by Sarah Smith-Moore, Senior Hunger Outreach Program Specialist, Community Engagement
Centering lived experience is more than just a buzzword. It’s an intentional shift in power that leads to co-creating programs and solutions, shared decision making, and the foundation for interconnected relationships.
To amplify the voices of those who experience food insecurity and/or hunger, Hunger Free Oklahoma launched the Lived Experience and Resource Network (LEARN) Workshop in September 2024, an eight-month compensated storytelling and advocacy program for Tulsa Metro Area residents. Applications for the next LEARN Workshop beginning September 6, 2025, are now open – click here to apply!
Up to ten individuals experiencing food insecurity and/or hunger attend a once-a-month in-person Saturday workshop. The program supports people to develop their personal narrative, learn more about policy and advocacy, and build community with others.
Each participant is paid a monthly living wage for time spent participating in the LEARN Workshop. Meals and snacks will be provided during Saturday workshops. HFO will also provide transportation, mileage, and childcare reimbursements, if needed.
At our previous workshop, we distributed a feedback survey to our nine participants and received responses from eight of them. Survey results show that participants strongly agree or agree that LEARN Workshop:
- Created a safe space to express and process emotions
- Helped build new knowledge and skills
- Improved understanding of federal nutrition programs
- Helped to better understand food insecurity policies
- Provided support, responsibilities, and leadership opportunities
- Helped to understand and empathize with others’ feelings and experiences
- Provided tools or knowledge to advocate for food insecurity policies
- Feel more confident in talking about food insecurity issues
- Felt that their story matters
What you need to know:
- Applications for LEARN Workshop are open until August 20. 2025. Click here to apply.
- LEARN Workshop is an eight-month program:
- One monthly in-person Saturday workshop
- One virtual check-in
- Some work in-between sessions
- Location: Hunger Free Oklahoma’s Tulsa office
- Must be currently experiencing food insecurity and/or hunger
- Be a Tulsa Metro Area resident
- 18+ years of age
- Saturday dates: 9/13/25, 10/18/25, 11/1/25, 12/6/25, 1/17/26, 2/7/26, 3/7/26, 4/4/26, 5/16/26 (Graduation)
- For more information, click here.
For any questions, contact Sarah Smith-Moore.