Fight back! Drug User Unions: How drug users are working together for their rights “Now it is time to raise our voices as citizens, establish our rights and reclaim the right to be our own spokespersons striving for self-representation and self-empowerment.” - The Vancouver Declaration, 4/30/2006, The International Activists who use Drugs, Vancouver Canada
What is a “Drug User Union” (DUU)?
People who use drugs are best able to identify what works in their community - a community that others know little about. Drug user unions band together for connection, protection, and to change systems that control and punish people who use drugs. They provide opportunities to make changes on social, legal, and health issues that impact drug users. Similar to labor unions, drug user unions work together to solve a problem that members of the group are facing.They can connect you to resources, provide a space to talk about your use, and opportunities for strengthening the rights of people who use drugs like you. Drug user unions recognize the expertise of people who use drugs and put the power in their hands.
What does this mean for me?
For people who use drugs, it might mean challenging drug laws, education about safe use, and fighting social stigma. There’s power in numbers when people who use drugs come together for their rights. Some drug users find they like to be leaders, feel like they found a new direction in life, joined a community that supports & understands them, and a way to help improve the rights of all drug users.
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Being involved with drug user unions can help you build a range of skills and gain confidence to benefit other aspects of your life. Drug user unions can help members receive education, training, or employment.
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User organizing through DUU’s can provide governments, programs (like NEXT), and the community with a ‘drug user perspective’ on issues like drug use, sex work, police surveillance & more.
What it can look like:
They can be connected to a larger organization like VOCAL-NY, national teams with chapters like USUU, or independent local groups. • Some groups may work more on national or local law change while others focus more on mutual aid and direct service. Connecting with them (online or in person) may provide opportunities for honest conversations about drug use with understanding and knowledgeable folks.
A new type of drug user union
Drug User Liberation Front (DULF) uses an unsanctioned community-based type approach called a compassion club to buy and test drugs purchased off of the dark net for distribution and to ensure a safe supply. They distribute cocaine, heroin, and meth in these packages after drug testing and repackaging for reduced cost. - Canada Learn more about DULF & compassion clubs here: https://www.dulf.ca/resources
Drug User Unions in the United States
All drug user unions function differently and it depends on the individual and collective needs of the members of the group.
Drug user led
• National (U.S.) Urban Survivor’s Union (NUSU) - A national drug user union made up of both former and
active drug users with self-led chapters throughout the country whose purpose is to grow community organizing groups. Fight for the rights of drug users at a national level, provides organizing support to chapters, and uplifts the importance of user run/community led services. Anyone interested is welcome to their biweekly calls. Visit: ncurbansurvivorunion.org/national-usu/ • North Carolina Urban Survivor Union (NCUSU) - leading and founding group of the National Urban Survivor’s Union based out of North Carolina.
As part of another organization
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Voices Of Community Activists & Leaders (VOCAL-NY) - An established non-profit with an active drug user union. Their drug policy goals are led by their Drug User Union and includes ensuring universal access to harm reduction services and drug treatment, ending overdose deaths, and reducing and eliminating criminal justice involvement for people who use drugs. Learn more: www.vocal-ny.org/ or @VOCALNewYork on Twitter
Region-specific
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New England User’s Union (NEUU) - New England (Includes Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode www.nextdistro.org | SMS/Signal 646-389-0752 Reddit /u/nextdistro Email info@nextdistro.org