To the Founding Members of Harm Reduction Works-HRW:

Thank you for sharing the vision of Harm Red Works-HRW. We have wondered together what might happen if we built community based on the values of respect, compassion and kindness. Your choice to be a part of this story is inspiring. That we are able to even consider Harm Reduction Works -HRW as a means to grow our movement is because of you. That you believe in Harm Reduction Works-HRW means you hold the vision of what we might all be able to do together. The possibility to grow and build power is rooted in your choice to show up. What you’ve done creates possibility. What you’ve done creates room for us to dream together. But most of all we have practiced harm reduction together.

It is because of you, new people coming to our meeting say again and again, “Finally, I can tell the truth.” 

It’s amazing. It is vision. All of us are eternally grateful. xoxo

 Foundations-Start Here

Welcome To Harm Reduction Works-HRW

We’re glad you came to explore the world of Harm Reduction Works-HRW.

HRH413 developed Harm Reduction Works-HRW in response to the need for a harm reduction based alternative to abstinence only self-help/mutual aid groups. This is NOT in opposition to abstinence only groups. Harm Reduction Works-HRW is really for anyone who wants to know more about harm reduction and how it might help, for any reason regardless of their using or drinking history. This includes people with long term abstinence based recovery who actively participate in other groups such as 12 step. We say this explicitly because the typical narrative mistakenly places harm reduction in opposition to abstinence.

Harm reduction includes abstinence.

Harm reduction does not oppose abstinence.

Harm Reduction Works-HRW is a low threshold group to begin. Because it is fully scripted and exercise driven (choosing exercises is left to each group individually) it is conceivable someone with little knowledge of harm reduction can start a group and begin to explore what harm reduction is and how it might help them and those they love, in community.

HRH413 is excited for Harm Reduction Works-HRW to expand. That said, this is all new to us too and we know there will be questions and we are here to help you as much as possible. The point is the collaboration. That is where the fun is. That is where there is life. Discovering things together and sharing what is learned is one way to build and empower community.

Make sure to check back here for updates and suggestions for exercises.

Why Start A Harm Reduction Works-HRW Meeting

When HRH413 started Harm Reduction Works-HRW meetings it was because we felt there was no space for someone for whom typical types of abstinence only groups worked, for any number of reasons. A harm reduction based alternative was not available until now. At the first meeting back in March 2019 in Northampton, MA it was made clear to Jess and Albie the amount of pain is in our community, as a direct result of overdose death, was astonishing. What’s more, there was no place to take that pain. The need was so great. Initially, we thought Harm Reduction Works-HRW’s purpose was to fill the need for an alternative type of space to discuss many of the same topics that happen in abstinence only groups. We were looking through a lens of service.

It took us a few weeks to understand we were creating a harm reduction community.

As Jess and Albie talked to each other about what they observed and felt, they started asking a question: What would happen if we founded community based in respect, kindness and compassion? Visioning this idea, imagining it via a harm reduction lens, led to increasing excitement as we realized Harm Reduction Works-HRW made space for people to learn together in community. While filling a tremendous need for a different kind of group was the beginning of this project, what we realized is Harm Reduction Works also held the potential to build power in a different and vitally needed way.

Harm Reduction Works-HRW is about growing the movement.

Harm Reduction Works-HRW is a low threshold tool to build the movement.

We do this by being kind to each other, we do this

To be kind for those who cannot be kind

is called compassion. It is amazing to do with others.

It is skill it is

art

to not hurt as much

is hard to teach

hard to be

hard to learn

How To Start A Harm Reduction Works-HRW Meeting

Harm Reduction Works-HRW is meant to be easily replicated. Simply follow the script. The first part of the script is for “Open Meetings”. Open meetings are for anyone who is interested in learning about harm reduction and how it might help them. There is also a section of the script for “Focused Meetings”. Focused meetings are for people who are currently using or drinking, have a history of using or drinking or who are considering using or drinking. If your group is meant to be focused simply skip the section for open meetings and begin with the Focused Meeting welcome. The rest of the script is the same for both open and focused groups.

A note on collaboration:

Because Harm Reduction Works-HRW is new, attendance may be sparse in the beginning until word of mouth begins to bring in new members. It can be disappointing to try to bring something new to your community and not have anyone show. Only one or two people may attend some weeks. It is conceivable no one shows sometimes. It’s also possible you may be wildly successful from the start (and if this is the case, HRH413 will definitely want to talk to you!). While individuals might decide to start a group solo, we believe it may be more effective and build more resilience to collaborate deeply with others to bring the meeting to fruition. By this we mean when possible, collaborate with 1-5 people to start, who you respect, love, and want to see more often (but probably don’t because folks are busy). Harm Reduction Works-HRW believes the best way to build is by fostering stronger connections between founding group members. It also means if attendance is low, there remains enough energy during the meeting for people to get their needs met.

But really, MOSTLY it is way fun to make things with people you respect and love. It feels wonderful to build power with other people rooted in esteem, kindness and compassion. Love. It’s incredible. When harm reduction is done well, REALLY well with others there is a vibration in the air that can often go unnoticed because the work is exhausting, often painful and soul altering. This vibration is unifying. It is the type of energy that creates and deepens bonds.

Hosting A Harm Reduction Works-HRW Meeting

The Host:

Technically, the host is the only position in a Harm Reduction Works-HRW meeting. The host reads the script and helps the meeting to move along. Implicitly, the host is the leader of the meeting however the major role of the host is to uphold a foundational principle in harm reduction: to be welcoming. The host’s primary role is not to lead but to participate in the group as a member. The host might also take responsibility for choosing the exercise for that meeting. Some groups might decide to make this a separate responsibility from hosting. It can be fun to choose the exercise while thinking about the group’s needs. Often choosing the exercise leads to more exploration of harm reduction information as the person looks for the right article, podcast etc. to explore during the meeting.

There is no recommended length of time for being a host. It might change weekly, monthly etc. Each Harm Reduction Works-HRW group is independent but collectively all Harm Reduction Works-HRW groups are interdependent.

A note on facilitation:

As host, it is easy to assume a feeling of leadership, however caution should be exercised that leadership retains a harm reduction perspective and does not come from a need to have power over the group or how the group interacts. Instead, leadership comes from joining and having power with the group. The responsibility of moving the meeting along, ideally, is a shared responsibility among group members.

However, it is not unusual, particularly in new groups or with new members, people may look at the facilitator/host to be called on to join discussion. The host is not meant to be a gatekeeper but if this is what the members need it will be made clear by people raising their hands. While hand raising is acceptable it is hoped the group becomes comfortable enough to hold conversation that feels natural, respectful and spontaneous.

Facilitation is an opportunity to experience both participation in conversation but also development of self-awareness regarding needs of the group. Following energy in the room and noticing where it is low or uncomfortable and where it is moving easily with grace is a foundational skill in harm reduction practice. Noticing places where the host feels compulsion to enforce the script must be balanced against what is happening in the room. Having an urge to quiet someone who may be speaking “too long” or “too often” needs to be measured with the host’s possible rigidity; it is possible the group needs to practice kind, compassionate, respectful patience for instance.

The best harm reduction interventions are invisible. Ideally, facilitation should feel invisible as well. Because hosting is both easy and nuanced, it can be a safe place for a practitioner to see where their harm reduction skill is at the moment. Talking to members whose experience and practice is respected and trusted about the experience of hosting can be very helpful for reassurance, confidence building, learning and deepening practice for everyone.

The Exercises

Generally, exercises last for 10 to 20 minutes. Originally, HRH413 thought the exercises would be reading some article or portion of a book. Over time, it has become clear the exercises can be almost anything to spark discussion around harm reduction issues. We have listened to podcasts together. One member read her father’s first three steps, who had died ten years prior. Another read an essay written by her teenage son who found his sister overdosed and could not revive her. We have had beloved and respected harm reductionist, Lucas Vbrsky be a guest speaker on lessons learned from the practice of harm reduction. Recently, Travis Lupick discussed his book Fighting for Space. Because his presentation was so interactive, this was the one meeting we’ve had where there was no distinction made between the end of the exercise and the beginning of discussion. Consideration of what is happening in the room and what is needed and helpful should guide flexibility and choices.

It is interesting how the exercise chosen influences discussion. When something is about change process, people are able to reflect on how personal their experience is and how it is different and similar to other stories present. If something is more about advocacy, discussion can lead to members discussing where to go and who to talk to…and who to avoid…at different agencies. More artistic and creative pieces can open emotional doors for people to experience and be witnessed in community. Also, it is not unusual for the group to ignore the exercise while discussion focuses on more personal issues and spontaneous topics.

As time goes on the ways in which groups explore and deepen harm reduction knowledge and practice can flourish. Groups can share what is working for them and ask other groups for help, support and suggestions. If you are someone starting a group and your knowledge of harm reduction is just developing, please reach out to HRH413 for guidance. Please seek out harm reduction leaders in your area for help (But choose wisely.Working in harm reduction is not the same as practicing harm reduction. HRH413 will do our best to steer you in the right direction.)

The Script

The script is easy to follow (click on the bold title “The Script” above to be taken to a PDF of the script). The one variation is the welcome. There is a specific welcome for open meetings on the first page. Open meetings are for anyone interested learning about harm reduction and if it can help them regardless of drinking or using history. The second welcome is for focused groups and is on the second page. Focused groups are for people who have history of drinking or using, currently are drinking or using or are considering drinking or using.

There may be times when specialized groups are created for people of color, LGBTQ, women, sex workers, etc. These groups will also have to determine if they are open or focused groups. Regardless of specialization, maintaining possibility of connection with whomever shows is an important aspect of Harm Reduction Works-HRW meetings. In fact, situations such as these are opportunities to craft practice.

The script is a unifying document between and among groups. It creates the container to explore things generally and particularly to drug use, drinking, and the related, sometimes dire, consequences and stigma related to them. From group to group the container remains the same, but the contents are different because groups and communities are different.

Just as the script is meant to be unifying, so is the name. In general and in written and visual materials particularly, please refer to groups as Harm Reduction Works-HRW. Do not change the name.

Holding a harm reduction works-hRW meeting

Meetings are 60 to 90 minutes long. This can be determined by each group.

The container is the same but the contents differ among groups. Some groups will serve food. Others might distribute supplies after the gathering. Some gatherings might do wound care. Some might do all those things. How Harm Reduction Works-HRW serves each community is determined from group to group and by its members interests, skills and needs.

Harm Reduction Works-HRW exists to grow the movement and to build resilience into communities and harm reduction practitioners in particular. Meetings are opportunities for practitioners to work together to manifest collective values of compassion, kindness and respect. What can happen when harm reduction is practiced well together is humbling. The most often heard statement from new participants in the founding Northampton group is, “Finally, I can tell the truth.”