Build a New World by Shifting Norms #Reform2023

Policy and Social Change

The Drug Policy Alliance's Reform Conference is happening now October 18-21, 2023. They say, "End the Drug War. Build A New World." We agree.

To build a new world, we need policy experts and political organizers pushing for change. And alone, they are not enough. We have seen policies get rolled back. Societal change both reinforces efforts so reform policies stick and sparks new possibilities.

NO ONE WAY WORKS, it will take all of us
shoving at the thing from all sides
to bring it down
Revolutionary Letter #8 by Diane di Prima

Societal change can seem like an impossible challenge, but it happens all the time in ways big and small. And, this is where each of us comes in. We can strategically contribute to shifting norms day by day. We can shift what is seen as normal, right, and good.

Think and Do

At Ember, we wade through frustrating and overwhelming issues to identify and highlight things we can do in our everyday lives to shift norms, to build community, to forge a new social contract for a humane future.

Our analysis of the "War on Drugs" brings together 250+ resources, including by organizations involved in the Reform Conference, and various data sets: incarceration, state spending, mental health services, and drug treatment. Seeing this information combined paints a picture of how we, in the United States, have prioritized punishment over prevention. Stigma over support. Propaganda over people.

Our action guide for everyday people complements and expands beyond commonly recommended actions of signing petitions and donating. We offer a menu of options that can be woven into everyday life including reflection, alternatives to calling the police, conversations, striving for accountability over punishment, honest education of children, ways to influence groups we are in, and more.

We hope through these everyday actions, along with the critical policy work discussed at the International Drug Policy Reform Conference, we can truly build a new world and a humane future.