Speaking, Not Shouting: A Community Conversation About Health Care Reform
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
AE England Building in downtown Phoenix
Speaking, Not Shouting: A Community Conversation About Health Care Reform was a huge success attended by over 130 people. There was no shouting, no rude behavior. The goal of this event was to aid public understanding of the health care issue presently being debated in Congress and more importantly to demonstrate how an issue such as health care reform can be discussed in a civil and respectful way. Participants were engaged in a town hall discussion that captured opinions from a diverse spectrum of citizens around key questions that underlie health care reform.
This event taught us that it is possible to bring people together with divergent views, and come away with greater and deeper understanding of those differences, and respect for those who disagree with us.
Comments from participates included:
- "One of the most amazing venues I've ever attended. I can hardly wait for the next one!"
- "This is what we used to do as a nation. We need to get back to this as a practice."
- "This didn't change my mind, but it broadened my perspective. I hold a better defined opinion now."
- "I have a greater appreciation for the diversity of opinions on health care reform."
Featured Speakers
James G. Hodge, Jr., Lincoln Professor of Health Law and Ethics of the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University and Kim VanPelt, Associate Director of St. Luke's Health Initiatives opened the evening with informational presentations on the cost of health care and current status of congressional legislative proposals.
View the Presentations
- Kim VanPelt - What Drives US Health Care Costs?
- Professor James G. Hodge, Jr. - National Health Care Reform
The Conversation
Attendees were randomly assigned to a group of 8-10 people at a table. A facilitator led a guided discussion at each table encouraging everyone to participate voicing their viewpoints. Discussion topics included: access to basic health care services, managing health issues and controlling costs, and the role of government in regulating health care costs. Comments and results of the round table discussions were recorded and compiled into a comprehensive report.
Congressional Support
Congressional Representatives Trent Franks, Gabrielle Giffords, Ann Kirkpatrick, Harry Mitchell, and John Shadegg sent letters of support for this town hall event.
Photos
Click Here for the Photo Gallery
Learn More
Health Care Reform Resources
Alliance of Community Health Plans
Coping with the Cost of Health Care: How do We Pay for What We Need?
The Lewin Group study funded by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation
National Center for Policy Analysis
United States Department of Health and Human Services
Presenting Partners
This event is presented by Project Civil Discourse and the following Arizona organizations, all dedicated to creating a respectful dialogue and discourse on public issues.
Arizona Association for Conflict Resolution
Arizona Association of Facilitators
Arizona Chapter of the American Jewish Committee
Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education
Arizona School Board Association
Arizona State University College of Public Programs
Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, Lodestar Dispute Resolution Program
International Association for Public Participation
Maricopa Community Colleges Center for Civic Participation
