The Consortium creates conditions in which people who have faced marginalization, oppression, or otherwise felt invisible are better able to pursue their dreams and strengthen communities through voice, choice, and inclusion. This is supported by an organizational commitment to address systems of oppression and work toward undoing the harms they have caused. Consortium communities/programs currently include, but are not limited to, offering support for perople with lived experience of: Being labeled by others Cognitive or physical limitations or disabilities Mental health diagnosis and or extreme states Significant health issues or challenges Drug and alcohol addictions The impact of trauma or abuse Being a family member or primary supporter of a person with significant life stressors We use the phrase lived experience because we believe: People have the right and ability to define themselves. People can discover their own paths to recovery Life experience is a powerful teacher and guide