Personal – Relational – Civic
Actions that strengthen ourselves and each other, grow our movement, and enrich our lives.
Grassroots action is not only about legislation. It begins in our own lives, grows through our relationships, and extends into our communities. That is how we widen the circle — and that’s what it takes to make change happen.
As we work to improve end-of-life policy in New Hampshire, we also encourage thoughtful action in our own lives. Some people begin by preparing personally. Others are ready to engage publicly. Both forms of participation strengthen our communities — and both matter.
Whether you begin by completing your own planning documents, supporting someone you love, or helping build a coalition for policy change, your participation strengthens this movement.
Personal:
Lead change by clarifying your own wishes
Clear communication and planning bring confidence and peace of mind.
You can:
- Complete an Advance Directive Advance Directives
- Learn About Directives for Special Circumstances Directives for Special Situations
- Choose and talk with your Health Care Agent HealthCare Proxy Support
- Learn about POLST if you have serious illness POLST/Do Not Resuscitate
- Understand hospice and palliative care options Palliative Care; Hospice
- Learn about other end-of-life options Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED); Stopping Unwanted Medical Treatment;
- Clarify your own values and talk openly with your family about what matters most to you.
👉 Download NH Advanced Care Planning Guide.pdf
👉 Download The Conversation Project’s Your Conversation Starter Guide.pdf
These steps may reduce uncertainty and help ensure that wishes are understood long before any crisis or emergency.
Relational:
Start the conversation
Many people don’t need to make immediate decisions — but they do need someone willing to listen.
You can:
- Ask your parents, partner, or friends what matters most to them. What would they want? Have they thought about it? Are they willing to talk with you about your questions and thoughts? Learn more here.
- Urge them to start the Conversation Guide.
- Offer to serve as a health care agent or proxy. Learn more here.
- Organize or join a book group discussion (see our recommended reading list).
- Attend or host a community conversation such as a Death Café or Death Over Drinks, or the Pre-Dead Social Club’s gatherings in the Seacoast area. Watch a charming PBS video here.
These simple acts create space for honesty and clarity. They help reduce fear and strengthen trust. Conversations are a powerful step toward ensuring that when need for decisions do arise, they are guided by understanding rather than crisis.
Civic:
Be Part of the Movement
In New Hampshire, meaningful change happens when informed residents prepare thoughtfully, talk openly, and advocate respectfully and strategically. Change happens because ordinary people step forward.
You can:
- Join the Movement mailing list at the bottom of this page
- Tell us how you feel most called to help. (Story, hosting conversations, policy, skills, conversation partner, etc.) Find Your Way to Take Part
- Your story may help change hearts and minds. Tell Your Story
- Follow us on Facebook
- Contact your state legislators and/or candidates
- Stay informed about upcoming bills
- We’ll follow up with next steps and support — you won’t be left wondering what to do next.
Join the Circle
This movement grows one relationship at a time. It grows when someone invites us to speak at a public library, senior center, retirement community, or faith gathering. It grows when a family begins a conversation, when a story is shared, and when a constituent reaches out to a policy maker.
As we prepare for legislation in 2027, we are focused on expanding understanding and building a broad, compassionate coalition across New Hampshire. That preparation begins now — through education, conversation, and steady community engagement.
You don’t have to do everything. You can simply begin. Find Your Way to Take Part.
However you choose to participate — privately, relationally, or publicly — we welcome you in helping shape a more informed and thoughtful approach to end-of-life options in our state!