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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. 

Trauma-Informed

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The term “trauma-informed” emerges from a growing understanding of the far reaching ways that trauma impacts health and well-being. Trauma is defined here, in keeping with the scientific literature, as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience(s) that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, and significantly impacts their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
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Creating and Defining Community

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Over and over, harm reduction leaders interviewed for Space Hacks centered the creation of community as central to their efforts to create safe, humane harm reduction spaces services that are trauma-informed and minimize the potential for escalated situations.
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