What is the Conversation Project?

The Conversation Project is dedicated to helping people talk about their wishes for end-of-life care. TCP began in 2010, when Ellen Goodman and a group of colleagues and concerned media, clergy, and medical professionals gathered to share stories of “good deaths” and “bad deaths” within their own circle of loved ones.  They realized that too many people are dying in a way they wouldn’t choose, and too many of their loved ones are left feeling bereaved, guilty, and uncertain.  They came together, forming the Conversation Project with the aim of transforming our culture so we shift from not talking about dying to talking about it. It’s time to share the way we want to live at the end of our lives. And it’s time to communicate about the kind of care we want and don’t want for ourselves.

We believe that the place for this to begin is at the kitchen table—not in the intensive care unit—with the people we love, before it’s too late.

Together we can make these difficult conversations easier. We can make sure that our own wishes and those of our loved ones are expressed and respected.

106 is the second consecutive year, that the Conversation Project is hosting a Conversation Sabbath! A week of sharing this message across the faith community of the US.  Conversation Sabbath will take place November 11 through November 20. Over 50 congregations have already committed to take part, and all religious faiths are welcome.  CAPC Oakland is one of those participating congregations.

What's happening with the Conversation Project @ CAPC Oakland?

At College Avenue Presbyterian Church we’re hosing two conversation times: a   Community Forum on Wednesday, Nov 9th at 7:30pm, and in worship on Sunday, Nov 13th at 10:30am 

Talking about dying isn't easy, but it's vitally important. 90% of people say that talking with their loved ones about end of life care is important.  Yet only 27% have actually done so.  We’ll talk this day about life and death, and how to talk about both and how you want to live them with your loved ones.

In our meeting times we’ll talk about identifying and choosing a Healthcare Agent, Advance Health Care Directives (and how they differ from Durable powers of Attorney); Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Assistance (POLST) and how to talk with your doctor about your desires.  We’ll distribute and work through the Conversation Starter Kits, which you can also find, download and even fill out online at theconversationproject.org/starter-kit/intro