title: An integrated large- and small-group approach for conducting meetings that lead to social action.
abstract: Large meetings and small-group sessions each have advantages and deficiencies in dealing with social issues. The goals of conveying information, effectively changing attitudes, and encouraging action are often best achieved by integrating small-group sessions within the context of a large meeting. An approach involving three phases for a 2-hour meeting is described: (1) and initial plenary of all participants; (2) small-group sessions conducted by previously trained group facilitators drawn from the host organization; (3) a concluding plenary session centering around brief reports from the small groups. The application of some concepts of positive mental health, contracting, and empowerment to facilitate social action are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New Rochelle, NY, USA.
authors.forename: H B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Peck
mesh_terms: D006126:Group Processes; D006127:Group Structure; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D011640:Public Policy