HEAT Spotlight + Celebrating Youth Volunteers
The History of Harm Reduction at GLIDE
Welcome to our sparkling newest edition of Be The Change! In this very special July newsletter, we introduce HEAT (GLIDE’s Health Empowerment and Access Team) and give a shout out to one of the dedicated youth volunteers that has been supporting Harm Reduction at GLIDE these past 6 weeks.
HEAT is GLIDE’s continuum of services that covers low threshold or low barrier to enrollment-based services, drug treatment, and disease elimination services. Our commitment to the philosophy of harm reduction is embedded to HEAT and reflects Cecil Williams’ idea that we are all in recovery and can use radical acceptance in welcoming all people.
Stay tuned till the end to catch a glimpse of Jewish Youth Services Intern and GLIDE volunteer, Jordan, as he shares how his experience at GLIDE has been deeply transformative.
The beginnings: A response to community needs
Harm reduction at GLIDE began as a response to the urgent needs of our community, particularly during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s. At that time, drug use and HIV/AIDS were major issues that disproportionately affected low-income and marginalized individuals living within the Tenderloin. GLIDE recognized that traditional approaches—often punitive or judgmental—were failing to address the real needs of our community.
In the early days, GLIDE’s harm reduction efforts were focused on providing basic health supplies and information. The goal was to reduce the harm associated with drug use, such as the spread of HIV, by offering clean needles, safer sex supplies, and educational resources. This approach was groundbreaking at the time, as it shifted the focus from punishment to support and empowerment.
The Future of HEAT at GLIDE
As we look to the future, GLIDE remains committed to evolving and expanding our health services, that is why the overarching program name has shifted to HEAT. It is a recognition of the vast and varied science-based and community driven approaches we take towards supporting health and equity for our clients; and we are excited to offer more HEAT volunteer opportunities soon.
Youth Spotlight: Jordan, our GLIDE Summer Rockstar
By Tessa Stapp, Volunteer Coordinator
I’m thrilled to introduce you to our latest volunteer, Jordan, who’s diving deep into the world of harm reduction with us. Jordan recently shared some insightful reflections on his journey and the importance of the work we do at GLIDE.
Here’s the lowdown on our conversation:
Jordan first came to GLIDE with an admiration for our deep-rooted presence in the community. “When I think about organizations that have been here for a long time, GLIDE immediately comes to mind,” he shared. “It’s a community center with so much history and so much meaning to so many people.” 
A New Perspective for Jordan on Harm Reduction
Jordan’s understanding of harm reduction began with a school presentation about Narcan distribution. Initially, he saw harm reduction primarily as a strategy related to drug policy. However, his hands-on experience at GLIDE has broadened his view. “I didn’t realize how deeply harm reduction is rooted in supporting diverse communities, it’s a model of acceptance and support, rather than judgment.”
GLIDE’s HEAT team goes out into the community with the outreach van to distribute harm reduction supplies, water and hygiene kits. Jordan accompanied our HEAT staff, and his experience was transformative. “It’s about connecting with people, understanding their needs, and tracking what’s essential for the community. Rather than trying to change you or shame you, we’re gonna [sic] accept you…how do we make sure you’re living the best life you can.”
A Holistic View of GLIDE’s Impact
Jordan’s diverse experiences at GLIDE have offered him a holistic view of our operations. “I’ve had the chance to work in various roles, and it’s shown me how interconnected our efforts are. Whether I’m helping with meals or supporting harm reduction, each role plays a crucial part in our overall mission,” Jordan said. His willingness to engage in different areas of our work exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and dedication that makes GLIDE so special.
I hope you will also have such robust and informative experiences when you volunteer next!
GLibrary Needs Your Books !
We’re on the hunt for new or gently used books for our GLibrary initiative. From fiction to non-fiction, all genres are welcome! If you’re interested in donating, please reach out to our GLibrarian, Waverlee Craig, at: Wcraig@glide.org.
Join Us For The Summer Gala 2024
Join GLIDE for an unforgettable evening of inspiration and celebration at our 15th Annual GLIDE Summer Gala! We will be honoring two inspiring leaders with the 2024 Cecil Williams and Janice Mirikitani Legacy Awards. The evening will be filled with music from the GLIDE Choir Ensemble and the Change Band and DJ King Most, complementary bites, and drinks! We hope to see you there!
Information on event sponsorships and group tickets can be found here. To purchase tickets for and further details, please visit: glide.org/summergala.
Thank You For Your Dedication!
Thank you for reading this month’s newsletter! It’s engaged volunteers like YOU who make all the difference at GLIDE. Your commitment and passion make all the differenc ein our programming. If you have a story idea or want to share your experiences, email me at Tstapp@glide.org with “Volunteer newsletter Story” in the subject line. I can’t wait to hear from you!
With gratitude and excitement,
Tessa Stapp
Volunteer Coordinator, GLIDE
