Lived Experience Advisory Council Program FORECAST

This grant program aims to enhance the resettlement and integration services provided to refugees and other ORR-eligible clients through the establishment of up to three simultaneous, population-specific Advisory Councils. These councils, focusing on groups such as youth, women, seniors, and LGBTQI+ individuals, are intended to gather direct feedback on resettlement experiences and the effectiveness of ORR-funded programs and services. The overarching goal is to incorporate the lived experiences and insights of these populations into ORR’s decision-making and service development processes, ensuring their voices are heard and considered at the highest levels of government. This initiative is a response to Presidential Executive Orders advocating for direct client feedback in government services, aiming to create more responsive, tailored, and effective integration programs. The grant will cover various operational aspects including project management, technology provision for virtual participation, compensation for council members, and organization of an event in Washington, DC to directly convey feedback to ORR and other stakeholders.