An Interview with Gareth Crawford
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): Karmik
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2017/03/30
In brief, how did you become involved with Karmik?
It is an interesting story. So, I was added on Facebook because I am an event promoter. I was promoting events for a couple of years. My friend moved into town. She asked if they could come to events, provide free condoms and drug supplies.
I thought, “This is a good idea.” In the community, there are many people using substances. No one else was doing it.
Karmik is based in the west coast.
My friend moved here. She moved from Montreal. She joined forces with others early in the operation. Three people started Karmik.
It is based on aspects of the harm reduction philosophy. It is a strategy and practice through Karmik. What are some examples of this, e.g. in youth party activities.
So, we do not condone or condemn. Evidence-based drug policy is advocated by us. If harm reduction philosophy is not going to be implemented, we will as renegades. We want people to be safe. We meet people where they are at. Mostly, they are at parties.
Many people do not know what they’re getting into sometimes. From being in the music community, I have seen drugs have positive effects, and negative effects as well. Overall, knowledge is power.
It is important to teach people. We get to talk to the younger generation and educate them. It is about knowledge and safety.
How can younger generations become involved in Karmik? How can older generations contribute too?
As the communications director, I have the experience of connecting the Karmik message to younger people. For young people, early on, Inner City Beats was one of the first collaborators.
What would you consider the main message to get out about drugs to the public, especially the youth, to correct a larger misconception?
People should know what they’re getting into. They can talk to someone older. We want to be bigger brothers and sisters to them. They can talk to us about things that they wouldn’t discuss with their parents.
We tell them to learn more, give back, help people, and be safe. There are tons of things you can do. Even if you are going to use, there are things to do to prevent harms, e.g. having a friend around, having safe supplies, and so on. We are not there to encourage it. However, we are aware of the reality. Brushing it under the rug is no longer acceptable, it has to be addressed.
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