Community Members as Experts

Historically, government has often functioned in a paternalistic manner, making decisions without co-creating 
and engaging with the community members who are impacted most. Throughout history, such populations 
excluded from participation on related topical manners have often gone on to experience an increase in burden 
and harm observably derived from the lack of nuanced lived experience perspectives involved in the 
development of planning, policies, and actions. This has not always fostered positive community outcomes. To 
change this, we must collaborate with community members in decision-making. Community members are the 
experts in their own lived experience and know best what they need to achieve autonomy over their lives and 
thrive.
 

Therefore, community members who give their time and energy to share their expertise and perspectives 
provide an invaluable lens into the inner workings of our systems and have critical insights into what must 
change to achieve better program outcomes.

As identified by community members with lived experience, compensation is only one of several practices 
necessary to ensure individuals are meaningfully supported and retained to participate in complex government 
processes effectively. 
 

This section attempts to direct agencies to additional practices that should be considered alongside the 
provision of community compensation.