National Chapters Vision Meeting

The National Chapters Team held a pivotal 2-day virtual meeting from 10th – 11th December 2024 to evaluate the current operational model for National Chapters and identify opportunities for improvement and growth. The meeting was dubbed a ‘Vision Meeting’ to reflect the core agenda: Crafting a forward-looking plan for the ISSUP National Chapters. 

The Team envisioned an ideal scenario where National Chapters have unlimited resources and robust support to implement impactful projects at both local and regional levels vis a vis a resource constrained setting. This exercise provided a benchmark for understanding the potential of the National Chapters and the prioritisation of existing resources.

One key insight from the meeting was the affirmation that the existing system is effective. National Chapters continue to play a central role in ISSUP’s growing global success. The capacity and strength of these Chapters vary by country, largely influenced by the availability of resources and the strength of local partnerships. As such, ISSUP is leaning more towards the continuity of the consortium model of operation. This operational model enables two or more organisations to jointly host the ISSUP National Chapter and mimic the global model of ISSUP acting as a ‘connector’ of stakeholders in drug demand reduction.

Another core area of development is strengthening the National Chapters as effective training providers that deliver quality content tailored to meet the specific local workforce development needs. This will include a strategic identification of potential National Chapters and a reassessment of existing National Chapters against clearly defined standards.

Looking ahead, ISSUP aims to continually promote joint initiatives amongst National Chapters, foster stronger collaboration with partner agencies and enhance youth involvement across all levels. The vision meeting marked a significant step in refining the operational framework of National Chapters. It was a unique opportunity to revisit the past, celebrate our progress and strategically plan for the future.