A focus on adult learning has been quietly driving an increase in local activism among those who traditionally have had the least "voice". It is precisely this kind of grassroots activity that will enable the vision of local democracy and the Big Society to be implemented. In this article, the author hopes to show how a focus on adult…

Colvin Adult Learning Center (CALC) is a learning center where adults from different cultures, age groups, and different countries come together to address their educational weaknesses in order to work towards their life goals. It enjoys an excellent reputation in the community due to its history of providing quality instruction and assistance in…

The document serves two purposes: to describe the planning process, staffing, materials, organization, and results of the Austin (Texas) Learning Center-Library Pilot Project; and to provide guidance to those who wish to develop similar programs and adult learning centers in their communities. The report describes the Austin experience, together…

In a community center, older adults developed and presented dramatic sketches illustrating quality of life issues such as health, employment, money, family life, leisure, and aging. The development process enabled group members to put their life experiences in a wider perspective and the presentation served as a tool to open discussion in the…

The London Irish Centre is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Set up as a refuge for new immigrants, the centre's focus has changed, as has its client base. Increasingly, as younger members of the London Irish community move away, the centre's work has focused on the learning and support needs of an ageing community. The older generation are coming…

Influencing government policy in adult learning areas requires consistent efforts in having findings noticed by educational policymakers. Submissions by Adult Learning Australia and researchers have called for unified educational policies and practices across Australia. This paper argues that, whilst it is important to address macro issues of…

Because the circumstances and problems of the urban American Indian are unique and are not being met by public education and service agencies, urban Indians across the nation have joined together within their communities and taken steps to help address their special social, educational, cultural, economic, and political needs. The establishment of…

The availability and nature of open learning materials and centers in Great Britain were examined in a study that focused on the following: the open learning market; learning materials; commercial suppliers; basic skills materials; information technology materials; online learning; information technology and tutors; qualifications; prices;…