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More Than Talk!

We're in the midst of a debate among experts and advocates about how to reform U.S. health care. These dialogues, on the other hand, are designed to bring the general public into a different kind of conversation.

While the health reform debate has yielded some “wins,” -- e.g., a new program for low-income children and prescription benefits for seniors -- it has not resulted in comprehensive, systemic reform.

For that to happen we must take “a step back” to search for common ground. Our communities need to address, through dialogue, these basic questions:

  • What is the purpose of health care?
  • What priorities should be reflected in our healthcare future?

Without some agreement on these fundamental issues, arguments about how best to fix things will continue. And, in the end, those with the most political and financial clout will prevail.

Experts have proposed multiple ways to improve U.S. health care. There is no shortage of detailed health reform strategies. What we lack is a common understanding about

  • what's important in any healthcare future
  • and the hard choices that have to be made.

The debate is stalemated, in part, because we focus almost exclusively on how to fix the current system instead of what values should drive a transformed health system. Gridlock will continue unless we can find a way to bring together a cross-section of our communities to talk about how a good community shapes its healthcare future.

These dialogues extend the current conversation to the general public. Their design fosters deep listening and respect for the viewpoints of others, moving the conversation away from debate and toward consensus.

Our pilots have demonstrated that these day-long dialogues are powerful.

  • They have forged bonds among people with significantly different perspectives.
  • They have inspired hope in the power of citizen engagement.
  • They have generated energy for effecting major change.

These dialogues are not just “more talk.” They are gatherings that build relationships, discover common values, and create community. We are convinced that a critical mass of communities engaged in dialogue will help create an unstoppable momentum toward a fair and sustainable healthcare future.

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