Dedication to Challenging the Audience. We want an audience who wants to know about the latest developments in the field, the controversial topics, areas where they can be challenged intellectually as well as professionally to change and grow. We do not focus on providing "basic training" for practitioners.

Dedication to "top of the line", "emerging" ideas and thinkers in our field. We have tried to make the ideas the most crucial part of what we do. Our own intellectual and professional stimulation and interest have been our best barometer of the quality of what we do. We want innovative and creative views which may cut across disciplines.

Unique, creative formats for the delivery of ideas. In addition to the debates, a wide range of creative formats have been attempted. In addition to formal debates, these included a set of conversations with historical figures (George Orwell in 1984; later interviews with Sigmund Freud, Carl Rogers, Voltaire and Virginia Wolf; a courtroom drama which addressed the issue of educational malpractice where the audience served as jury; a Phil Donahue talk show interview format; joint two-person keynote talks with media presentation; etc.).

Interaction and Networking. A third goal was to permit people to interact and get to know each other- to build professional contacts, and collegiality across roles and disciplines. This has occurred both in the diverse programs offered, as well as the organized social activities held at the Symposium and in the informal networking which has occurred throughout its history.