Program Evaluation Toolkit for Harm Reduction Organizations
Planning is an important phase of the evaluation process. It is during this phase that program teams can begin to map out how the evaluation should be carried out and what should occur as a result. Specifically, evaluation planning helps program teams:
In this module, we will go over the elements that contribute to a program evaluation planning process as well as tips and considerations for operating within a harm reduction program environment.
PLANNING—HARM REDUCTION STYLE
Scheduling, coordination, and communication are key whether you're planning to build a bridge or write a play, but it's important to consider from the outset how planning in harm reduction settings often poses unique challenges. Harm reduction programs face limited resources, time, and human capacity. Informal organizational methods and flexible, multi-faceted roles can be a strength of the harm reduction movement but come with their own challenges during planning phases. Finally, harm reduction programs operate within environments where external interruptions and crises are frequent. Many of these dynamics cannot be instantly fixed, but their impact can be mitigated by remaining aware and ready to adapt. Trust your plans, but remember that nothing in harm reduction goes exactly as it should. Rather than locking yourself into anything with no room to adapt, plan to stay flexible!
