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. 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.
Harm Reduction Works-HRW began in Northhampton, MA in March of 2019
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 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.
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’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.
“Each group is independent. Collectively, all groups are interdependent.”
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 a respected harm reductionist 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.
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 complete the exercise while discussion
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 and seek out harm reduction leaders in your area for help.
The Script
The script is the unifying document of Harm Reduction Works-HRW. The instructions are in the text of the script and easy to follow. Please note, there are two different openings for the groups. The first one is for “Open Meetings” which means the meeting is open to anyone. The second one is for “Focused Meetings” which means this is a meeting for people currently using or drinking, have history of using or drinking, or are thinking of using or drinking. Simply choose which opening is appropriate for your group and proceed. The rest of the script is the same for both types of groups.
A note on specialized groups:
HRH413 realizes it makes sense sometimes for groups to be specialized as LGBTQ, woman identified, people of color etc. However, all Harm Reduction Works-HRW meetings value keeping the possibility of connection open with whomever shows up. Specialized groups decide if they are open or focused.