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Hacks for System Building & “Proceduralization”

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“Proceduralization” is a term coined by harm reductionist Haley Coles to describe the process of creating and, critically, writing down exact protocols for a variety of different tasks and services. These are step-by-step written instructions for how to do everything in the space, from passing out supplies to cleaning the restroom.

The front-end labor on system building is not insignificant, but the time, energy, and effort that this will save is invaluable, especially in any escalated situation where having procedures in accessible, documented places will make everything go much more smoothly.

One tip that long-term harm reduction leaders have for this is to make it a part of weekly meetings and to delegate responsibility for proceduralizing different tasks to the person most familiar with those tasks.

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 Service and Supply Management

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Many of the harm reduction leaders that were interviewed for Space Hacks talked about how critical it is to effectively manage services, supplies, and inventory in order to maintain community tranquility. It may not feel intuitive, but OGs report that ineffective management of supplies is the number one potential flashpoint for escalated situations during harm reduction services.
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Policy Creation Hacks

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Creating effective policies in harm reduction work means grounding them in your mission, being thoughtful about their impact, and ensuring they’re both practical and inclusive. The tips below offer a starting point for organisations looking to build policies that reflect their values, meet external requirements, and genuinely support the people they serve and work with.
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