The [him] moderator has received this comment from a reader in response to yesterday's posting on the ASEAN Declaration. Barbara and the [him] moderator don't agree but other's thoughts are always welcome.
The ten year old declaration is attached.
[him] moderator
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This is a pretty cynical statement, my friend! As the communication consultant who was present while the ASEAN Task Force on AIDS (ATFOA) hammered out this Declaration over numerous meetings this year, I disagree. I saw the effort the ATFOA members (all HIV specialists in their own countries) put into finding the exact wording that could be accepted by the political leaders in their highly diverse nations, as ASEAN works towards its stated goal of regional unity. I saw how hard they had to advocate to ensure that this revised, updated Declaration would make it onto the ASEAN Summit Agenda for this year (by no means a foregone conclusion.) I do not agree that their work has no value.
Everyone recognizes the limits of policy documents. Policy documents are not programs; they don't have the measurable impact of programs, so it is easy for those working at the program level to say they are worthless. But this does not represent a very fine analysis of the process of change. Policy documents work on the level of the discourse. They capture a common vision, they mandate language that influences the acceptable ways of talking about problems. They work towards a future goal, set agendas that give ammunition to technical bodies and community groups as they try to shape national programs; they strengthen bonds between like-minded groups across national boundaries. They can affect funding decisions, leading for example to the establishment of forums where people meet and talk and ideas can continue to grow. Their effects are subtle, but not meaningless.
ATFOA has a vision for HIV in the region, and this Declaration is an attempt to solidify it. Because it does not yet correlate with the daily work of HIV programs does not mean it is unworthy of celebration. Change happens on many levels. We do not help each other when we are dismissive of the efforts of colleagues working on a level different from our own.
Sincerely,
Barbara
Barbara A.K. Franklin, PhD
All One Communication
33 Soi 3, Chiang Mai Lamphun Road
Chiang Mai, Thailand
+6681-830-4281
www.allonecommunication.com
