 As a matter of process, the Institute identifies subjects for consideration that we call Initiatives. Individuals are invited to serve as volunteers to examine an Initiative within the context of a workgroup referred to as a Symposium.
Usually attendees represent a diverse range of expertise and perspectives. Attendance at a specific Symposium is often limited to less than 30 individuals. Attendees serve as individuals and not as representatives of organizations or interest groups. Each is selected based upon his or her good judgment, experience and expertise and is asked to disclose any potential sources of bias or conflict of interest that might prejudice the work of the Institute. To this end, we request that all attendees identify any professional, consulting, financial or other connections or relationships that might adverse reflect on the integrity of the Institute and those engaged in this process.
 A Symposium usually occurs over a two-day period and may be continued for further deliberation if warranted by the Initiative. An internal Institute committee made up of the Directors and assigned staff of the Institute, a select group of ESD Board members and on occasion representatives of outside organizations frames the issues through a summary of the Initiative, facilitates the work of the Symposium and acts as a reporter for the Symposium.
A symposium usually begins in closed session in which each attendee provides an introductory statement of their backgrounds and experience. Our expectation is that attendees will learn from each other and grow during the process. Subgroups are sometimes formed with internal committee members divided into issue-specific groups to promote creativity and the frank and candid exchange of ideas to further the work of the Symposium. The goal is to achieve a level of trust and candor that results in a movement from conflicting or disparate views to unity, focus and choices that can be implemented for the betterment of society. For this reason, the work of a Symposium is confidential and may not be disclosed without the prior written approval of The Institute.
Often the work product of a Symposium takes the form of a published report that represents a novel synthesis of ideas from those participating in the Symposium. A report of the findings or recommendations of the Symposium may then be shared with the public in order to advance an understanding of potential solutions to problems relating to an Initiative. The InstituteÕs goal is to provide a meaningful and effective contribution geared to the application of new ideas that can then be considered and implemented by policy makers.
 While attendees should strive for consensus regarding a report, it is not a requirement nor should it be at the cost of weakening the analysis or conclusions reached during the Symposium. Accordingly, at times it may then be more valuable to explain the rationale behind areas of disagreement than to issue unanimous conclusions that are so limited they fail to contribute to a better understanding of the issues presented by an Initiative. At the conclusion of a Symposium, the names and affiliations of all participants are released upon publication of any report of the Symposium.
It is important to note that the role of the ESD Institute is to maintain the independence, objectivity and integrity of the process and not to advance a specific outcome or result. Any report is the collective work product of those attending the Symposium. Your contribution may be used by us without restriction or obligation. Individual submissions or contributions are generally not recognized. The Institute reserves the right to use and publish or not any deliberate idea, process, contribution or report as determined by its Board of Directors.
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