SSDP Chapter Starter Kit

Starting an SSDP chapter is an empowering step toward changing drug policy from the ground up. This section walks you through every step of the founding process.

What is an SSDP Chapter?

An SSDP chapter is a registered student or youth group affiliated with Students for Sensible Drug Policy International. Chapters lead local advocacy, peer education, and harm reduction activities rooted in evidence, compassion, and human rights. Each chapter is independently governed while operating under the shared SSDP mission and values.

• At least 5 founding members who are students or young people (14 to 30 years old)
• A designated Faculty/Staff Advisor or community mentor (for university chapters)
• Agreement to SSDP's Core Principles and Code of Conduct
• Commitment to operate in a non-partisan, inclusive, and evidence-based manner
• Willingness to submit annual activity reports to SSDP International

1. 1
   Step 1: Recruit Core Members

   Begin by identifying at least five committed founding members. Reach out through class announcements, campus noticeboards, social media, and existing student groups focused on public health, social justice, or advocacy. Host an informal information meeting to gauge interest.

2. 2
   Step 2: Find an Advisor or Mentor

   Identify a faculty member, NGO professional, or community leader willing to serve as advisor. The advisor provides institutional support, helps navigate administrative requirements, and offers continuity during leadership transitions.

3. 3
   Step 3: Draft a Constitution

   Use the template in Section 2 of this kit to draft your chapter constitution. The constitution must be approved by a founding vote of all initial members.

4. 4
   Step 4: Register with Your Institution

   Submit your constitution, advisor letter, and member list to your university's student affairs office or the relevant national youth organisation registry. Requirements vary by country, consult the registration table below.

5. 5
   Step 5: Affiliate with SSDP International

   Complete the SSDP International chapter affiliation form at ssdp-intl.org. Provide your institution name, country, advisor details, and a copy of your constitution. Upon approval, your chapter gains access to resources, training, the SSDP network, and the chapter portal.

6. 6
   Step 6: Open a Chapter Bank Account

   Open a dedicated bank account in the chapter's name. Two signatories are required, typically the Chairperson and Treasurer. Keep all financial records transparent and accessible to members.

7. 7
   Step 7: Hold Your Founding General Meeting

   Convene a formal founding general meeting to: adopt the constitution, elect founding officers, approve the first-year work plan, and officially launch the chapter. Document all proceedings with signed minutes.

• Minimum 5 founding members signed up (Founding Chair)
• Advisor/mentor confirmed in writing (Founding Chair)
• Constitution drafted and approved (All founding members)
• Registered with institution/national body (Secretary)
• SSDP International affiliation submitted (Chair)
• Bank account opened (Treasurer)
• Founding meeting held and minuted (Secretary)
• Social media accounts created (Communications Officer)

1. 1
   Article I: Name and Affiliation

   The organisation shall be named Students for Sensible Drug Policy, [CHAPTER NAME] Chapter (the Chapter). The Chapter is a student/youth organisation affiliated with Students for Sensible Drug Policy International (SSDP International), a Non-profit Company. The Chapter operates within and in compliance with the policies of [INSTITUTION], [CITY], [COUNTRY].

2. 2
   Article II: Mission and Values

   The Chapter's mission is to empower young people to participate in the drug policy reform movement, advance evidence-based harm reduction, and advocate for policies that respect human rights and dignity. The Chapter operates on evidence over ideology, inclusion and non-discrimination, harm reduction, grassroots advocacy, and transparency and accountability. The Chapter shall not endorse or promote the use of any drug, and is non-partisan.

3. 3
   Article III: Membership

   Membership is open to all students enrolled at [INSTITUTION] and community members who support the Chapter's mission, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or background. Members are classified as General Members (completed a membership form and paid any applicable dues) and Executive Members (officers elected to the Chapter Executive Committee). Membership dues, if any, are set by the Executive Committee and approved by a simple majority vote of General Members. A member may be removed for cause by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee following a fair hearing.

4. 4
   Article IV: Governance Structure

   The governing body is the General Assembly, comprising all members in good standing. Day-to-day governance is delegated to the Executive Committee: Chairperson/President, Vice-Chairperson/Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Communications and Media Officer, Advocacy and Policy Officer, and up to three additional portfolio officers as determined by the General Assembly. Each officer serves a term of one year, renewable twice. A Faculty/Community Advisor is appointed by the Executive Committee as a non-voting ex officio member.

5. 5
   Article V: Elections

   Elections are held annually at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Outgoing officers shall not stand for the same position for more than two consecutive terms. Any General Member in good standing for at least 30 days may stand for election; nominations open at least 14 days before the AGM. Elections are by secret ballot, decided by simple majority, with an immediate runoff in the event of a tie. A casual vacancy is filled by an acting officer appointed within 14 days, confirmed at the next General Meeting.

6. 6
   Article VI: Meetings

   The Chapter holds an AGM within four months of the end of the financial year. General Meetings are held at least once per academic term (minimum three per year); quorum is one-third of paid-up members or 10 members, whichever is lower. Executive Committee meetings are held at least monthly with quorum of a simple majority of officers. Special General Meetings may be called by the Chairperson or by written request of at least 20% of members, with at least 7 days' notice. Meetings may be held in person or via secure digital platforms with members' consent.

7. 7
   Article VII: Finance

   The financial year runs [DATE TO DATE] annually. All funds are deposited in the Chapter's designated bank account; no funds may be drawn except on the joint signature of the Chairperson and Treasurer. An annual financial statement is presented at the AGM and submitted to SSDP International. No officer may incur expenditure exceeding the equivalent of USD 100 without Executive Committee approval, or USD 500 without General Assembly approval.

8. 8
   Article VIII: Amendments

   This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of members present at a General Meeting, provided written notice of the proposed amendment is circulated at least 14 days in advance. No amendment shall conflict with SSDP International's Core Principles or affiliation requirements.

9. 9
   Article IX: Dissolution

   The Chapter may be dissolved by a three-quarters majority vote of all members in good standing. Upon dissolution, all assets remaining after settlement of liabilities are transferred to SSDP International or another SSDP-affiliated chapter as directed by the final General Assembly.

10. 10
    Adoption

    This constitution was adopted by the founding members of SSDP [CHAPTER NAME] Chapter on [DATE], signed by the Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, and Founding Members.

Form A: General Membership Application

Fields: full name, date of birth, institution/organisation/community, year of study or profession, country of residence, email address, phone/WhatsApp number, preferred language(s), how they heard about SSDP, and why they want to join (2 to 3 sentences). Skills checklist: Advocacy & Policy, Communications/Social Media, Event Planning, Fundraising, Research & Writing, Peer Education, Graphic Design, Other. Includes a declaration that the applicant agrees to uphold SSDP's Core Principles, Code of Conduct, and the Chapter's Constitution, and understands SSDP does not endorse drug use. Signature and date required. Personal information is used only for chapter administration and SSDP International records, is not sold or shared with third parties, and members may request its removal at any time.

Form B: Advisor / Mentor Agreement

Fields: advisor full name, title/position, department/organisation, institutional email, phone. The advisor agrees to attend a minimum of two chapter meetings per semester/term, provide guidance on strategy, governance, and institutional compliance, serve as an institutional liaison where required, and support SSDP's evidence-based, harm reduction mission, understanding the role is non-voting and advisory. Signature and date required.

Form C: Annual Membership Renewal Form

Fields: full name, membership year renewing for, current role/position in chapter (if any), key contributions in the past year (2 to 3 activities), goals for the coming year, and whether interested in an Executive Committee position (yes/no). Signature and date required.

• Instagram / X: @SSDP[ChapterName] (e.g., @SSDPNairobi, @SSDPDelhi, @SSDPSydney)
• Facebook Page: SSDP [Chapter Name] Chapter
• Email: [chaptername]@ssdp.org (request via SSDP International)

• Profile Picture: SSDP logo or chapter-specific logo using SSDP brand colours
• Cover / Header Image: chapter name, city/country, SSDP tagline, using SSDP navy/teal palette
• Bio / About: "SSDP [Chapter Name], empowering young people for evidence-based drug policy reform. Affiliated with @SSDP." Include link to ssdp.org
• Link in Bio: ssdp.org or chapter Linktree/Beacons page
• Contact Info: chapter email address
• First Post: official chapter launch announcement with founding team photo
• Pinned Post: "What is SSDP?" explainer with mission and call to join

1. 1
   Days 1 to 30: Foundation Phase, Establish and Organise

   Recruit and sign up minimum 10 founding members; hold first Executive Committee meeting and assign portfolios; complete and submit chapter constitution to institution; submit SSDP International affiliation application; open chapter bank account with two signatories; set up social media accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and X/Twitter; create chapter WhatsApp group; develop a simple chapter logo and branding template; schedule and promote Chapter Launch Event; conduct SSDP 101 onboarding session for all new members. Milestone: chapter officially registered, SSDP affiliation confirmed, social media live.

2. 2
   Days 31 to 70: Activation Phase, Engage and Educate

   Host the official Chapter Launch Event, inviting campus community, local media, and partner organisations; conduct at least one public education event on drug policy or harm reduction; publish at least 8 social media posts aligned with SSDP content pillars; grow membership to at least 25 active members; map local organisations for potential partnerships; draft the Chapter Annual Work Plan; begin fundraising planning and identify at least two income sources; attend or watch at least one SSDP International webinar or training; connect with SSDP's regional contact. Milestone: chapter launch event held, 25+ members, first public education activity delivered.

3. 3
   Days 71 to 100: Consolidation Phase, Build Systems and Visibility

   Complete and present the Chapter Annual Work Plan to General Assembly for approval; set up chapter filing system for governance, finances, communications, and reports; conduct a chapter member survey; identify and develop at least one formal partnership with a campus body, NGO, or health organisation; submit first Activity Report to SSDP International (template in Toolkit 4: MEL); plan chapter flagship campaign for International Drug Policy Week (October); recruit a second cohort of members; hold a chapter reflection session. Milestone: annual work plan approved, first SSDP activity report submitted, partnership formalised.