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Calgary PartySafe Anti-oppression Training Module Video
SOWK 697 Diversity, Oppression, and Social Justice
Alena Rose
April 15, 2013










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Introduction
Calgary PartySafe is a grassroots harm reduction organization that seeks to
provide members of the electronic dance music scene or more commonly known as
the rave scene, with information and support surrounding drug and alcohol use.
Through the use of outreach, the organization attends community events and
provides attendees with a safe place to ask questions and access information.
Given the nature of the work, there can be negative stigma associated with
drug use and thus an organization that takes an anti-oppressive approach to drug
use. The organization does not buy into this stigma and holds a strong stance that it
neither condones nor promotes drugs use. The main objective of the group is to
provide our peers with the opportunity to make their own informed decisions and
positively influence their health and safety.
Calgary PartySafe is run and operated by volunteers, many of who are
members of the community. All volunteers are trained before serving the public to
ensure quality deliverance of services. The training manual along with the 4 hour
training session goes over the organizations goals, volunteer expectations, and
basic information about harm reduction strategies and how to handle individuals
who may be experiencing a negative drug reaction.
From how to operate the booth to important information about drugs and
alcohol, volunteers are given the information needed to provide the public with
harm reduction services. One essential component that seems to be missing from
the volunteer training is an anti-oppressive module. The training we provide briefly
discusses the negative stigma associated with harm reduction practices and drug
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use but doesnt explain why or how this occurs. It is important that volunteers gain
an understanding of the oppression community members are faced with.
For the purpose of this assignment I have created an anti-oppressive training
video module that can be used to help train volunteers by giving them a deeper
understanding of harm reduction practices, as well as the systemic and internalized
oppression that can and has occurred within the substance user population. From a
social work perspective it is easier to understand the oppression and lack of social
justice that occurs in this type of population but not all the volunteers come from a
social work background.
It is my hope that by implementing this training module into the training
process, volunteers will develop an anti-oppressive lens that will enhance the
quality of services provided. The volunteers that run Calgary PartySafe come from
all walks of life and have diverse backgrounds, however it is important to
acknowledge that they might not all have been given the opportunity to develop an
anti-oppressive scope. It is most likely that many have had thoughts and ideas about
oppression but this will give them a concrete understanding of what individuals in
this type of community are faced with.
Given the nature of the work and the stigma associated with drug users and
addictions, this anti-oppressive scope is extremely beneficial for volunteers to gain.
In order to provide best practice, it is essential that those providing the services are
knowledgeable not just about the drugs themselves but also how society views the
people using them and how that can have a tremendous impact on an individual.
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If volunteers are given the chance to develop an understanding of
internalized, systemic and horizontal oppression, they will gain invaluable
information that will strengthen the work they do and give them the ability to use
anti-oppressive tools. For a population that experiences oppression on a multitude
of levels, this is an extremely important in providing services.
This anti-oppressive module training has not been done specifically for this
type of work. The training that is currently given by Calgary PartySafe explores why
harm reduction practices are important but does not exemplify an ant-oppressive
framework specifically. With this extra training, volunteers will gain a broader
understanding of the systems that affect the individuals they will encounter.

Training Module: Anti-Oppressive Practice for Calgary PartySafe
Harm reduction has many different definitions because the practice itself is
so engrained in to the helping profession philosophy that many dont even recognize
it in their own work. In terms of harm reduction and substance use, the following
explanation provides volunteers with a basic understanding;
Harm-reduction approaches are restricted to those strategies
that place first priority on reducing the negative
consequences of drug use for the individual, the community,
and society while the user continues to use drugs, at least for
the present time. In harm-reduction approaches, the use of
drugs is accepted as a fact and focus is placed on reducing
harm while use continues. A harm-reduction approach to a
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persons drug use in the short term does not rule out
abstinence in the longer term. Indeed, harm-reduction
approaches are often the first step toward the eventual
cessation of drug use (Riley et al. 1999).
In addition to Rileys definition, it is important to understand that harm reduction
practices realize that individuals will continue to make the choice to use drugs,
alcohol and engage in sexual activities regardless of the potential negative
consequence. In this case the negative consequences could include health risks,
criminal offense, and social stigmatization.
Calgary PartySafe volunteers will gain an understanding that by providing
harm reduction strategies like this, we are empowering individuals to make their
own decisions. This is an incredible aspect to incorporating anti-oppressive theories
to practice. As Collis et al. (2012) explains; the compassionate aspect of harm
reduction refers to understanding and approaching high-risk behavior in a way that
is respected and inclusive of individuals affected by these behaviors and their
communities (p.6). One of the main objectives for Calgary PartySafe is to encourage
self-direction and empowerment.
It is important to realize that the targeted populations that Calgary PartySafe
aims to provide services to those who are no typically directly suffering from severe
drug addiction behaviors. Alberta Health Services describes a continuum of
substance use that helps assess where an individuals involvement and level of
usage stands (AHS, 2010). Although all users are recognized, the main stages that
Calgary PartySafe deals with are the experimental use, more serious use/social use,
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and serious social use (AHS, 2010). It is important that volunteers are able to
recognize and be aware of the different levels on the continuum but not in a way
that imposes personal judgment upon them.
Harm reduction is a social justice issue. Our current societal response to drug
use is criminalization and dehumanization. Individuals who use drugs in our society
are placed into a category that denies them their basic human rights to access public
health care services. Someone suffering from diabetes would not be denied access to
information about their disease or the clean needles used to help treat it or prevent
further illness. The main difference between the two concepts is that one is a
socially accepted disease and the other is not.
This distinction between the two concepts is based upon the idea of deviance.
Lindsey et al. (2006) states that;
There is widespread agreement in modern societies that certain
types of behaviors, especially predatory crimes like robbery and sexual
assaults, are seriously deviant. But in other areas, such as attitudes
toward recreational drug use, soft-core pornography, and
homosexuality, where value census is lacking, the preferences of the
powerful usually dominate (p. 215).
Systemic oppression occurs to those individuals who choose to use
substances because of ideologies held by those in power. As Lindsey et at. (2006)
Explains; Thus, the primary reason why marijuana is generally considered deviant,
whereas drinking rum is widely accepted, is not because of the relative
dangerousness of these substance but rather because the most powerful members
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of society typically older, middle- and upper class white males are much more
likely to relax after work with a few drinks than with a joint
As Mullaly (2010) explains; Oppression at the structural or institutional
level is legally and socially sanctioned in that it is manifest in the ways our social
institutions, public policies, laws, and the economic and political systems all work
together to benefit the dominate group at the expense of subordinate groups
(p.156). In the society we live in, if ones values dont match that of the mainstream
it can be easily translated into deviant behavior.
Although Canada has implemented some harm reduction strategies into
public policy, there is still a strong resistance from the dominant groups of power.
The strategies that Canada adheres to as discussed by Hick (2007) encompass
prevention, treatment, and production/distribution but fail to address reducing the
harm rather but rather promote the punishment of individuals for using illicit drugs
(p. 189). The deviant status is upheld because those who choose to take drugs are
punished in our society.
Another example that perpetuates systemic oppression by those in power
can be found within the following statement If you remain a drug addict, I dont
care how much harm you reduce, youre going to have a short and miserable life
(Hathaway & Tousaw, 2008) This was a statement made by Primer Steven Harper
in response to the Safe Injection Site INSITE in Vancouver. Within this statement
there is no distinction made between the different stages of use previously
mentioned nor does it acknowledge that not all drug users will die from their choice
to engage in drug using behavior.
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This type of statement helps maintain systemic oppression. Statements like,
Calgary PartySafe only teaches people how to use drugs also contributes to the
overall systemic oppression. This is why discourse analysis is essential for PartySafe
volunteers to be aware of. Van Dijk (1997) explains that at the core of discourse
analysis lies the awareness of how dominate groups influence socially shared
knowledge, attitude, and ideologies through their use of language (p.259). Through
education about language, volunteers will gain an awareness of oppressive language
and know how to recognize it and correct it.
Through systemic oppression, many members of the rave scene will have
experienced some form of internalized oppression. Whether they are consciously
aware of this occurrence or not, it can be said that many have felt the effects of the
dominate powers ideologies. Many recreational drug users have accepted this
oppression as the norm and dont question their rights to education and health.
Some volunteers may find that individuals seem interested in engaging with them
but seem reluctant to approach the booth. This may be a result of the internalized
oppression our systems have created. Engaging in talking in drug talk would be
admittance to drug use and in our society that is deviant behavior.
Even identifying oneself as a raver might come with internalized oppression.
As McCall (2001) states, If I say I attended raves you will automatically make
assumptions about what kind of person I am, what music I like and what drugs I
take (p. 1). Members of the rave community have been taught that their entire
identity is derived from one choice they make. This type of ingrained ideology
prevents people from accessing services because they may be afraid to be
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stigmatized or categorized by this type of belief. With this understanding volunteers
will be able to empower clients and provide them with the education and confidence
to seek the information they deserve to access.
Ravers have developed a sense of inferiority due to this internalized
oppression perpetuated by our society which contributes to an acceptance of the
way our society views them. It is not uncommon that those engaging in high-risk
activities like taking drugs will accept that they cannot seek information from
institutions without repercussions. This can lead to misinformation and fear. As
Mullaly (2010) explained, acceptance of an inferiority complex leads the
subordinate group to feel like it is deserved and unchangeable.
Through learning about this type of oppression, volunteers will be able to
recognize it not only when volunteering but also in their everyday lives. Hopefully
they will be able to take this information and incorporate it into their own work
places, family lives, and social circles. For this population who has been consistently
beaten down by dominate power ideologies, empowerment is essential.
Finally, the last important piece of the anti-oppression training that is
important to include is the horizontal oppression that occurs within the community.
Mullaly (2010) discusses how oppressed people often turn on other oppressed
people to make themselves feel less inferior or too feel like they are part of the
dominate groups ideologies (p. 175). This occurs with the rave community in terms
of the types of drug users.
There can be a divide between the different types of substance users, for
example natural verse chemically produced drugs. There have been instances where
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individuals believe that because a drug comes from the earth the consequences of its
usage are not as harsh as something man made.
Another example occurs when individuals look at the heroin card that is
displayed at the outreach booths. Occasionally, people will make comments about
how terrible that drug is or make statements about how its much worse than other
drugs. Without realizing it, they are discriminating and perpetuating an ideology
that has negative outcomes for the community at large. Volunteers should be aware
of this and refrain from encouraging statements that place one type of drug user
over another.
Through the use of this module, volunteers will develop a deeper
understanding of oppression and how it affects individuals in this specific
population. The video will provide volunteers with the opportunity to start building
a critical lens to apply to their volunteer experience. This will hopefully plant the
foundation for the volunteers to develop their own anti-oppressive framework,
which will ultimately contribute to the overall goal of Calgary PartySafe.








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References
Alberta Health Services (2010). Addictions and Substance Abuse. Retrieved from:
http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/addiction.asp

Collins, S., Clifasefi, S., Logan, S. E., Samples, L., Somers, J., & Marlatt, A. G. (2012).
Current status, histroical highlights, and basic principles of harm reduction.
In A. G. Marlatt, M. E. Larimer & K. Witkiewitz (Eds.), Harm Reduction:
Pragmatic Strategies for Managing High Risk BehaviorsNew York: The Gulford
Press.

Hathaway, A.D & Tousaw K.I. (2008) Harm reduction headway and continuing
resistance: Insights from safe injection in the city of Vancouver. In The
international journal of drug policy, 19, 11-16.

Lindsey, L. L., Beach, S., & Ravelli, B. (2006). Core concepts in sociology. Toronto:
Pearson.

McMall, T. (2001). This is not a rave. New York: Thunder's Mouth Press.

Mullaly, B. (2010). Challenging oppression and confronting privilege. New York:
Oxford University Press. Chapters 2-5.

Riley, D., & et al., (1999). harm reduction: Concepts and practice. a policy discussion
paper . Substance use and misuse, 43(1), 9-24. Retrieved from
http://informahealthcare.com.ezproxy.lib.ucalgary.ca/action/showCitForma
ts?doi=10.3109/10826089909035632

Steven, H. (2010). Social work in Canada. (3rd ed.). Toronto: Thompson Educational
Publishing, Inc.

Van Dijk, T.A. (1993). Principles of critical discourse analysis. Discourse Society, 4(2),
249-283.