In systems that serve families and children, those with lived experience expertise bring invaluable insights, perspectives, and knowledge that can transform how services and support are delivered. However, effectively engaging with lived experts requires understanding the unique power dynamics, challenges, and opportunities that come with such interactions.
This spring, the Colorado Partnership for Thriving Families’ Family and Caregiver Space will continue its free Lunch & Learn webinar series that is specifically focused on helping professionals and organizations engage with lived experience experts (LEx) in meaningful and empowering ways.
During the next three webinars of the series, participants will gain an understanding of the importance of involving LEx, explore the power of storytelling, and strengthen collaborative problem-solving skills. Each session is co-facilitated by four LEx from the Family and Caregiver Space. This curriculum provides a hands-on approach, combining reading materials, activities, and group discussions.
Missed an earlier session? Catch up on the Lunch & Learn Series by watching the 2025 recordings.
Session 5: Transforming Systems for Collective Well-Being
The March Lunch and Learn will integrate lessons from lived experience, power dynamics, authentic involvement, and trust to explore how system design that is centered on fairness for everyone can support collective well-being. Participants will reflect on how centering lived expertise and prioritizing fairness can shift structures, decision-making, and outcomes so that communities — not just individuals — can thrive.
Session 6: Power of Storytelling in System Change
The June Lunch and Learn will explore how storytelling can elevate lived expertise and influence system change while honoring ethics, dignity, and control over one’s story. Participants will learn how stories can shift narratives, inform policy and practice, and be used responsibly to change systems in ways that support everyone fairly.
Session 7: Collaborative Problem-Solving with Lived Experts
During the September Lunch and Learn, participants will build practical skills for working collaboratively with lived experts to co-create solutions to complex system challenges. Participants will practice co-design approaches that center lived expertise, share decision-making power, and produce outcomes that are more effective and fairer for everyone involved.
Whether you’re working in a nonprofit, a county or state partner, or another related field, these sessions will equip you with the tools and knowledge to create positive, meaningful change in your interactions with lived experts.
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The Colorado Partnership for Thriving Families’ Family and Caregiver Space has designed a new, free, Lunch & Learn webinar series specifically focused on helping professionals, caregivers, and organizations engage with LEx in meaningful and empowering ways.
