Public Impacts: Evaluating the outcomes of the CaliforniaSpeaks statewide conversation health care reform

Three independent studies evaluated the impact of the CaliforniaSpeaks statewide conversation on participants, the policy making process, and policy makers themselves.

Participants: When surveyed CaliforniaSpeaks participants showed significant shifts in their attitudes towards government compared to that of a control group. As a result of their participation, they had a greater belief in their own ability to be heard and make a difference. CaliforniaSpeaks participants were also significantly more likely to take political action on health care – an amazing 40% of participants reported contacting a public official following CaliforniaSpeaks compared with 12% of those who did not attend.

Policymakers: CaliforniaSpeaks was hailed as a successful event that brought in fresh public perspectives and generated a sense of urgency for bi-partisan change. Policymakers pointed to key elements that helped build momentum, like the size of the convening, the diversity of the participants, and the use of technology to enable Californians around the state to “participate in a direct way” and to see the immediate results.

Policy Outcomes: Many of the public priorities identified during CaliforniaSpeaks were incorporated into the “compromise bill” that passed the state assembly.

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