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Students' Rights and Privacy - Grassroots Guide
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Legislative Guide | Talking Points | Grassroots Guide | Position Paper
Objective
This is a grassroots guide to educating your chapter, community, and legislators about the harms caused by abstinence-only drug education and the need for alternative drug education programs. There are two grassroots guides, one for high school chapters and one for college chapters. Both guides range from simple to more difficult, with the actions building off one another. Please consider this as a reference and plausible strategy for your chapter, not a fast-and-true guide.
Contact the national staff if you have any questions relating to the strategy or resources found in the grassroots guides.
Action Plan for College Chapters
- Devote One Chapter Meeting to Educate Chapter Members about Prohibition’s Impact on Student Rights and Privacy.
More and more high schools are implementing drug testing. We cannot sit back and say, “Thank goodness I’m not in high school anymore!” We have to be vigilant community members. Knowledge is power.
Note: A growing number of high schools are considering drug testing students. Many high school boards of education are under-educated about the harms caused by drug testing. If you can educate them about the harms of student drug testing, there is a good chance that they will not implement drug testing. Contact SSDP’s Legislative Director if a school near you is considering drug testing.
Steps to a successful meeting:
Conduct Research. Research what is going on in your community, and add it to the Power Point presentation.
For example, are any schools in your community thinking about drug testing students? How do high school students and parents feel about drug testing in schools?
Logistics. Set a meeting and advertise. Make sure you have the proper equipment to show PowerPoint. Download the Student Rights and Privacy PowerPoint presentation explaining federal legislation, what SSDP has done in the past, and plausible strategies for effecting legislative change.
Brainstorm. Allow enough time for chapter members to talk about the issue and to decide what direction your chapter wants to go. Consider forming a committee to spearhead efforts.
Further Information. Pass out copies of SSDP’s materials on this issue, including the Legislative Guide, Talking Points, Grassroots Guide, and Position Paper.
- Understand the Media and Write a Letter to the Editor (LTE) about Student Rights and Privacy.
One way to raise awareness is to write a LTE. The Media Awareness Project
(MAP Inc) is a clearing house for lte’s about the Drug War. It is user-friendly and
offers savvy lte writing tips.
Link to MAP Inc http://www.mapinc.org
Tips to Getting Published:
Make it Local. Relate it to an article recently published in the source.
Find an Angle. Does your school have a zero-tolerance policy or drug test? Did you find some startling news through your research? Did the newspaper mention President Bush’s plea for $23 million dollars to drug test students? “Hook” your readers.
Make it Timely. News is now. Respond to a published article within a day or two.
Follow Directions. Different newspapers have different deadlines and word requirements.
Simple is Best. Focus on one argument. Third grade reading level is the standard.
Use your Resources. Check MAP Inc. and the resources page on this site for sample LTE’s. Contact SSDP’s Media Director if you have any questions.
Spread the Word. When your LTE is published, be sure to post it to SSDPTalk and News Hawk it through MAP Inc.
Make media a cornerstone of your chapter’s actions. Think about it every time your chapter does anything. The Media Survival Guide, located in SSDP Chapter Start-up kits, breaks down different types of media tools. Contact SSDP’s Media Director for press lists and talking points.
Additional Resources:
Tips to Writing a LTE
More Tips
A Sample LTE
- Invite an Expert to Your Campus
If your chapter plans on passing a student government resolution or lobbying the university administration on this issue, build support and awareness on campus by inviting a speaker to your campus.
Steps to a successful event:
Find a Good Speaker. Good speakers convey enthusiasm, build a sense of community, and impart important information. As a general rule, don’t pay for an honorarium unless your student government funds it. Enough drug policy experts are stoked for the opportunity. Check out the resources page for a list of speakers, or ask for recommendations on SSDPTalk. The National Office can connect you to good speakers and help you book them.
Book the event. Two or three people should organize the event. The core organizer should nail down a date that works for chapter members, the speaker, and the university. Check your school’s calendar to make sure your event won’t have to compete with the same audience. Allow at least one month to plan for the event.
Pack the House. Find a few TA’s to offer extra credit for students attending the event. Blast chapter lists, personal lists, and SSDPTalk. Advertise in the school newspaper, flier, and chalk the sidewalks/classroom boards. Make announcements in related classes. Invite the SGA, professors and key administrators.
Press. Designate one person as the media spokesperson, fax out a media advisory, and follow-up. See the media guide for details and contact SSDP’s Media Director for press lists and talking points.
Advance Work. Call and confirm your invited speaker’s arrival time, equipment needs, and lodging. Arrive early at the airport to pick them up. Have a back-up plan: what will you do if the speaker is late? What if the room has no chairs?
Bang for your Buck. Collect name, email address and phone from attendees. Unless they opt-out, add them to your chapter list. Promote your organization before the event, table, and stick around for questions.
Follow-up. Be sure to send the speaker a thank-you note, and add attendees to your chapter list.
- Lobby Your State Senator or Representative to Introduce a Bill to Prohibit Suspicion-less Drug Testing.
State legislators often use other state laws as model legislation. Encourage your State Senator and/or Representative to introduce a bill similar to California SB 1386, a bill that prohibits suspicion-less drug testing and includes provisions designed to protect a student’s right to privacy.
Protocol:
Set the Meeting. Use your state government website to find your Representative and Senators. Identify yourself as a constituent and ask to schedule an appointment with the member or her legislative assistant.
Prepare. Contact SSDP Legislative Director to discuss the meeting agenda, talking points and materials to take.
Show Respect.
Memorize these rules:
- Always address and refer to members as "Senator___" or "Congressman/Congresswoman _____"
- Explain the issue in detail but do not imply they are ignorant about it. Preface facts with phrases like "As you know,"
- Begin with a brief word of thanks for something they have done, like "Congresswoman ___, before we start I just wanted to thank you for your great work on saving the spotted owl."
Be Political. Connect your issue with issues constituents already care about and illustrate how your issue directly impacts a large portion of the member's constituency.
Be Honest. If you don't know the answer, just tell them. This is good for two reasons; (1) It makes you look credible; (2) It is a great reason to follow-up.
Just Say It. Say what you want to say. Don't leave the meeting without asking the member to do something. You will know what to ask for after talking with the Legislative Director.
Follow-up. Get the staffer or member's business card. Agree to keep in touch on the issue. Send a brief thank-you note or email mentioning the date and subject of your meeting. Let the Legislative Director know the results.
- Work with Your State's Parent Teacher Association (PTA) to Oppose Random Student Drug Testing.
The California PTA recently joined the Drug Policy Alliance (www.drugpolicy.org) and
lawmakers in opposing random student drug testing.
According to the Drug Policy Alliance, the PTA's leadership says the organization is interested in protecting children, which is the very reason it opposes student-drug testing. In the group's view, money used to conduct random drug tests would be better spent going after root causes of substance abuse with education and treatment.'
Action Plan for High School SSDP Chapters
As a High School student, you have a powerful opportunity to raise awareness about the ineffectiveness of D.A.R.E. and other abstinence-only drug education programs. The following actions are for High School SSDP chapters trying to replace D.A.R.E.-like programs with science-based, factual drug education and counseling programs.
- Devote One Chapter Meeting to Educate Chapter Members about Prohibition's Impact on Student Rights and Privacy.
As a high school student, you might feel as though you are facing the brunt of the Drug
War. President Bush is asking for a $23 million drug-testing initiative, and school
boards are under-educated about the harms caused by drug testing.
On a positive note, SSDP is receiving more chapter start-up requests from high school
students than ever before.
Note: Contact SSDP National if your school is considering implementing drug testing. SSDP staff wants to help you develop a campaign to prevent drug testing!
Steps to a successful meeting:
Conduct Research. Find out what is going on in your community, and add it to the Power Point presentation for your meeting
Does your high school drug test students? If so, what are the circumstances? If not, find out if your school is thinking about implementing drug testing.
Conduct Research. A few questions to answer:
- Is there a center or room in your school with information about drugs and their effects?
- If so, is the information accurate and up-to-date?
- Does your school offer a full-time drug education counselor?
- Is there D.A.R.E. in your high school or middle school?
Logistics. Set a meeting and advertise. Make sure you have the proper equipment to show PowerPoint. Download the Student Rights and Privacy PowerPoint presentation explaining federal legislation, what SSDP has done in the past, and plausible strategies for effecting legislative change.
Brainstorm. Allow enough time for chapter members to talk about the issue and to decide what direction your chapter wants to go. Consider forming a committee to spearhead efforts on this issue.
Further Information. Pass out copies of the SSDP materials on this issue, including the Legislative Guide, Talking Points, Grassroots Guide, and Position Paper.
- Understand the Media and Write a Letter to the Editor (lte) about Student Rights and Privacy.
One of the easiest ways to get press is to write a Letter To the Editor (LTE). The Media
Awareness Project is a clearing house for LTEs about the Drug War. It is user-friendly,
Offers tips on how to write a LTE.
Link to MAP Inc: http://www.mapinc.org
Tips to Getting Published
Make it Local. Relate it to an article recently published in the source
Find an Angle. Hook your readers. As a student, you are an authority on this issue. Does your high school drug test? Did you learn something through your research?
Make it Timely. News is now. Respond to a published article within a day or two.
Follow Directions. Different newspapers have different deadlines and word requirements, so make sure you know them.
Simple is Best. Focus on one argument. Third grade reading level is standard.
Use your Resources. Check MAP Inc and the resources page on this site for samples. Contact SSDP's Media Director if you have any questions.
Spread the Word. When your LTE is published, be sure to post it to SSDPTalk and NewsHawk it through MapInc.
Make media a cornerstone of your chapter's actions. Think about it every time your
chapter does anything. The Media Survival Guide, located below and in SSDP Chapter
Start-up kits, breaks down different types of media tools. Contact SSDP's Media
Director for press lists and talking points.
- Persuade your Student Government to Pass a Resolution Condemning Drug Testing.
More than 110 student governments at the university level have passed resolutions calling for the repeal of the Higher Education Act Drug Provision. Those resolutions are a timeless way to express student support for repeal to community members, media and legislators. SSDP plans to replicate this strategy for student rights and privacy issues.
Contact SSDP's Outreach Coordinator for a sample resolution condemning student drug testing.
How to Lobby your Student Government and Faculty Government:
Find a Champion. Do your research and find a student government representative or faculty member to help you pass the resolution. Contact the person, e-mail her the Legislative Paper, and then request a meeting.
Know the Process. Ask your champion what you need to do to get the resolution passed. It will probably involve presenting your argument at a meeting and educating other representatives.
Garner Media. Set a goal date and a goal for the number or percentage of participants. Allow students to answer anonymously.
Use your Resources. Keep the national office updated on your progress. The Outreach Coordinator, Media Director, and Legislative Director are here to help you with logistics, talking points, and legislative questions.
- Lobby Your State Senator or Representative to Introduce a Bill to Prohibit Suspicion-less Drug Testing.
As a high school student, you are an authority on this issue. Legislators will want to hear from you and your parents.
State legislators often use other state laws as model legislation. Encourage your State senator and/or representative to introduce a bill similar to California SB 1386, a bill that prohibits suspicion-less drug testing and includes provisions designed to protect a student's right to privacy.
Set the Meeting. Use your state government website to find your representative and senators. Identify yourself as a constituent and ask to schedule an appointment with the member or her legislative assistant.
Prepare. Contact SSDP Legislative Director to discuss the meeting agenda, talking points and materials to take.
Stay on Message. Stick to the topic. Don't get into drug legalization or other issues.
Be Early. Members and staffers have tight schedules. They can run late or even cancel last minute, but you can't.
Show Respect.
Memorize these rules:
- Always address and refer to members as "Senator___" or "Congressman/Congresswoman _____"
- Explain the issue in detail but do not imply they are ignorant about it. Preface facts with phrases like "As you know,"
- Begin with a brief word of thanks for something they have done, like "Congresswoman ___, before we start I just wanted to thank you for your great work on saving the spotted owl."
- Never bash a member or his/her political party
Be Political. Connect your issue with issues constituents already care about and illustrate how your issue directly impacts a large portion of the member's constituency.
Be Honest. If you don't know the answer, just tell them. This is good for two reasons. 1: It makes you look credible. 2: It is a great reason to follow-up.
Just Say It. Say what you want to say. Don't leave the meeting without asking the member to do something. You will know what to ask for after talking with the Legislative Director.
Follow-up. Get the staffer or member's business card. Agree to keep in touch on the issue. Send a brief thank-you note or email mentioning the date and subject of your meeting. Let the Legislative Director know the results.
- Work with Your State's Parent Teacher Association (PTA) to Oppose Random Student Drug Testing.
The California PTA recently joined the Drug Policy Alliance (www.drugpolicy.org) and lawmakers in opposing random student drug testing.
According to the Drug Policy Alliance, the PTA's leadership says the organization is interested in protecting children, which is the very reason it opposes student-drug testing. In the group's view, money used to conduct random drug tests would be better spent going after root causes of substance abuse with education and treatment.
If you are interested in working with your state's PTA, the SSDP National Office can
connect you to people in your state.
Contact information for SSDP Staff
SSDP Address
1623 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 300
Washington, D.C. 20009
P: 202.293-4414
F: 202.293-8344
Resources for Chapters
Other Organizations working on Students' Rights and Privacy Issues
The Drug Policy Alliance, www.drugpolicy.org
Drug Policy Alliance is the leading organization working to broaden the public debate on drug policy and to promote realistic alternatives to the war on drugs based on science, compassion, health and human rights.
Coalition for HEA Reform, www.raiseyourvoice.com
The Coalition for Higher Education Act Reform (CHEAR),-- a wide array of education, civil rights, religious, drug policy reform and other organizations – works to reform the HEA Drug Provision.
The American Civil Liberties Union, www.aclu.org
The ACLU is our nation's guardian of liberty. We work daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States. Our job is to conserve America's original civic values - the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Literature
Drug War Chronicle, www.stopthedrugwar.org
The Drug War Chronicle is a free, weekly e-zine, and occasional, timely alerts on legislation and activism in your state (one e-mail in the typical week, no more than two or three even in a busy week).The Drug War Chronicle's mission is to raise the awareness about the consequences of prohibition. The Drug War Chronicle extensively covers the HEA Drug Provision.
From Chocolate to Morphine: Everything You Need to Know About Mind-Altering Drugs
by Andrew Weil, M.D. (best-selling natural health author) and Winifred Rosen, 1998.
'Making Sense of Drug Testing: Why Educators are Saying No,'
by The Drug Policy Alliance and the American Civil Liberties Union
'What you Need to Know about Drug Testing in Schools,'
by the Office of National Drug Control Policy Available online at http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/drug_testing/
'Relationship Between Student Illicit Drug Use and School Drug Testing Policies,'
Ryoko Yamaguchi, Lloyd D. Johnston, Patrick M. O'Malley,
Journal of School Health, Vol. 73 No. 4 (2003): 159-64. Available online at http://www.monitoringthefuture.org/pubs/text/ryldjpom03.pdf.
Websites
http://www.drugtestingfails.org
Mission is to provide resources for parents, caregivers, educators, coaches and other concerned adults to oppose their school's proposed drug testing programs.
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