When new projects or system change efforts begin, traditional leaders often make plans without first asking people who have lived experience with those systems. When this happens, partnerships can get stuck or fall apart, and partners feel left out or included just for show. To avoid this, everyone involved should work together from the start to create a shared vision and plan. When everyone has a voice, partnerships can better decide how to work together effectively, treat each other fairly, share responsibility so real collaboration happens.
Informed by lessons learned across key structural components, partnership dynamics and enabling conditions; the learning activities, practical tools and community examples are designed to support you and your partnerships as you address challenges, iterate, improve, and continue to push the boundaries of what is possible for more equitable partnerships with people who have lived experience.
More importantly, we hope what you experience is that these resources offer grounding, confidence, and a sense of community—even on the days when the work feels messy.
This website is a welcoming space offering ways you can explore, learn and connect in ways that fit your interests, learning needs and partnership goals. You are invited to begin with a facilitated learning journey or selecting a learning topic you are curious about or spend time in the Gathering Orchard- sharing tools and resources, learning from others, and connecting with other lived experience partnerships.
Our framework is brought to life through the experiences and innovations of four pioneering communities, each demonstrating unique approaches to lived experience partnerships while sharing common values and commitments.
Our LA community team is made up of transformational people impacting decision-making in Los Angeles, including some current and former members of the Lived Experience Advisory Board (LEAB), the Homeless Youth Forum of Los Angeles (HYFLA) and the LA Emissary, and LAHSA staff.
Our Minnesota community team is made up of members from the SHiP Collaborative in the Twin Cities region, StreetWise Duluth and the Winona Area Kitchen Table.
Our NYC community team is made up of members from the NYC Youth Action Board, the Family Homeless Coalition, Impacted Advocates, and staff from the NYC CoC, the CCC and the NYC Fund.
The Omaha community team consists of members and staff of ReImagine Omaha, Threshold CoC, and Bridge Family Network.
Transforming partnerships practices requires intentional policies, practices and cultural shifts that create inclusive and just environments. Our framework identifies key areas where partnerships can implement changes that support authentic lived experience partnerships:
