At WNT, we believe that authentic community engagement means centering the voices of those with lived experience—people whose firsthand knowledge brings invaluable insight to systems and solutions. We were introduced to this principle in action through our collaboration with the Eagle Pass Public Health Coalition as part of the Prosperemos Juntos/Thriving Together initiative funded by Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM). The thoughtful work that MHM is doing to ensure the genuine inclusion of individuals with lived experience—beyond just professional or academic perspectives—sets an inspiring example for others.
Who Is a Person with Current Lived Experience?
MHM offers an insightful primer on what it means to be a “person with current lived experience,” drawing on guidance from Community Commons:
“A person with current lived experience is someone who has lived (or is currently living) with the issues the community is focusing on and who may have insight to offer about the system as it is experienced by consumers.”
This type of expertise is not derived from formal education or professional training but from real-life encounters with challenges, systems, or services. Individuals with lived experience possess: a unique knowledge of what works and what doesn’t within their community; direct insight into the barriers and supports available, both formal and informal; and timely relevance, particularly when their experience is current or recent (within the past five years), ensuring their perspectives reflect today’s realities.
Spotlight: The Eagle Pass Public Health Coalition
The Eagle Pass Health Coalition exemplifies how lived experience can guide meaningful community health initiatives. This collaborative network brings together local organizations, healthcare providers, and community members to tackle the root causes of health disparities in Eagle Pass and the surrounding region.
Through an intentional process of data collection and community feedback, the coalition designs and implements programs that are directly responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people they serve. Their holistic approach addresses physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being, creating a healthier, more resilient community.
WNT’s Role: Building Capacity for Lasting Impact
WNT is honored to support the Eagle Pass Public Health Coalition by providing capacity-building services that help strengthen the network’s effectiveness and sustainability. Our contributions include Gallup StrengthsFinder workshops to enhance team communication and collaboration; governance structure development to clarify decision-making processes; and Theory of Change design along with related outcome measurement and data tracking tools to ensure that efforts lead to measurable and lasting improvements. These supports are designed not only to build organizational capacity but also to ensure that the coalition remains community-led, equitable, and responsive.
Join the Movement: Center Lived Experience in Your Work
If you are looking to authentically engage individuals with lived experience in your community planning or program development—and we strongly believe you should—we encourage you to explore the Prosperemos Juntos/Thriving Together model and the impactful work of the Eagle Pass Public Health Coalition. Both stand as excellent examples of how honoring lived experience leads to more inclusive, effective, and sustainable change.