This paper presents the concept of the town hall meeting and discusses how it can be used as a forum for those who have been touched by cancer. It can be a platform for people to express their views about cancer, not only in the community but also nationally.
Empowerment is the hallmark of a town hall meeting.
Those who are in leadership positions in health care and elected officials and community leaders are given the opportunity to hear the opinions of people who represent a broad-based constituency of individuals affected by cancer. The first town hall meeting was held in 1994 in conjunction with the NCCS annual assembly. Cancer survivors have, by and large, been responsible for garnering the necessary support for conducting a town hall in their local area. Attendees at the meetings included not only cancer survivors and their families, but also healthcare professionals, local and state legislators, community leaders and the media. Results of the 1998 town hall meetings are discussed and compared with the topics identified during the meetings held in 1994-1996.