Latest

Multiple sclerosis patient and popular former talk show host Montel Williams will speak at a press conference in Annapolis in support of legislation that would make Maryland the nation’s 16^th state allowing physician-approved use of medical marijuana.

Williams grew up in Baltimore where his father was the city’s first African-American fire chief. Williams is a graduate of the Naval Academy in Annapolis and retired from the U.S. Navy as a decorated naval intelligence officer after more than two decades of service before embarking on his second career as a national television talk show host. In 1999, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and has sought treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Following his diagnosis, he created the Montel Williams MS Foundation, which is committed to raising awareness of the disease and providing inspiration to those who live with MS. Williams has served as an advocate for the compassionate use of medical marijuana in a variety of states that have approved new laws.

Montel will be joined at the Maryland press conference by the chief sponsors of the state’s medical marijuana legislation: physician and Delegate Dan Morhaim, and Senators Jamie Raskin and David Brinkley, both cancer survivors.

A National Call to Action!

Activist Boot Camp, February 19-20, 2011

The National Call to Action is the nation's first medical cannabis virtual skill-building conference. Re-pledge your commitment to safe and legal access by joining thousands of your fellow activists for two days of community-building, skill-sharing, and strategic planning.

For nearly a decade ASA has been hosting trainings and workshops to build capacity among our base and mobilize our activists. When we began this work, ASA focused on the battles in California. Today our scope is national, and we get pleas from almost every state asking us to help them activate their base and build a strategy to ensure safe access.

ASA's success over the years has been a combination of strategic efforts from a knowledgeable staff, and an ability to empower and mobilize a grassroots base for medical cannabis issues. We have always known the path to victory will be a patient-led movement, and through years of outreach, education and training, ASA has laid the foundation for that path.

ASA is hosting this conference virtually to better reach the thousands and thousands of patients and activists who need our trainings - we know that in these tough economic times we'll train with more breadth and depth if we're able to bring ASA to the masses, rather than the masses to ASA.

Local hosts will receive a DVD of trainings, workshops, and speeches from key leaders and allied politicians, and will join in direct community-building interactivity opportunities with ASA. These DVDs will allow us to memorialize our trainings, making these resources available for chapters to use over and over again as new activists join the movement. The ripple effect of hosting this conference through DVD is tremendous - we know that the benefits of the valuable information organized within will well outlast the two-day event.

FAQ:

Why should I participate?

There is no easier or more effective way to learn the skills you need SPECIFICALLY to become a leading advocate for medical cannabis policy. ASA has the knowledge, resources and history for protecting patients' rights to safe medical cannabis access. At ASA we realize that patients must lead this cause from the grassroots up. These virtual conferences will give you the tools you need to make meaningful change within your own community.

What does it cost?

$75 for the weekend ($50 for current ASA members)

Can I still participate if there is not an event in my area?

Yes, DVDs and workbooks will be available to order online. Simply go to the Activist Boot Camp Registration page and click "My own home" on the drop-down menu under "Location". ASA will send you your own copy of materials the week of the February 19^th & 20^th.

Why now?

We are currently in the midst of a political climate that we are unlikely to see again for years to come. If we want to capitalize on this moment to the fullest, we must make sure our movement has the tools and training they need immediately! ASA's success over the years has largely been based in our ability to act quickly to current political situations and to mold our public response in a way that is both meaningful and effective. But this historical success is only a foundation, and we must stay vigilant to the turning tide. Fortunately, the tide is turning more in our favor than ever before - and that's why NOW is such a crucial time to be pushing our cause.

How does it work?

ASA chapters and affiliates across the country will act as regional hosts for the virtual conferences. ASA National will provide posters and handouts to help with marketing and promotion, along with DVDs and accompanying workshop materials. ASA staff will also provide one-on-one assistance, working with you directly to help pull off a successful event.

When is it?

The National Call to Action Activist Boot Camp will launch on February 19^th and 20^th and will be held simultaneously in communities across the nation.

How do I get involved?

If you are interested in hosting, assisting or even just attending a virtual Activist Boot Camp, please contact [email protected].

http://safeaccessnow.org/downloads/boot_camp_intro_letter.pdf

Sponsorship opportunities

If you are interested in sponsorship, please download these materials and contact [email protected]

http://safeaccessnow.org/downloads/ASA_Membership.pdf
http://safeaccessnow.org/downloads/ASA_Boot_Camp.pdf