Here’s an invitation from NCDD member Alexander Moll, to a “Health Care Reform Public Discussion” on Monday, August 24 at 6:00pm at Busboys and Poets in Washington, DC. This deliberative event is sponsored by National Issues Forums and the Kettering Foundation. Alex posted the event to NCDD’s Facebook group, so you can sign up to attend there, or email Alex at .

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The U.S. Congress and the President have been in daily debates about health care reform. The Washington daily newspapers continually describe an unfolding drama with the clock ticking for the President to deliver the promise of health care reform. Congress will vote in September, but before they do, citizens across the country have a duty to inform their representatives of any overlooked provisions or concerns. On August 24th, DC, MD, and VA residents in roundtable discussions will now have an opportunity to do just that.

Together, we will build upon the previous forum viewpoints from DC and across the country and view the policy details being proposed from legislators, discuss options for national health care reform and make policy recommendations. More importantly, however, participants will have an opportunity to become more informed by their peers and experts in listening mode. Rather than about persuasion or advocacy, the purpose of the discussion is educational: Participants will walk away with a greater understanding of this complex issue, equipped with accurate information by which to engage their representatives.

Regardless if you participated previously, you are invited to participate in an upcoming forum sponsored by National Issues Forums and the Kettering Foundation that gives everyone a chance to make their voice heard about national health care reform.

Residents’ anonymous viewpoints will be compiled into a report, which will be available to the community. A copy of the report will also be sent to the Kettering Foundation. The Foundation will then integrate participants’ ideas with those of the people from across the country in a final report, which will be presented to federal public policy makers.

The forum organizer, Alexander Moll, is a resident of Washington, DC and a professional town meeting organizer for a number of DC nonprofit organizations. He’ll be joined by Bill Corbett, a seasoned professional facilitator of the Center for Voter Deliberation of Northern Virginia.

Monday, August 24th at Busboys and Poets (14th and V Street, NW) from 6:30pm-9:00pm, we will continue a series of small forums. This forum is free and open to the public. Refreshments are available from Busboys at 6pm. No specific expertise is required, only curiosity.

All pre-registered participants will be given in advance of the forum an impartial issue guide, Coping With the Cost of Health Care: How Do We Pay for What We Need?