Resources
Balanced Imperfection Resources
Posted in Resources.
Materials from Balanced Imperfection, the origin point of the Space Hacks and Harm Reduction Hacks series. These resources bring lived experience and practical insight into the realities of harm reduction, leadership, and cultural shift work in community services.
Other sets of external resources including toolkits, practical guides, and deep-dive materials on topics like de-escalation, mental health support, participant accountability, overdose response, and more:
Featured Hacks
These featured hacks highlight creative, practical solutions from harm reduction leaders on the ground. From DIY tools to clever workarounds, each one reflects the ingenuity, care, and real-world experience that keeps this movement alive.
Hacks for Staying Present
Featured in: Featured, De-Escalation In the Moment
As discussed in the part of the site on preventing escalation, it is essential for harm reduction workers to stay present and remain centered and relatively calm during escalated events. This is one of the hardest things to do, but staying present and centered during any kind of escalated situation at your harm reduction site is essential to de-escalation.
Important Terms: Person First Language
Featured in: Featured, Section 2: Using Space Hacks
Generally, it’s important to use “person first language” when describing people who are marginalized due to some part of their identity being stigmatized, such as folks struggling with their substance use, people who do sex work, and folks living outside.