 | NORML News: 10 Things You Can Do To Help LEGALISE CANNABIS |
 NORML News Summer 2003-4
1. Come out of the closet!
Declare your mind, body and home prohibition-free zones. Like other persecuted groups before us, such as gays and Christians, cannabis consumers must stand tall and take back our human rights. Demand your freedom and celebrate being part of Aotearoa's cannabis culture! Kia Kaha!
2. Set an example! Be a 'Functioning Pothead' and resist the negative stereotypes some people have about pot smokers. Be a wise parent, loving partner, responsible worker and supportive friend.
3. Resist prohibition in whatever way you can. Learn your rights and stand up for them. Don't consent to being searched. Be a roaring lion and plead "not guilty" if busted. Grow pot and share it around. Plant seeds in public places. Smoke out in the sunshine rather than down shifty alleyways. Wear a pro-pot T shirt or badge with pride.
4. Talk to people about cannabis law reform. Help us spread the word, especially those "straights" who most need to hear the truth. Inform yourself of the facts and set about educating those around you. Share this copy of Norml News with someone who has never read one.
5. Write or visit your MP Law reformers need to visit their MPs and encourage them to change the cannabis laws, but often ask what is the best way to do it? We have some useful advice on how to lobby MPs direct from the horse's mouth - State Services Minister Trevor Mallard. At a public seminar he spelled out these "informal courtesies" to help us get along:
Don't waste MPs valuable time. Leave irrelevant chit chat at the door and get to the point.
Don't blab juicy bits of your conversation to the media. It does not get an MP on side.
Don't lecture them about political consequences. Threats aren't appreciated.
Go to the right minister (i.e.. Justice) but don't expect a long or private meeting. They can be very busy.
NORML encourages you to visit your local MPs regardless of portfolio, and would add:
Do go along with two or three good points you want to present to your MP. It can help to write these down on a piece of paper you can present to them.
Do try to find common ground and work from there (even if you don't like their politics)
And do do it!
6. Write to newspapers & call talkback radio about cannabis law reform.
www.mapinc.org/nz.htm is a searchable database of local drug news articles. They always include the newspaper's email address so you can write letters in reply. NORML's website also has an extensive media contact directory.
7. Get involved with your school Board of Trustees 2004 is election year for local school boards. The elections are important as they set the boards up for another 3 years, and trustees have a lot of decision-making powers for suspensions and school policies for issues such as drug testing and searches. As well voting to elect sympathetic candidates, it is also important to find and support existing trustees who don't buy into prohibition. Enquire at your local school about nominations. Election dates will be set by February and held by April 2004. The Boards of Trustees election website at www.trustee-election.co.nz
8. Distribute NORML's stuff! See page 26 for our merchandise or ask us for leaflets, postcards and stickers to spread around your town, sports or social club, shopping centre, doctor's surgery, citizen's advice, or library (etc).
9. Donate money to law reform efforts
We are struggling. A regular donation on A/P is bloody brilliant - even just a few dollars per week. Think about it this way - for every ounce you buy, how about sending Norml a $10 donation? If you grow, how about donating a percentage to medical marijuana patients? Or how about just sending us a bud or two to say thank-you?
10. Join NORML! and be part of the freedom movement. Contact us to join or to find out more.
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