Lived Experience Strategy
In 2023, CBF members collectively agreed to establish a new goal: engaging people with lived experience of the issues the Forum addresses, particularly cross-border migration. Our aim is to work with individuals, groups, and collectives in a meaningful, safe, and sustainable manner. The strategy outlined in this document was developed to help guide the implementation of this goal and to shape the work of the Forum more broadly. This strategy is both considered and transformative. It has been formulated with people with lived experience who were involved throughout its development process.
From August 2023 to January 2024, the Crossborder Forum Coordinator, with support from Dr Chung-Ah Baek (external researcher and consultant) led the consultation and development of the strategy, in partnership with seven experts-by-experience:
Bchira Ben Nia, organiser with CSP 75, Paris, France
Farah Al Haddad, community organiser, dancer, and Grants Manager at Justice Together Initiative, London, UK
Joon-Lynn Goh, organiser and co-director of Migrants in Culture, London, UK
Kenan Albeirakdar, director of Life Seekers Aid, UK
Loraine Masiya Mponela, migrants’ rights campaigner, Coventry, UK
Saliou Diouf, founder of Boza Fii, Senegal
Savan Qadir, project manager at Refugees For Justice, Scotland
This strategy was launched in February 2024 and makes 5 key recommendations for the CBF to take forward:
Participation of experts-by-experience in strategic and decision-making bodies and processes
Developing a public anti-racism statement and an internal policy on anti-racism and safe-r spaces
Valuing people for their time
Providing additional support and resources to expert-by-experience members
Changes to Crossborder Forum ways of working and processes by instilling transparency, clarity, and accountability