Does Reason Work?

Our goal is to determine whether it is possible to change anyone's heart on any topic using any tools (of good will) that the human mind can conceive

So we met once (2-7-2015). We decided (among 14 suggested topics) to study the question of the minimum wage. Rather than debating the subject, we decided first to find facts and information. Therefore, at our next meeting on March 7, each of us (who choose to participate in fact-finding) will present. Non-fact-finders (simply audience) are welcome!

Participating Fact-Finders will participate in a secret ballot vote for the most useful information presented during the meetup. The winner will receive a $25 Amazon.com gift card from the organizer!

Here's what we said about this activity last time:

In FOR's 17th year of existence, we find that with respect to matters about which we disagree (sometimes scientific, sometimes religious, sometimes philosophical, sometimes political) that we take two approaches: (1) avoid the controversial subject, or (2) leave the group and find another group that agrees with our opinion. We propose a third approach. Let's see if reason works. After all we are the Fellowship of Reason! So, we will have a meetup to identify some good, controversial topics and devise a plan to resolve our differences about the topic. After the first meeting, we will schedule several more monthly meetings, first, to gather relevant facts, and, second, to identify rational methods for resolving the question. Our goal is not political. FOR takes no political positions whatsoever. Our goal is to determine, as a practical matter, whether reason is effective among thinking adults. Are you in?