There is a Solution: 8081 E. Orchard Rd. (5 S door), Greenwood Village Friday, 10:00 PM, Way Out: 10242 E. 16th Ave. (366-3622), Aurora
Local NA Meetings: Need help? SSDP’s Conference Hotline Call 202-379-4880 to be connected with an SSDP staff member 24/7.
Substance Use We recognize that everyone at the confer-
internet
Saturday, 7:00 PM, Saturday Ray Of Light NA
The hotel has offered complimentary internet
Saturday, 8:00 PM, Saturday Night Live NA
in your hotel rooms. Just order the service,
Group: 3500 S Logan, Englewood (use side)
have it billed to your room, and the charge will be removed upon checkout. Unfortunately, there is no internet access in the meeting rooms or in the exhibitor hall. Additionally, you
Group: 915 E 9th Ave, Denver (church, W entr)
Saturday, 10:30 PM, Still Awake, Still Dreaming NA Group: 1630 E 14th Ave (church, enter Gilpin St. courtyard)
can use public wifi in the main hotel lobby or
Sunday, 7:00 PM, Sunday Evening on the Hill
in The Cafe Restaurant.
NA Group: 1400 Lafayette St., Denver
send your photos to us!
#SSDP2012
ence is working to change drug-related laws. However, please remember that drug use is illegal and we must respect the laws of the community we are in.
photos@ssdp.org
facebook.com/schoolsnotprisons
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sponsors + exhibitors
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exhibitors Students for Liberty National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws DanceSafe Institute for Humane Studies Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation Sensible Colorado Marijuana Policy Project Drug Policy Alliance Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies Law Enforcement Against Prohibition The Weed Blog Americans for Safe Access
sponsors Drug Policy Alliance Libra Foundation Berkeley Patients Group Good Chemistry Compassion First AZ Paul Kuhn, Chair, NORML Board of Directors Scott Van Rixel, Bhang Chocolate
[Photography by: Chris Wallis, Bob Nichols, Irina Alexander, Chris McMillon, Brian McGrath. Program designed by: Saul Fougnier.]
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Scan the QR code or go to ssdp.org/mobile on your smartphone for at-a-glance schedule, phone numbers, and other vital information.
1317 F street nw ste 501 washington, dc 20004 schoolsnotprisons.com