Once an investigation has been completed and you’re ready to have a formal community meeting or hearing about it, it is time to call the stakeholders in, along with representatives to discuss the findings.

Ideally this meeting should allow all parties to be heard and given the opportunity to tell their story and/or take responsibility for their part in the issue at hand. These gatherings should be facilitated by neutral parties to ensure they remain respectful and productive. Many experienced harm reduction leaders shared stories of participant-involved processes as being the fairest and most respected by community members.

Under all circumstances the person bringing the grievance should have someone with them to represent their interests. This can be someone of their choosing; it may be a staff member or another appropriate outside party. All parties should receive an explanation of the process, any related logistics, and their rights and responsibilities.

Plans for individual restoration, and possibly community restoration, should be developed during or directly after this meeting. They should support change and repair for all involved, as much as possible. The plans should be specific, clear, and actionable.

All parties should receive written records of what took place, what decisions were made, and what they can do if they are not satisfied with the outcome.