by Ari A. Matusiak

The health care reform debate has to be about all of us.  It is time for young Americans to add our voice and energy to the conversation.  But some of you have told us that you don’t know how to be heard above the town hall criers.  We’re here to help.  Here are five things you need to know.

(1)  Go to your nearest town hall.  But don’t go it alone.  Bring some friends and get there early.  Wear the same color t-shirt and hold up the same sign so you can be noticed.  Members of Congress need to notice you and your support for reform now, before they head back to Washington.

(2) Be prepared.  We have all the facts on how this health care crisis is our crisis prepared for you.  We even pulled together a top ten list for your easy reference.  Study these.

(3) Tell your story.  Every one of us has a connection to this health care crisis.  Maybe you’ve had a particularly difficult experience.  Maybe you’re anxious about what might happen if your circumstances change.  Maybe you realize that you’re one of the lucky ones.  Whatever your story is, share it.  It’s the personal perspective that connects.

(4) Be civil.  The town hall criers aren’t there to deal in facts.  They’re there to disrupt the conversation.  Don’t take the bait, stay civil, and stay off of the cable news.

(5) Remind people that no one is invincible without health care.  Sure, reform is hard.  But the alternative, an America where tens of millions live without coverage and tens of millions more are at risk of losing what little coverage they do have, is not acceptable.  The time for reform is now.

Now go on and get out there.  And send us pictures.  We need better ones to show on our blog than that guy up there.