ERIC Number: EJ979990
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 9
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1052-2891
EISSN: N/A
Learning from the Grassroots: Exploring Democratic Adult Learning Opportunities Connected to Grassroots Organizations
Gouthro, Patricia A.
New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, n135 p51-59 Aut 2012
Grassroots organizations emerge when groups of people decide to work collectively to form an organization as a way to initiate change. Rather than seeking leadership from established government or corporate organizations or departments, the purpose of the organization, the framework for decision making, and the individuals involved in leadership usually come from within--from the grassroots. Grassroots organizations provide many important democratic learning opportunities for adults, including learning for social change, learning around governance, and learning for active citizenship. This chapter discusses a qualitative research study that involves case studies of six different grassroots organizations across Canada as well as interviews with several "key informants"--individuals in government and the civil society sector who can provide insights into the benefits and challenges of sustaining grassroots organizations. The chapter also draws upon related literature to develop a critical feminist analysis of the potential opportunities for learning connected to involvement with grassroots organizations for adult employees or volunteers.
Descriptors: Adult Education, Leadership, Foreign Countries, Qualitative Research, Social Change, Citizen Participation, Lifelong Learning, Democratic Values, Democracy, Educational Opportunities, Activism, Interviews
Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8598; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2429/WileyCDA
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A