LivedPay – A KConnect Initiative

A seat for everyone

It's time we compensate lived experience equitably

Let’s make it possible for communities to equitably engage in decision-making processes that shape the future of their home. Our LivedPay™ Model provides a comprehensive framework for organizations to transform how we engage with and compensate community experts.

This model is available for purchase by institutions and for free for community members.

Equitable engagement

Our LivedPay™ model makes it possible for communities to equitably engage in decision-making processes that shape the future of their home and builds long term trust between institutions and the communities they serve.

Institutional Change

This document provides guidance for institutions to implement equitable practices and systems that recognize community members as experts on their lived experiences and compensate them accordingly.

Empowerment & Advocacy

The model helps community members advocate for themselves and get paid in contexts where the content of their lived experiences shapes and informs institutional decision-making.

What's in the framework?

Suggested Compensation Rates

Suggested compensation minimums based on calculations for Kent County residents and similar communities.

The Recipe for Getting Started

Transformation takes actionable steps. Our ebook gives organizations and institutions a starting point for the conversation.

Guidelines for Self Advocacy

Your lived experience adds context to data that organizations often rely on for insights. Find the tools to advocate for your voice!

The LivedPay™ compensation model is a great tool for explaining to others why we pay people and how much we pay people based on what the model suggests. It helps us engage in healthy conversations around equitable pay, and ensures people are getting paid for their labor.

Steff Rosalez

Chief Executive Officer, Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities

The LivedPay™ compensation model is a win for our community members participating in decision-making conversations because we're able to pay them for their lived experiences. And, it's a win for our organizations because we're getting data and information that we'd otherwise not have.

Evelyn Esparza-Gonzalez

Former President, The Hispanic Center of West Michigan

Take Action

Get Started with the LivedPay™ Compensation Model

Our LivedPay™ model makes it possible for communities to equitably engage in decision-making processes that shape the future of their home and builds long-term trust between institutions and the communities they serve.

Proceeds from eBook purchases directly support a community fund dedicated to helping organizations compensate individuals with lived experience for their time, expertise, and leadership in shaping programs, policies, and systems. By purchasing the LivedPay eBook, organizations are actively investing in more inclusive, community-centered decision-making.

Stay Involved

Support The WOrk

This is just the beginning! The LivedPay™ work extends beyond the ebook! If you’re interested in plugging into KConnect’s work, we invite you to join our Network and our work towards equitable outcomes for children and families in Kent County.

Get Connected

If you’re an institution or organization looking to learn more about the LivedPay™ compensation model and how you can implement it, reach out to one of our consultants from ConnectUS.