Innovations in Community- based learning? Marjorie Mayo Centre for Lifelong Learning and Community Engagement, Goldsmiths, University of London

Some questions for discussion Rediscovering the relevance of community- based learning in the current policy context? Building upon previous knowledge, skills and experience? Or not? Re-inventing the (broken) wheel? Community-based learning – more needed than ever: building on innovations to address social cohesion & social solidarity? Innovations to develop in the current context?

Rediscovering the relevance of community-based learning? Tackling social exclusion & public services’ restructuring since 1997: user involvement & community participation in regeneration & development: the need for capacity-building Addressing the democratic deficit: (Active Learning for Active Citizenship ) Tackling community safety & social cohesion since 9/11 and 7/7

Building upon previous knowledge, skills and experience? Rediscovering the need for community development & community-based learning ALAC as an example of building upon previous knowledge, skills & experience In 7 ‘hubs’ specifically selected on the basis of existing good practice Based upon Freirian principles for participation & empowerment, for equalities & social justice agendas

ALAC: a CD approach Rooted in good practice in voluntary/community sectors Starting from participants’ own issues & learning priorities Moving from the ‘I’ to the ‘we’ of collective action Negotiated & delivered in dialogue with providers, accessibly with outreach & support In variety of modes & forms, with accreditation progression routes available

The Learning Framework developed by ALAC/ Take Part: ‘A flexible approach to personal & community development’ ‘Through experiential learning in group settings’ ‘Shaped by values of participation, co- operation, social justice & equality with diversity’

‘These values require the work to be’ ‘Community-based, learner-centred & developed through active and reflective learning’ Enabling people ‘to gain understanding of how power works and how they can learn to influence decisions and policies’ ( Innovatory?)

Or not? Re-inventing the (broken) wheel? What next? Parachuting in project after project? What about sustainability? But will Government pay for community- based learning in the context of Leitch? What about local/ regional government funding? What about LSC funding? What about HE funding?

More needed than ever? Examples of ALAC innovations that are more than ever needed include: Community-based learning to address issues of conflict resolution within and between communities Community-based learning to promote understanding of newcomers including refugees and asylum seekers And to challenge racism & xenophobia Promoting social solidarity

From the ‘I’ to the ‘we’ locally & more widely

Innovations to develop in the current context? Promoting social cohesion in UK through engaging in global social advocacy/ social movements: the example of the Global Campaign for Education: sharing understanding of what needs to be done Employment, health, the environment…which issues might need wider critical understanding in the context of globalisation? Active learning for active global citizenship