convences

Convences is a term used in some discussions of deliberative democracy to describe structured gatherings and processes designed to bring together diverse stakeholders to deliberate and decide on policy or project outcomes.

The term is a neologism formed from convene and convergence, and it is not widely standardized. In some texts it is described as a specific form of convening where the aim is to converge perspectives into a workable decision.

Definition and scope: A convence typically refers to both the event design and the resulting outputs. It entails a defined agenda, inclusive invitations, neutral facilitation, time-bound rounds, rules for participation, and the documentation of decisions, commitments, or recommendations.

Structure and practices: Convences emphasize deliberate, participatory processes. Common features include equitable participation, structured deliberation, iterative feedback loops, transparent note-taking, and explicit decision rules such as consensus or limited voting.

Relation to other concepts: Convences are distinct from traditional conferences by prioritizing outcomes over information transfer and from simple town halls by applying formal facilitation and decision rules. They are somewhat related to deliberative polling and participatory budgeting.

Applications and examples: The term appears in discussions of municipal planning, neighborhood initiatives, and online civic platforms that seek to align diverse interests toward agreed-upon actions.

Criticisms: Critics warn that convences can replicate power imbalances, gatekeeping by facilitators, or tokenistic participation if not carefully designed and evaluated.

See also: convene, convening, deliberative democracy, participatory planning, consensus.