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VALUE’s 2001 Leadership Institute
Is a Success!
(Posted July, 2001)

VALUE’s Adult Learner Leadership Institute was a success! The Institute was held on July 19-21, 2001 in Columbus, Ohio. The Ohio Literacy Network and other groups in Ohio helped VALUE to organize this event.

Here are some highlights:

  • 107 adult learners attended.
  • 33 other people (mostly adult education professionals) also came.
  • 34 states were represented.
  • There were more than twenty workshops and other sessions.
  • Participants developed knowledge and skills needed by learner leaders. They learned about:

    . . . How to conduct a student orientation.

    . . . Fundraising.

    . . . Using computers and the Internet.

    . . . Being an advocate.

    . . . Starting a statewide organization for adult learners.

    . . . Educating those who work with children.

    . . . Public speaking.

    . . . Family and health issues which learner leaders face.

    . . . Training others to become leaders.

    . . . How the national "Equipped for the Future" model supports the idea of "learner leadership."

    • . . .How national organizations might support adult learner leadership.

  • We heard from speakers about the need for learners to advocate for adult education:

    . . . Dr. Tom Sticht said learners need to educate policy makers about the value of adult education. Adult education is important for our country but doesn’t receive the funding it needs. Adult learners work and pay taxes and should have a voice when adult education policy is set.

    • . . . Ohio State Representative Ray Miller urged adult learners to be part of a movement for social justice in their communities and in the nation. Adult learners need to have "passion" for adult education and be willing to "offend someone sometime" if necessary. We should not tolerate lack of educational opportunities. We need to develop a plan of action. We shouldn’t be afraid to speak up; we need to give voice to those who can’t speak for themselves.

  • In addition to going to workshops and hearing speeches, participants had fun (especially at the Friday night dance!!) and made new friends from all over the country.
  • VALUE’s board hopes that all participants will now (a) apply for a new two-year membership, (b) stay involved in VALUE (by joining a VALUE committee), and (c) stay active as learner leaders in their communities and states.

For more information, contact VALUE’s Executive Director, Marty Finsterbusch, at VALUE’s office (2217 Providence Avenue, Chester, PA 19013, 610-876-4811, finstertm@netscape.net.)

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Revised 7/25/01