The MATCH
Curriculum

A harm-reduction, sex-positive sexual health education program. Five evidence-based modules. One framework that sticks — built for facilitators who want tools, not just theory.

5
Modules
13
Lesson Plans
10
Assessment Qs
3
Safety Protocols

The MATCH Framework

Click any module to expand the full guide
M
Week 1
Medications
PrEP · PEP · ART · Vaccines
Prevention & treatment medications that change the risk equation. Empowerment through knowledge.
A
Week 2
Awareness
Testing · Status · Partner Conversations
Knowing your status is not a sign of risk — it's a sign of responsibility.
T
Week 3
Tools
Condoms · Barriers · Lube
The physical toolkit — how to use it, why it works, and how to make it feel normal.
C
Week 4
Communication
Consent · Scripts · Boundaries
The language of healthy sexual relationships — asking, agreeing, declining, and meaning it.
H
Week 5
Habits
Planning · Stocking · Harm Reduction
Where knowing becomes doing — the integration module. Build your personal MATCH plan.

Concept Glossary

The shared language of HARNESS
💊
The Toolkit
All five MATCH elements working together — your complete sexual health arsenal.
"Let's inventory your toolkit and see what you're already carrying."
🛡️
The Shield Stack
Layered protection: each MATCH tool adds another layer. More layers = more protection.
"PrEP + condom is a double shield. Each one strengthens the other."
🧭
The Dashboard
Your awareness of your own status, testing schedule, and supply inventory.
"What does your health dashboard look like right now?"
🗓️
The Calendar
A testing and refill schedule — the difference between intention and habit.
"Is this on your calendar, or just on your to-do list?"
📋
The Script
Rehearsed language for real conversations about testing, status, and consent.
"What's your script for asking a partner about testing?"
🚦
The Green Light
Enthusiastic, ongoing, specific consent — the only kind that counts.
"Are all your lights green? Check in — don't assume."
🪜
The Ladder
Harm reduction: any step toward lower risk is a real, meaningful step forward.
"You don't have to be at the top. Take the next rung."
🔋
The Supply Battery
Your stock of physical tools — how charged is it? Running low is a risk factor.
"Don't let your battery die. Restock before you need it."

Safety Protocols

Escalation Matrix — Know this before Session 1
GREEN
Standard
Active participation, standard group dynamics
Facilitate as designed using MATCH framework
Use evidence-based framing: empowerment, not fear
Log session notes within 24 hours
"Let's open with a quick MATCH check — what's one tool you already know about?"
YELLOW
Caution
Participant shows visible distress or begins disclosure
Deploy grounding — do not isolate
Move toward private check-in after session
Monitor; escalate to Red if warranted
"Let's take a breath together. You don't have to share anything here — let's connect after."
RED
Escalate
Disclosure of harm, abuse, or intent to harm
STOP group activity immediately, calmly
Engage designated site counselor now
Follow mandatory reporting — no confidentiality promises
Halt calmly. Do not investigate. Document immediately after. Connect participant to counselor.

Admin Communication Template

Copy, customize, and send

Dear [Name/Title],

We are thrilled to introduce the HARNESS program to [Organization Name]. HARNESS — part of the Fearless, Aware & Protected curriculum from The Harness Project — equips participants with five concrete, evidence-based sexual health tools through the MATCH framework: Medications, Awareness, Tools, Communication, and Habits.

Our harm-reduction, sex-positive approach meets participants where they are. Rather than using fear or shame, we build genuine confidence and skill. Participants engage with PrEP and PEP education, STI testing literacy, barrier method training, consent scripting, and personal habit planning — all in a safe, facilitated environment.

Sessions run approximately [X] minutes per week over 5 weeks. All materials are trauma-informed and facilitators are trained to manage sensitive disclosures in accordance with local mandatory reporting requirements.

We welcome your partnership. Questions? Please reach us at theharnessproject.org

© Christopher Zacharie & The Harness Project · Free for Educational Use with Attribution
theharnessproject.org · Educators Hub