SUPPORT. DON’T PUNISH. 2017

In case you don’t know, June 26th is the United Nations’ International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a day in which many governments celebrate their “achievements” in their war on drug users with public beatings and sometimes public executions of drug offenders. Support. Don’t Punish. is a campaign for us to subvert the narrative of the war on drugs, and take the power back from people who do immense harm to people who use drugs.

So here is what you can do to help raise awareness of this important campaign. On June 26th we would like you to:

  1. Add a SUPPORT. DON’T PUNISH. Facebook and Twitter banner to your homepage, and profile pic.
  2. Print out SUPPORT. DON’T PUNISH. materials and take a photo of yourself with it, and post to social media using the hashtag #SupportDontPunish
  3. Hold or attend a SUPPORT. DON’T PUNISH. event in your area with street signs and other drug policy warriors

This year, there are over 180 cities participating globally. Canadian cities with scheduled events are: Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.

Here is a map of the 2017  Support. Don’t Punish. events around the world.

June 26th is coincidentally the United Nations’ International Day in Support of Victims of Torture – an ironic coincidence given the widespread torture and abuse suffered in the name of the war on drugs. The aim for the Global Day of Action is to produce high-profile and visually symbolic local actions. Be sure to help spread the word and raise awareness this week.

We want this to be the most successful SUPPORT. DON’T PUNISH. campaign yet. Canada is already leading the way in drug policy on the government level by legalizing cannabis; with the overdose crisis occurring, we know there is much more to be done. Let’s show the world how diverse and vibrant our activist community can be.

Please follow this link for more details, logos and resources.