About UMD SSDP aka SSDP Terps

Mission Statement

Students for Sensible Drug Policy is committed to providing education on harms caused by the War on Drugs, working to involve youth in the political process, and promoting an open, honest, and rational discussion of alternative solutions to our nation's drug problems.

Values Statement

SSDP is a non-violent youth oriented organization that neither encourages nor condemns drug use. Rather, we seek to reduce the harms caused by drug abuse and drug policies.

We believe that in order to protect the autonomy of individuals' minds, bodies and spirit, drug laws and policies must always respect personal choice and freedom so long as a person's actions do not infringe upon another's freedoms or safety.

SSDP focuses on drug issues with the greatest impact on young and underrepresented communities. We strive to achieve sustainable policies that foster civil rights, health and safety through the exploration of alternatives to our current Drug War.

National SSDP's Structure as a Grassroots Organization

SSDP is comprised of student chapters all across the country. Any student anywhere can start a chapter. While SSDP has a variety of national campaigns and actions that everyone can participate in, chapters are also encouraged to work on those issues that have the most traction in their own communities. Annually SSDPers convene for a national conference. There, students acquire essential activist knowledge and skills. Also, chapters elect students to serve on SSDP's Board of Directors. The Board in turn selects SSDP's executive director, who is responsible for tending to both the day-to-day operations of the organization, as well as its long-term direction. An important duty of the executive director is to hire staff. Currently, besides an executive director, SSDP has a campaigns director, a director of outreach and alumni, and a legislative director. Ultimately, the SSDP staff exists to serve SSDP's chapters and activists.