Our Origin  

The Whole Family Equality Project (WFEP), supported by Capital City Partnership (CCP) and delivered by Children 1st and CHAI, represented a dynamic approach to addressing systemic inequities faced by ethnically diverse communities in Edinburgh. By involving those directly affected in the design and delivery of the project, it encouraged a sense of ownership and empowerment among participants. This participatory model not only democratized the process of social change but also ensured that solutions were more grounded in the lived realities of lived experiences.

The establishment of the Citizens' Panel in 2022 was a strategic move, allowing for direct community engagement and decision-making at every stage of the project. This structure creates a feedback loop where the insights and experiences of panel members can directly inform the project's direction. It’s a commendable method of operationalizing inclusion and represents a shift away from top-down decision-making in social initiatives.

The transformation of the Citizens' Panel into the Commission Advocating Rights for Minorities (CARM) by 2025 is particularly significant. This transition from a project-bound panel to an independent advocacy body marks a maturation of the initiative. CARM’s creation suggests that the project's foundational work has equipped its members with the skills, confidence, and organizational capacity to advocate for their communities autonomously.

CARM’s Commissioners, who share their lived experiences as a structured service offering, embody a novel approach to advocacy and public service. By framing personal narratives within a structured advocacy framework, CARM not only legitimizes these voices in the policy-making arena but also transforms personal stories into tools for systemic change. This model of using lived experience as a service offering is powerful for several reasons:
 

1. Authenticity and Credibility: When Commissioners share their experiences, they bring an authenticity that traditional advocacy often lacks. Their narratives can highlight nuances and systemic gaps that may not be visible in data or traditional research alone.
2. Empowerment Through Sharing Experieces: The act of sharing one’s story in a structured and impactful way can be empowering for the individual. It validates their experiences and positions them as experts in their own right.
3. Enhanced Public Services: As these stories inform public services, they lead to a more nuanced understanding of community needs. This can drive more effective and culturally responsive service design and delivery.
4. Influence on Policy: By engaging directly with stakeholders and policymakers, CARM’s work has the potential to influence broader policy changes. Their insights can guide the development of policies that are more equitable and just.
    

The impact of CARM is thus twofold: internally, it empowers individuals within ethnically diverse communities; externally, it educates and influences public institutions and policies. By supporting CARM, Capital City Partnership and other stakeholders are not only addressing current inequalities but also investing in a framework that allows for sustained advocacy and systemic change.