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Student activists turn up the reform volume

By Jonathan Perri, SSDP

Tapping into the historically strong bond between music and activism, the nation’s largest college-based reform group, Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) recently launched the AMPLIFY project: Artists Making Political Leadership Inspirational For Youth.

With over 120 campus-based chapters and growing rapidly, SSDP organizers act as street teams for bands on tour, who in turn allow SDDP members to do outreach at their shows.

Some of the hottest touring acts have joined up, starting with long-time SSDP supporters Roots of Creation. John Brown’s Body, a world-leading reggae/dub band, takes the project further, putting SSDP’s logo on nearly 20,000 posters and handbills for their Fall 2009 tour. They are joined by up-and-coming groups like Passafire and acclaimed reggae/soul superstars The Black Seeds from New Zealand.

The jam-band and electronica scenes have also taken note of the project. The noted touring bands Pnuma Trio and Lotus are providing table space at their shows. AMPLIFY has also gained the support of Boston based hip-hop phenom Mr. Lif, and the San Francisco-based Sellassie, who headlined the annual San Francisco Power to the Peaceful Festival.

Slightly Stoopid, who toured with Snoop Dogg’s “Blazed and Confused” tour, plans to use their powerful sound, huge fan base, and dedication to cannabis reform to take help take AMPLIFY to the next level.

Reaction from bands and SSDP members has been overwhelmingly positive. Tommy Benneditt, drummer for John Brown’s Body, said, “Everyone we’ve met through SSDP has been so knowledgeable and passionate about their activism, and that’s inspiring for us. It’s right in the name: ‘Sensible.’ There just seems to be no common sense in some of our current drug policies.” According to Pnuma Trio member Alex Botwin, “The decriminalization of marijuana is long overdue. A network such as AMPLIFY has the potential to be very powerful!”

At ssdp.org/amplify are bios, streaming tracks, and other info about the bands involved and how SSDP chapters can start amplifying their activism.

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