Declaration conferencing

Declarations that are intended to collect and focus the ideas and consensus of the participants, are the end products of many conferences. These are carefully worded, (in advance, during or after the conference) by a small committee using actual or anticipated input from all those present.[Advantages]

A visible product to mark the event and to publicize the views arrived at. A device that focuses the creativity of the conference and gives a sense of purpose. The participants tend to "own" the declaration and it gives fuel to their enthusiasm and missionary zeal after the conference is over.

[Disadvantages]

The preparation and discussion of such a document tends to consume considerable time. Little is heard of the declaration after the event and it seldom provides the platform for the collective action originally intended. The same is true for the written report or audio-visual record of such events. They seldom have the same power for others as they have for those who participated in their creation.