STRATEGIC PLAN

2016 -2018
VISION STATEMENT
We envision a Utah where drug policies are equitable for all people and reflect scientific research, current
medical understanding, and evidenced-based practices in a way that best promotes positive outcomes for
individuals, families, and communities.

MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to reform drug policies by informing and educating Utahns through research, data,
and public policy analysis.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Drug Policy Project of Utah (DPPU) is at a pivotal point in its history. For the first time since , the
organization is in the position to establish a potent action plan and adopt an effective roadmap to grow our
impact across the State.
The following strategic plan was developed by the DPPU Board of Trustees in an effort to beer implement
our mission while staying true to the organization's overall vision. It is these important guiding statements that
assisted in navigating the Board through the process of developing a robust strategic plan for the
coming years.
The main focus for the Trustees was identifying activities and approaches rooted in DPPUs mission that,
within the span of the next two years, will place the organization at the forefront of efforts to address and
amend many of Utahs current drug policies.
DPPU strongly believes in the importance of constantly monitoring, reevaluating and renewing legislation and
programs related to drug policies as relevant research and data are released. Policy needs to reflect current
information regarding prevailing best practices and any data demonstrating the efficacy (or inadequacy) of certain
drugs or drug related programs. To do this, present knowledge needs to be shared and subsequently incorporated
into any approach or action plan surrounding such policies. In turn, DPPU is dedicated to providing such education
to our lawmakers and community stakeholders to ensure positive changes can occur that benefit all Utahns.
Drug policy Project of Utah | DPPUtah.org

The following pages outline the three main strategic areas of focus as well as the goals and objectives that
will efficiently guide DPPU toward becoming Utahs leader in drug policy reform. The Board of Trustees will,
on an ongoing basis, revisit these goals and objectives as our internal and external environments shi and
change, but overall this will serve as our guiding document over the next two years.

ADVOCACY STRATEGY
CURRENTSITUATION
Drug Policy Project of Utah is currently the sole organization exclusively focused on advocating on behalf of
all drug policy related issues in Utah. The organization is also the exclusive source for public policy analysis
specifically focused on drug-related topics and practices. Having one reliable source for this type of in-depth
information was identified as the strongest benefit and greatest contribution to our members.
GUIDINGPRINCIPLES
DPPUs advocacy work aims to effect decisions within our political and economic structures, all state-based
social and public health systems, as well as important institutions that are impacted by drug policy reform.
Over the forthcoming years, DPPU will be making the advocacy work of our organization an even more
significant and vital focus of our efforts here in Utah.
To accomplish this we will be undertaking activities that directly support and further our mission. We will
influence and educate critical stakeholders, policy makers, and institutions that will beer help us achieve
positive, long-lasting changes regarding drug policy in Utah.
GOALSFORTHELENGTHOFTHISSTRATEGICPLAN
 ESTABLISHAMEDICALCANNABISPROGRAMFORUTAH
OBJECTIVES:
Meet with important stakeholders, decision makers and legislators to assist in the crafting of a medical
cannabis bill to be introduced during the 2017 Utah Legislative Session
Develop a coalition of community-based organizations that support this medical cannabis legislation
Actively promote and back a medical cannabis bill during the  Legislative Session
Conduct a statewide petition effort to encourage Utahs Congressional delegation to support the
CARERS Act and HR (Protection for CBD Patients)
Meet with each member of Utahs congressional delegation to further discuss necessary federal action
surrounding cannabis at the federal level
Pass a resolution out of the Utah State Legislature encouraging the rescheduling of cannabis to allow
for increased research to occur
Establish jurisdictions within the state where cannabis is the lowest law enforcement priority
Introduce for debate in  a cannabis decriminalization bill
DEVELOPSTRATEGIESTOBEGINTOADDRESSTHECURRENTOVERDOSEEPIDEMICINUTAH
OBJECTIVES:
Allow for the distribution of opioid antagonists throughout the state in an over-the-counter manner
Encourage the creation of clean needle exchanges in each county in the state
Drug policy Project of Utah | DPPUtah.org

 Introduce legislation to create a competitive grant program for clean needle exchanges statewide
Get all Utah high schools to stock Narcan (an opiate antidote) for use by administrators in case of
an overdose
Introduce a pharmaceutical drug product stewardship program in Utah to allow for safe and secure
surrender of unused prescription medications
ESTABLISHA
OBJECTIVES:
Establish fundraising and membership plans for 
File paperwork to establish 
Establish a () Board of Trustees
Once officially established, begin advocacy work under the 
Begin endorsing candidates for elected office

AWARENESS STRATEGY
CURRENTSITUATION
Drug Policy Project of Utah has had a short but impactful history. Striving to be Utahs leading drug policy
reform organization over the next two years, DPPU plans to expand its reach beyond our current
membership base and present engagement on social media platforms. DPPU and its Board of Trustees
believe that there is an ongoing lack of understanding within Utahs populace regarding the impacts drug
policies are having on their own lives, and that education gap was identified as one of the greatest needs
within our community.
GUIDINGPRINCIPLE
Education and awareness regarding drug policy is critical within our community as they affect and impact all
lives and communities. Ensuring we are having an accurate and robust conversation around this topic is
critical to moving toward a just and equitable society, values all Utahns share.
To accomplish this we will increase our brand, marketing, and PR efforts by building key collaborative
relationships and developing a potent and powerful drug policy based information hub.
GOALSFORTHELENGTHOFTHISSTRATEGICPLAN
 INFORMUTAHNSABOUTTHEPERSONALANDFAR-REACHINGIMPACTSOFDRUGPOLICY
OBJECTIVES:
Publish an annual report outlining and highlighting the goals, achievements, and progress made by
DPPU over the course of that year
Establish a quarterly public event to discuss each of our different drug policy priorities and their
ongoing status
Launch a statewide awareness campaign utilizing data collected and developed over the next two years

Drug policy Project of Utah | DPPUtah.org

BECOMETHEINFORMATIONHUBFORALLDRUGPOLICYRELATEDTOPICSINUTAH
OBJECTIVES:
Develop an editorial content calendar for implement on DPPUs social media
Create a research and analysis center on the website where research and public policy analyses are
published and available to the public via DPPUs website
Conduct candidate and office-holder surveys regarding their policy reform priority areas, aggregate
data and publish responses
Generate an annual State of Drug Policies report, which outlines the impact, significance and changes
of and to Utahs drug policies during the previous year
 BUILDCOLLABORATIVERELATIONSHIPSWITHCOMMUNITYPARTNERS/STAKEHOLDERS
OBJECTIVES:
Successfully publish editorials in the Standard Examiner, Salt Lake Tribune, and Deseret News in
support of rescheduling cannabis
Establish a comprehensive coalition of relevant stakeholders to support medical cannabis legislation
Collaborates with other civically-minded organizations in an effort to engage in intersectional and
multidisciplinary work to more effectively change outdated drug policies

FUNDRAISING STRATEGY
CURRENTSITUATION
Drug Policy Project of Utah is in a period of growth and development. In order to truly take advantage of the
opportunities this growth has created, increased financial resources are needed to allow for our continued
success and expansion of our efforts. Our current monthly membership base provides enough resources, at
this point, to cover very basic organizational maintenance costs but additional funding is required for DPPU
to have the reach and influence we believe is needed to effect and impact state-level policy.
GUIDINGPRINCIPLE
Developing an effective and long-lasting fundraising strategy is critical to any non-profit. DPPU is at a point in its
evolution where sustained funding sources are critical for our continued progress on these important topics.
To accomplish this we will increase our fundraising and membership efforts by reaching out to donors
interested and passionate about our priority areas as well as increase our exposure level across the state in
an effort to gain additional monthly memberships. As Utahs leader in drug policy reform efforts, establishing
a diverse fundraising portfolio will allow us to sustain our efforts in the long term.
GOALSFORTHELENGTHOFTHISSTRATEGICPLAN
 ESTABLISHACOMPREHENSIVEFUNDRAISINGSTRATEGY
OBJECTIVES:
Establish a geographically diverse membership program across the state
Institute an in-house grant-writing program
Develop relationships with major donors and other fundraising prospects
Develop a diverse income portfolio from various streams
Drug policy Project of Utah | DPPUtah.org

 Participate in all State and National level fundraising days, including Love Utah, Give Utah and
Giving Tuesday
Conduct a quarterly fundraising event to aract new members
Plan and create an annual signature event
 IDENTIFYSPECIFICDONORSTOFUNDOURMEDICALCANNABISCAMPAIGNFORTHE
LEGISLATIVESESSION
OBJECTIVES:
Create a comprehensive operating strategic plan focused solely on our medical cannabis program and
how we will achieve results
Develop a detailed budget for carrying out our medical cannabis campaign
Meet with potential funders who are passionate about seeing a medical cannabis program created and
implemented in Utah, using our specific strategic plan and budget as resources
 HIREANADMINISTRATIVECOORDINATOR
OBJECTIVES:
Raise the necessary funds to hire and sustain a DPPU Administrative Coordinator
Once funds are secured, conduct an extensive hiring and interview process to find the most
qualified candidate

Drug policy Project of Utah | DPPUtah.org