Nicholas Bruckman’s film Not Going Quietly exposes some of the gaps in today’s health care system. We see a group of advocates attempt to challenge elected officials and the status quo through the eyes of activist Ady Barkan. Viewers are given an often very intimate perspective on how health care policies impact the lives of all people and what it takes to fight for the changes that are necessary to meet the health care needs of so many Americans. At the same time, we are able to see the dignity, character and strength of a man when he receives a devastating diagnosis and witness the power of love between Ady and his equally strong and committed wife Rachel King and their son Carl, and daughter Willow.

This lesson will allow you and your students to learn about ALS as well as the broader health care delivery system of the United States. Students will see the impact that policies can have on the lives of millions of people and the seeming disconnect between those enacting the laws and the people whose lives are often destroyed by them. Your students will have the opportunity to consider how health care policies have impacted them, members of their families or others they care about. Students will have the opportunity to identify an issue they are passionate about and to formulate a plan, including something they can do today to address it.