ABSTRACT
This chapter describes some well-established models of large group events. They help people of different backgrounds to meet, exchange opinions and learn about each other, develop shared vision and coordinated action plans and build relationships. This helps them to develop themselves as a learning network or learning community. Whole-system events are exciting, dynamic events. Like street carnivals they provide interconnected ways for participants to be creative with others. In 1997, B. Bunker and B. Alban described large group interventions that helped businesses in the US to foster vision, energy and commitment in their employees. Future Search could be used to develop a community around a cluster of general practices and health centres. Open Space Technology can be used by a local health community to help organisations explore their potential contributions to a shared effort for care or health promotion. Real-time strategic change is often used to transform large organisations and could be adapted to transform whole systems of care.
