Greetings,

I'm back home in Maryland and while I'm thrilled to be back, I could've used a couple of more days at the conference (and also more of the fantastic weather). In all, I can't express enough how much I've learned in such a short amount of time. If any of you reading had a chance to speak with me during the conference, I can't thank you enough for your time and energy. As I've told my colleagues and anyone within earshot, everyone there seemed so committed and passionate about the drug policy reform issue. Another amazing thing I noticed was how multicultural and multi-generational the conference attendees were. I met so many people from varying walks of life and levels of education but there was never an air of pretense. I've been to many conferences in the past and nothing compares to what I've just experienced. It was such a warmth and genuine solidarity that emanated from the people I actually spoke with (and even those I didn't but heard speak).

I'm new to the issue of drug policy reform but after this conference, I am so committed in lending even more of my time and energy not only to DPA, but to our partners as well. I must say that while I enjoyed every breakout session I attended, my favorite of them all was Elevator Arguments. The panel was featured David Guard, Associate Director of Drug Reform Coordination Network; Pete Guither, Author of DrugWarRant.com; and Doug McVay, Director of Research for Common Sense for Drug Policy. I needed this session because every time I tell people about my place of employment, I get the "hmm" look. - it never fails. The session's main focus was on how to effectively articulate your support and knowledge of the issue to laypersons. Folks in the drug policy reform tussle have definite stereotypes and stigmas that follow them - perhaps unfairly. However, if you can eliminate doubt by actually knowing what you're talking about, no matter the audience, people will pay attention and not write you off as some nut case.

My next steps are to immerse myself with as much information about drug policy reform that I can handle. The sense of inclusion and all of the positive energy I felt that marked my time at the conference is motivation enough to keep myself involved. I want to thank DPA for giving me this opportunity to experience an event that's changed my life forever.

With All The Best,

D.L. Chandler
Drug Policy Alliance