A que vieram as conferências nacionais? Uma análise dos objetivos dos processos realizados entre 2003 e 2010

Based on documentary research, this paper presents a characterization of national conferences held during President Lula's government and analyzes their purposes. It argues that besides the goal of proposing public policies, the Conferences also aim to include themes in the public agenda, to evaluate issues and to increase participation. The paper contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the nature of participatory processes, strengthening the need for a multidimensional approach for evaluating the effectiveness of participatory institutions.