As an individual using my lived experience in the professional space, sometimes it can feel daunting when words that I am not familiar with are used. Sometimes, the words might be an actual vocabulary or an acronym that sounds like a vocabulary.
I remember when I was working on a project with the MN Department of Children, Youth and Families some years ago. At the time, they were under the MN Department of Health and Human Services (DHS), and I was consulting as a lived experience expert for the human trafficking unit of the child welfare department. One of the words I can still remember today is the acronym SSIS. I thought they were saying something like “e-sse-why-es” or another word I could not quite catch until we had a series of meetings and later received the document for review. Then I realized it was actually an acronym for Social Service Information System, and not a word at all.
Usually at the end of the fiscal year, or closer to it, the human trafficking coordinator would reach out for feedback and reflection on how the year went and what would be helpful in the new year. I shared that experience with her, and we both laughed. I also mentioned that it would be helpful to share the actual names behind acronyms for those who might be new to the system or not part of it.
This was something I also remembered during my term on the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking. The Department of State staff often reminded us that government spaces use a lot of acronyms, and it can be confusing. Because of that, we always included an acronym list at the end of reports to help the general public.
As an SME with lived experience, it can feel daunting and can sometimes make an individual feel like they don’t belong in the room or are missing important parts of the conversation. I have seen that while we often talk about the importance of language in the anti-trafficking field, the focus is usually on trauma-informed language rather than also ensuring that acronyms and system-specific terms are clearly explained in real time so that individuals who are new to the space are not unintentionally left out or made to feel less knowledgeable. This can unintentionally silence important voices in the room.
We can also create an atmosphere that encourages SMEs with lived experience to reach out to their point of contact to ask questions, or we can schedule periodic check-ins to understand how the engagement is going and what support may be needed. These small touchpoints can prevent challenges from only being surfaced when they become urgent or overwhelming.
For example, one of the things I do personally as an SME who also engages other SMEs is, where possible, to support them throughout the process. This can look like attending an event I helped set up for them, checking in periodically on their progress and needs, and offering support directly or helping connect them to other resources. It can make a significant difference when SMEs feel supported while providing their lived expertise in professional spaces.
What SMEs with Lived Experience Can Also Do
While systems and institutions have a responsibility to create accessible and inclusive spaces, SMEs with lived experience can also take small, practical steps to support their own participation and confidence in these environments.
For example, ask for clarification without hesitation. It is okay to pause and say, “Can you explain that acronym?” or “What does that term mean in this context?” Asking questions reflects engagement, not a lack of knowledge. Name the need early when appropriate.
At the start of a project or meeting, it can be helpful to mention that system-specific language or acronyms may need clarification. This helps set a tone of openness.
- Keep a personal glossary.
- Write down recurring acronyms and terms. It can help build familiarity over time, especially when working across multiple systems.
- Find a peer or support person in the space.
- Have someone you can check in with during or after meetings. It can reduce isolation and increase confidence.
- Advocate for clarity in real time.
When appropriate, gently naming confusion can benefit others as well. Often, if one person is unclear, others are too. Recognize that expertise is not defined by system language. Understanding acronyms is not the same as understanding lived realities. Your value is not reduced by needing clarity.
These are small practices, but together they can help SMEs stay grounded, confident, and engaged while navigating systems that are still learning how to communicate more clearly.
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