Thursday, September 26 - Saturday, September 28, 2002 The Drug Policy Alliance (formerly the Lindesmith Center-Drug Policy Foundation) is proud to announce a groundbreaking event that will address the grievous impacts of the war on drugs on people of color. Conference participants will learn about the discriminatory history of punitive drug policies, alternatives to current policy, and how to advocate for positive change.

Have a friend or family member in prison for drugs?

Are a drug treatment provider, in recovery or concerned about addiction?

Are a youth or work with young people?

Work in the criminal justice system?

Are an immigrant or work with immigrant communities?

Are a civil rights or human rights activist?

Are concerned about reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS?

Are a public housing resident, advocate or welfare recipient?

Are a community-based organizer?

Have been stripped of your voting rights because of a felony conviction?

Few U.S. policies have had as disproportionate effect on communities of color as the "war on drugs." Every policy of the drug war - from racial profiling to arrests to prosecutions to length of sentencing - is unequally carried out against minorities. This is a war not on plants and chemicals, but on the poor, the sick, the most marginalized members of communities of color throughout this country.

This conference will:

* Demonstrate the various ways the drug war impacts our communities

* Amplify the voices of people of color impacted by the war on drugs

* Promote partnerships between individuals and groups struggling to improve their communities

* Discuss alternatives to our current drug policies

* Provide examples of successful campaigns to reform drug policies and strengthen communities

Join us at this historic gathering of activists, treatment providers, community leaders, politicians and concerned citizens to talk about how we can "Break the Chains" of thinking about substance abuse, crime, punishment, treatment and alternatives to current drug policy.

It's time to figure out how we got into this mess - and more importantly - how we can get out.

The Breaking the Chains conference will be like none you have ever been to before. Don't miss it!