Power of Convening

Convening is both an art and a science: An art because it requires innovation and imagination.  A science because it must be well planned and well orchestrated.  Convening is not the same as conferencing, since convening is designed to resolve a problem or to reach consensus.  Convening offers the advantage of reaching “integrated” consensus allowing individuals or organizations to move beyond differences and reach mutual agreement.  Convening is most successful when it is initiated and managed by a “neutral” convener.  While a neutral convener has an interest in the process, it does not take responsibility for the outcome.  Stakeholders, who are the main participants in the process, have the responsibility for implementing any action.