Lived Experience Voice and Policy

What is Lived Experience?

Lived Experience (LEx) is the knowledge a person gains from their own life, background, and personal story. It comes from firsthand experiences—such as being part of systems like child welfare, mental health care, or education—rather than from formal training or professional roles.

Why Lived Experience Matters in Decision-Making

People who are directly affected by government programs often have the least opportunity to help shape them. In Virginia, many state boards, councils, and committees help create policies and guide services. But only a small number of these groups include people with lived experience — meaning people who have personally dealt with the issues being discussed. Even fewer of these groups pay people for their time.

Because of this, important voices and real-world experience may be missing from decisions that affect communities. Below is research that reviews the current state of lived experience representation in Virginia state agencies.

Engaging People with Lived Experience

People with lived experience bring valuable knowledge that can help improve programs, services, and policies. This video shares simple, practical ways to meaningfully include people with lived experience in planning, decision-making, and evaluation. It highlights best practices for building respectful partnerships, creating welcoming spaces for participation, and ensuring every voice is heard and valued.

Watch the video