Lobby for Learning
Friday, 26 February 2010
About
In a time of cutbacks, a public sector recruitment embargo and a severely under resourced adult
education service, AONTAS is encouraging adult and community education groups nationwide to
lobby local and national politicians for a better resourced adult and community education sector.
AONTAS will host a policy focused event to mark the end of the Adult Learners' Festival 2010.
Event & Activity Ideas
I'm a Politician, Get Me Outta Here!
A key aim of the Adult Learners' Festival 2010 is to keep adult learning on the political agenda. Why
not, invite local politicians to take part in a panel discussion, question and answer session or to meet
learners face to face to listen to their concerns.
Lobby Online
Hold a 'Learn to E-mail' session. Particpants can set up an e-mail address and learn how to use
e-mail. For Lobby for Learning Day why not encourage particpants to e-mail local politicans with
their concerns about the adult and community education sector?
Lobby for Learning Petition
Have there been severe cut backs in your organisation? Are you trying to do more with less resources?
Let politicans and decision makers know! Decide on three key changes that need to be made to
ensure that the adult and community sector in your area. Ask learners and members of the public to
sign your petition. Why not hold an event and present the petition to your local politicans.
Get to Know Your Local Politicans!
Can you name all your local politicans? Would you recognise them? Why not, put up photos of your
local politicans up in the centre along with their party and contact details and encourage staff and
learners to view the board. You can combine this with a lobbying skills workshop!
Quick Fixes
- Hold a workshop on job seeking skills in partnership with local organisations
- 'Meet the Tutors' Set up an information stand in your local shopping centre or canteen to attract potential adult learners
- Include a crossword or information on learning opportunities with staff payslips
- Organise a taster class or demonstration for potential learners
- Behind the scenes....at the museum / at the university / at the library / at the art gallery
- Launch adult learning research or statistics
- E-mail your local and national politicians about your concerns for the adult learning sector
Useful Organisations
- Oireachtas (www.oireachtas.ie)
AONTAS Can Help!
We understand that it's often difficult to find the time to hold an event or run an activity so AONTAS have put a number of resources in place to make it as easy as possible for your organisation to become involved in the Adult Learners' Festival 2010.
- An Event in a Bag jampacked with everything you need to promote your event
- A local contact in each area to share their knowledge and experience
- Activity and Event ideas on www.adultlearnersfestival.com
- Calendar of Events at www.adultlearnersfestival.com
- AONTAS staff on hand for any guidance and assitance you might need
Don't have the time to organise an event or activity from scratch? You can still be part of the
Adult Learners' Festival by scheduling an existing event during the festival week.
