The scheme which has been set up by Easyfundraising allows charities and community organisations to advertise their local volunteering opportunities on a website called 'Take the leap'. The website is easy to use and visitors wanting to offer time and help as a volunteer can find local opportunties, searching by postcode.

Over 140 causes have registered on the website, in search of 3000 volunteers to help with all kinds of tasks and projects - from environmental and animal charities to local churches and hostels.

One of the largest charities to use leapday as a cause for celebration of volunteering is the National Trust. They're giving their 5000 employees the day off from work, in order that they can volunteer in their local communities.

To see what volunteering opportunities are available in your local area visit the Leapday Take the Leap website.

WEA tutor Dr Paul Olver (Pictured) has co-authored the latest edition of a classic book on Geology. ‘An Introduction to Geological Structures and Maps’ has long been the textbook introducing A-level and first year undergraduate students to Geology.

The original version was authored by George Bennison and Keith Moseley. Paul Olver first came across the book when doing A-Level, then later when he went to study at the University of Birmingham his tutor was none other than George Bennison. While still a student at Birmingham, Paul signed up to teach a WEA course in Geology with little idea of what was involved. Having only experienced lectures himself, he proceeded to lecture his WEA students but then as the numbers dwindled, the remaining students took him to the pub to put him right on how to teach adults: plenty of interaction, handling of fossils, and practical involvement.

The second term was a great success, and Paul is now one of the West Midlands Region’s most popular tutors, teaching many courses both on geology and astronomy. Paul also went on to complete a doctorate on volcanoes.

‘An Introduction to Geological Structures and Maps’ is published by Hodder and Stoughton (ISBN 978-1-444-11212-2).

The WEA is one of the largest providers of History courses in the adult and community learning sector, having attained 81% of all the History course enrolments in England during 2010-11 in the sector.

The family history show at the Olympia, takes place every year, organised by the Society of Genealogists and provides expert advice on researching your family tree; displays historical collections and archive materials from different sources; provides the opportunity to find out what relevant family history courses, activities, and services are available from a wide variety of organisations who will also be exhibitors - all under one roof! There will also be a the chance to see celebrities from the Who Do You Think You Are? the television series, who will talk about their experiences and their journey to unconver their ancestors.

See how you can unravel your family history join us at the event, which will take place from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th February at the Olympia London. For further information go to their website at: www.whodoyouthinkyouarelive.com

Click here to see some of the work produced so far from the Community Mosaic Project. One of the Mosaic pieces is pictured below.

Catherine taught for the WEA in Leeds and Hull during the time of the First World War, and later taught trade union courses in particular, which is how she came to meet Fred. Throughout the 60s, at the height of the Cold War, they led trips to East Germany and Russia to study literature, language, culture, history and politics. Her life - and this work in particular - inspired a short biography entitled Towards International Understanding.

A new survey looks at how mobile phones and the internet help immigrants to the UK and Europe stay closer to their families and within their communities. 

The research project which is funded by the European Commission, is asking members of immigrant communities to the UK and Europe to take part, in order to learn how the Internet and mobile phones are helping indiviudals and communities to have a better life. The goal is to reach 5,400 people in eight European countries including the UK.

The study has been put together by a group of researchers at Spain's equivalent of the Open University. It is the first large-scale survey to better understand how immigrant communities in the European Union use information and communication technologies in their everyday lives. The results of the survey will be used to inform policies that will support the integration of immigrants and new communities to the European Union.

The survey  is anonymous and takes about 15 minutes to complete. The research team, called ConnectIEM, are offering an incentive for participants - a chance of 15 minutes free phone time to one out of every ten survey respondants. If you're interested in helping the research effort you can complete the survey here.

Donna says: “After I took early retirement I knew I wanted to do something creative. Since attending the WEA creative writing course I have been inspired both by Liz's constructive criticism and the support of other members of the group. Since joining the class I have written 45 poems, which is amazing, and was inspired to self-publish my book ‘Blue Devils’. I have been inundated with emails from people who want to read it, and who have had experiences of mental illness within their families.” 

During the interview at BBC Radio Sheffield, where Donna mentioned she attends WEA Creative Writing classes she says “Listen folks get yourself on those courses, there absolutely fantastic. If you’re unwaged its three pounds, worth every single penny we are very supportive of each other and just have such a laugh, some of the things we write are so funny”.

She finds that the WEA course is a fantastic learning and social opportunity and has enrolled with tutor Liz Cashden for second term of creative writing classes. 

Donna says “The WEA course is more than a class. We laugh, write, read our writings and bring food.  I have developed wonderful friendships and we go to as many of the open mic events as we can to read our own work and listen to other writers; as well as entering competitions. My poem ‘My Father’ was in the local ‘Now Then’ magazine and I sent one of my poems to Michael Glover, from Bow Wow Shop. This is an international poetry forum and the poem is going to be published in the summer.  I am so excited about the potential for further writing and publishing, and am now working on a poetry book which will be called ‘Silent Wisdom’.  

Without the local WEA none of this would have happened.”

Donna Jones was awarded an MBE for her 31 years of dedication working with young people in the Sheffield youth service.

Donna is also involved in a project called “Do One” where she is giving away 365 of her genuine artworks, one for each day of the year. She is using her passion for art to compose a painting each day and drive off in her graffiti car (pictured) to share her artwork with others. She told The Star “I believe everyone should have access to original artwork. I want other people to do one and pass it on and cheer up Sheffield.”

To read an article in the Sheffield Star newspaper about Donna Jones and her past experiences, which have shaped her achievements in helping young people, click here.

The project Health Maintenance for Men will promote lifestyle changes through education and fitness programmes designed for men whose working patterns and lifestyle habits pose serious health risks. Using a car maintenance analogy, the project will work mainly with taxi drivers to develop health improvement programmes that can fit around busy work schedules.

The project will also address wider community health issues through a peer education approach using social networks to inspire healthy lifestyle changes.

To find out more about projects happening in the West Midlands region go to: www.westmidlands.wea.org.uk/educational-projects

Congratulations to Joanna Hinton, who has achieved her NVQ Level 3 Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Customer Service, in her role as Administrator in the WEA office in Lincoln. Joanna is pictured receiving her certificate from Patrick Holland from JHP Training.

Joanna has been working for the WEA since November 2008 and gained her Advanced Level Apprenticeship and NVQ in June 2011. Joanna came about JHP Training while assisting at a WEA stand in Lincoln City Hall with Tutor Organiser, Carol Chambers, during Adult Learners' Week 2010. They discovered that the training would be free for Joanna because she worked more than 16 hours a week. Patrick, the training assessor from JHP, visited the WEA office in Lincoln and they arranged a series of Key Skills Units that related to her work for the WEA, such as customer service skills, organising a reliable customer service, and promoting services to customers. Joanna completed a folder of written evidence of tasks and Patrick made regular observations and interviewed assessments.
 
Joanna says the course has helped her to feel more confident in dealing with customers in her role as an Administrator, developing office systems and giving advice and guidance. She said "I think its about going that extra mile, making it more personal when learners make enquiries. It's good to have some recognition for things I do every day - I hadn't realised how much of my work was already related to customer service and that each one of these small things can really make a difference".

The charity is having a Short Story competition, which will be judged by award winning novelist Patricia Ferguson. The first prize winner will receive £500, second prize will be £200 and third prize £100. It costs only £7 to submit your short story and all the fees from entrants will go towards the charity's work.

Closing date for entries is 1st February 2012.

For more details about the competition visit the charity's website at:
www.homestart-bridgwater.org.uk/short-story-prize-2012

Elizabeth’s course, Writing London runs until the 28th March 2012 and you can join for the second term starting 18th January 2012 (course code: C2415616).
The fee for the second term is only £87.50

Please call 0207 4261 977 or contact Rowenna rmortimer@wea.org.uk to book a place. The course now runs for 2.5 hours per session.

“It is a few miles from the UK to Qatar (about 3,400 miles), but I recently travelled that distance and met up again with a student of mine who is very grateful she went back to learning with the WEA.  Shamima Seedat joined my literacy class in early 2011 in Batley.  She was very disappointed when she feared that she may miss her level 1 exam, as the family were about to move out to Qatar, the Gulf state which will host the World Cup in 2022.  Luckily, she took the exam during her last week in the country and was successful. 

When I was travelling to visit a family member, I couldn’t resist meeting up with her again.  In her lovely apartment, over a great dinner, Shamima expressed her belief that the certificate she had taken had helped her a great deal.  It had enabled her to find work in a local nursery and she hopes to continue with her education in the future.  It was good to know that the WEA had helped her to take that step and give her confidence.  I hope that if she ever decides to swap the 40 degree heat out there for the drizzle over here she would rejoin my class.  However I think she prefers it there for now!”

Doha, Qatar.

The deadline for submitting your nomination online is 5pm on Friday 27 January 2012.

The Adult Learners' Week is also an opportunity to showcase all kinds of learning. Individuals and groups across the country set up events during that week to get more people involved in adult learning. Whether its a workshop, taster session or other learning activities the week brings together adults from all backgrounds and abilities to celebrate the value of learning. To get guidance on setting up your own event during Adult Learners Week 2012 go to: www.alw.org.uk/hold-event

All you need to do is register your details on the website and specify who you would like to support. Then each time you’re going to shop online you simply need to log in to Easy Fundraising and then select the retailer that you’d like to purchase from and purchase as you normally would.

The project has already drawn hundreds of Stoke residents into exercise for the first time. Many come through referrals from the NHS or attend courses because they want to exercise but find gyms hard to access for a variety of reasons. Over the years, participants have learned about a variety of healthy lifestyle topics such as how to recognise symptoms of diabetes and stroke and cut down on ‘hidden’ sugars. Many have ventured into other areas such as making films, using the internet for the first time or lobbying their MPs on issues of importance.

The next phase of the project has been designed through extensive consultation with groups and will build on the first three years to have a much wider impact on the city’s health and resilience in tough economic times. New courses will start in at least fifteen community venues from January.

Project manager, Clare White, said: "We are excited and grateful to the Big Lottery for this amazing opportunity and we'd like to thank all our learners and friends of the project for their support and help in developing the bid. Our learners and the team worked really hard over the last three years and many individuals have made incredible transformations to their own health and that of their families. We will be launching the next phase of the project with a celebration in January and invite everyone who wants to come along or get involved to get in touch."

Tutor Samantha Wright talk about one of the longest-running CHEST groups: “The Gurdwara Temple group is a friendly and welcoming mixed group of mostly retired ladies and men from different communities. As an older group the focus has been on gradual health improvements utilising more gentle exercises, but they are a fantastic group and willing to try anything - they have even enjoyed Boxersize!”
 
The CHEST project is designed to reduce health inequalities, which lead to people in the city dying earlier or experiencing poorer health than in other places.

In its first three years the project engaged over 2,000 residents of Stoke-on-Trent in exercise and learning. The majority of participants demonstrate at least one health improvement (weight, waist or blood pressure) in each course and nearly all successfully complete three learning outcomes in each course.

Working closely with partners from a range of sectors in the city, the project will:
- improve the health of participants through structured physical exercise in accessible community venues
- improve health literacy (eg reading, writing and computer skills)
- reduce social isolation and improve the resilience and wellbeing of the wider communities of Stoke-on-Trent.

Videos of the CHEST project are at www.westmidlands.wea.org.uk.

Over 1,000 people took part in training to understand how they could influence decisions in their local communities and national policy making. This was through the Train the Take Part Trainers project, aimed at building the confidence, skills, and knowledge of individuals, so they could feel competent to take on an active role in their communities. The project was delivered by the WEA in partnership with the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA).

The one-year national project offered one off taster events and short courses based on identified needs, interests and experiences. It also supported the development of both accredited and non-accredited courses from introductory short courses to accredited level 3 City and Guilds courses in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector in Active citizenship.

The project engaged people with an interest in being active in their communities to develop further their active citizenship skills, and become ‘Take Part’ trainers. These trainers would then deliver Take Part programmes across England, and capture evidence on best practice teaching approaches, while encouraging more people to get involved and promote active citizenship.

The end of project evaluation report, released earlier this year, took into account the views of project participants and organisers through face-to-face interviews and focus groups. The findings revealed that the programme gave participants:

• Increased understanding of political processes and how local and national decision making structures work
• Greater awareness of how to support members of the community
• Greater awareness of how to campaign effectively and how influence policy makers
• Increased confidence in personal ability to bring about change.

“The course has given me great knowledge of our rights and responsibilities as British citizens”
Student from a course in Bridlington.

“I have a much better understanding of how Parliament structures work and how to use them”
Student from a course in Portsmouth.

“I feel more confident to speak out on issues that concern me at a local level”
Participant from Strengthening Democracy event.

The project was part of the Take Part National Support Programme and funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

The closing date for entries is Friday 3rd February 2012. Good luck!

"The more people understand what causes natural and social problems, the more able they are to pick out the most promising solutions."

“If learning is to serve the purpose of enhancing our ability to deal with social problems, then the WEA has a vital part to play in helping people connect what they learn to the broader challenges facing them and their communities”

Click here to read the full article available on Henry Tam's blog.

WEA's Conference 2011: 'Equality Inclusion and Action in Adult Education' was a chance for adult education practitioners, students, funders, local government and community organisations to join together to consider the role of adult education and how it can play a positive role in the creation of a 'big' or good society.

Held at the East Midlands Conference Centre at the University of Nottingham, hosted by WEA East Midlands Region and supported by the Co-operative College, the day saw almost 300 people from across the sector hear from leading academics and join sixteen workshops to learn about, and discuss, current practice and future developments. You can take a look at the workshop speeches and presentations below.

The day opened with a keynote address from Richard Wilkinson, co-author of ‘The Spirit Level’ and Professor Emeritus of Social Epidemiology at Nottingham University. Professor Wilkinson's address highlighted his research in the area of inequalities, and the impacts of these on societies across the world.  Audience members, including those attending previous WEA biennial conferences, described Professor Wilkinsons session as one of the best they had attended at an adult education conference.

The workshops for the day invited delegates to consider subjects related to the core themes of conference including: the role of volunteers in closing the 'digital divide'; how social media can be used in community campaigning; gender equality campaigning, the idea of democracy using a model of local 'Speakers' Corners across the country, and developing adult education projects that tackle racial, and other, inequalities in society.

Another conference highlight, was an afternoon session 'Reciprocity Lost' from Professor Henry Tam who explained his theories in relation to reciprocity (treating others as one would have them treat oneself).  His session, too short many suggested, raced through aspects of evolution, the role of moral values in contemporary society, reasons why individuals fail to act with reciprocity from childhood through to adulthood and how this leads to unequal societies. Delegates left with an optimistic message from Professor Tam who suggested that positive change is achievable through personal action and communties organising together. He also outlined ways in which adult education has a specific role to play in developing people's 'reciprocal' understanding, and behaviours, to reinforce greater mutual cooperation in society. Professor Tam's workshop was based on his book Against Power Inequalities which is available as a free download.

The afternoon concluded with a keynote speech from David Hughes, Chief Executive of NIACE and a video address from John Hayes MP, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, pictured above.

John Hayes stated that the role of the WEA remains as important today as in its year of formation in 1903. He went on to say that the WEA leads the way in ensuring socially disadvantaged groups have access to adult education and in working with volunteers to provide adult education in urban and rural communities across the country.

Conference workshop presentations and speeches

WEA East Midlands website also contains links and blogs from the conference. Further questions to mchica@wea.org.uk.

 Photos of the conference can be seen on our facebook page.

A major new WEA archaeology project, starting this month in Yorkshire and the Humber, has been awarded £200,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The three year region-wide initiative has been launched in time for Disability History Month in November, and will enable 300 people who would not usually be given the chance to take part in an archaeology dig the chance to get out in the field, learn new skills and have fun uncovering Yorkshire’s fascinating historic past.

The scheme will target a variety of groups including adults with learning difficulties, mental health issues, and physical disabilities as well as those from under represented ethnic minority communities from across Yorkshire and the Humber. Sites expected to take part include:

o Sheffield Manor Lodge

o The Iron Age Roundhouse at Heeley City Farm, Sheffield

o Romano-British settlements in Chapel House Wood, Wharfedale

o Medieval field systems in North Killingholme near the Humber

o Conisbrough Castle, South Yorkshire

Fiona Spiers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for Yorkshire and the Humber said:

“This is a fantastic and wide-reaching scheme that aims to improve access to archaeology projects for underrepresented groups. There is a myriad of benefits to be gained from getting involved in archaeology from strengthening communities to learning new skills, learning how to be part of a team to helping to uncover Yorkshire’s rich history for future generations. “

This important scheme has been developed to meet the needs identified by the Council for British Archaeology (CBA) statement that it is vital work is done ‘to develop more positive action to challenge the perceptual, social or economic barriers that tend to exclude disabled people, ethnic minorities and people from economically and socially deprived areas from direct engagement in archaeology.’

Rob Hindle, Project Manager, WEA explains how the project will benefit people:

“Heritage is a collective historical legacy: shaped by the totality of people inhabiting the region throughout its history, it belongs to everyone, whatever their background, experience or circumstances. This project will provide an opportunity to demonstrate that everyone can play a role in its interpretation, celebration and conservation.”

Entitled the Inclusive Archaeology Education Project the initiative will involve 1200 hours of classroom and outdoor teaching over three years. The project will start with an introduction to archaeology through practical, hands-on tasks and visits to heritage sites locally, followed by field-based activities at identified archaeological sites. Engaging learners through a range of innovative activities including ‘a history of ourselves in 300 objects’ (inspired by the BBC Radio series ‘A History of the World in 100 objects’), the scheme will offer participants the chance to develop key skills such as object handling and identification, using photographs, surveying and mapping, scale drawing, test pitting, finds processing and analysis, and group presentation.

The project will also offer local university archaeology students the opportunity to undertake the WEA taught City and Guilds qualification, ‘Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector’ and to undergo additional training related to the participants needs.

We are currently recruiting for a Project Worker for the three year duration of the project. The job is advertised on our website jobs section until the closing date of 26th October.

For more information about the work of the WEA across Yorkshire and Humber please visit the regional website.

East Midlands Conference Centre, University of Nottingham

A one-day conference, supported by the Co-operative College.

Join delegates from the adult education, public and third sectors us to explore and develop the role of adult education in building a bigger and better society.

Speakers for the day include David Hughes, NIACE Chief Executive; Dame Pauline Green, President of the International Co-operative Alliance, and Richard Wilkinson co-author of ‘The Spirit Level’. We are also pleased to have a video address from John Hayes MP, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning.

Conference workshops will focus on a range of projects from the WEA and other organisations, where, for example, we increase community engagement, tackle educational and social disadvantage, support the unemployed back into work and work with volunteers to close the digital divide in communities across the country.

Prices start from £65.00 for WEA members, Co-op members and individuals. You can book online at Eventbrite or use our booking form, which also contains full details of workshops and speakers.

Cliff Allum, Chief Executive of

Over 3,000 members voted by post and online, with Cliff receiving 69% of the total vote.  Cliff has been Treasurer for WEA West Midlands for twelve years, prior to which he was Regional Chair. He has been involved in the WEA for thirty years in all, including as a student, tutor and branch member

In his election statement, Cliff said he would draw on his experience of over twenty years as a voluntary sector Chief Executive and national Trustee, were he to be elected.

In a comment that will strike a positive note for WEA members and volunteers, he says, "I believe that voluntary activity is vital to the distinctive future of the WEA, especially at local level, and our success is based on working in partnership with our staff team at all levels of the Association. I am committed to a WEA that embraces new challenges, while recognising the value of our traditions."

On hearing about his appointment Cliff said, "I am very excited about becoming National Treasurer. My thanks goes to all the WEA members who voted for me and I will do my best to play my part in addressing the challenges the WEA faces. I am also very keen to hear what WEA members see as the key issues that they think need to be addressed nationally on financial issues."

The Treasurer is one of the WEA's four national Officers, who are volunteers and are amongst the twelve Trustees of the charity. They also serve alongside members elected by each region on the Association Committee, which represents all WEA members between WEA Conferences, which are held every two years.

The posts of President and Deputy President were also up for nomination this year, but were not contested as only one candidate came forward for each. Incumbants Colin Barnes and Lynne Smith were duly elected to the posts of President and Deputy President respectively.

The three roles begin their new terms on Saturday 29th October 2011 at the conclusion of the WEA's biennial conference in Nottingham.

The new Chief Executive will replace current General Secretary Richard Bolsin who is to set to retire from the WEA in the near future.

The new post of Director for Education has been created as part of a programme of restructure running across the organisation. Among the aims of the restructure have been the consolidation of the WEA management team, a reduction of operational costs and maintenance of frontline educational capacity in localities across England. 

Richard Bolsin, current
General Secetary of the
WEA is due to retire from
the organisation in the
coming months.

Further details of both posts including job packs and application process are listed on our job section.  Would-be applicants are invited to have an informal discussion with Veredus, the recruitment agency handling the applications. The closing date for applications is 3 October 2011.

The Government has announced a new public consultation, to find out your views about local adult education services, and how to make them better. Closes 21st October!

Read the WEA's response to the review of Informal Adult Learning here!

The consultation is called 'New Challenges, New Chances' and is being run to work out how adult education should be funded in future and to seek views of individuals, communities and adult education providers.

Like most other adult education organisations we're funded by the Government through an annual grant from the Skills Funding Agency. The kind of classes that we put on across the country are termed 'Informal Adult and Community Learning', or IACL, and there is a special consultation paper and survey for people who attend these kinds of classes with the WEA - or any other local college or provider.

The Government says it wants to reduce paperwork and bureaucracy as well as improve local services - but at the same time it will be considering what levels of funding will be in future - in an unhappy economic climate!

WEA students and tutors will be pleased to hear about any possible changes that might, in time, reduce paperwork and form-filling, and leave more time for education.

If you want to add your thoughts and views to the mix you can download the consultation paper here and then visit the NIACE website to complete the survey. It's designed for individuals, rather than organisations, so it's a great chance to join in and reinforce the message to Government that adult education is a necessary and valuable local service.

The Workers’ Educational Association North East are celebrating 100 years of providing adult learning in our region. As part of our festivities we will be holding a very special day at Beamish the Living Museum of the North, County Durham - and we’d like to invite you!

Join us free on Saturday 10th September 2011, from 10.00am until 5.00pm, to celebrate our heritage and look forward to our future at this award-winning open air museum. You can read more about Beamish on their website.

As well as free admission to the museum, visitors with a WEA ticket will receive a buffet lunch at Beamish – there will be lots to do, including a special afternoon rally, and a WEA stall and activities in the town street and bandstand.

This event is open to all – everyone is welcome!

if you would like tickets please contact us at our North East Regional office on tel: 0191 212 6100 or email Liz on elangdown@wea.org.uk stating how many tickets you would like and providing your name, address and telephone number. Tickets are limited so early booking is recommended.

We are also looking for volunteers to take part and help out on the day - if you're interested contact Cheryl on cknight@wea.org.uk.

A new report is just out highlighting project work from the second year of our Learning for Community Involvement project.

The project is supported by the Department for Communities and Local Government’s Empowerment Fund.

In the first year we sponsored a range of local pilot projects that demonstrated how high quality adult education could inspire and support the empowerment of individuals and groups at community level. A range of varied activities in widely different settings, such as health and digital inclusion, succeeded in engaging and supporting people in ‘getting involved’ as volunteers, campaigners, active citizens and representatives.

You can read more about the second year of the project in the year two report called Getting Active. It contains case studies and commentaries from our learners and partners, highlighting the different ways in which the project has supported people to participate in local matters and give voice to their experiences, and views, to better promote the needs of their communities.

The Learning for Community Involvement project is a national project managed by the WEA in the West Midlands.

Across England the WEA has been successful with six bids to the Adult & Community Learning Fund.

A diverse range of projects were approved as part of the Skills Funding Agency grants programme which is managed by NIACE.  Bids were invited to maximise the contribution of community learning to the Big Society and engage and motivate disadvantaged adults.

The six successful WEA projects are in the North East, West Cumbria, Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, London and the East Midlands. All the projects look to build the engagement of adults from disadvantaged communities in projects around a range of issues such as health improvement, advocacy, shaping services and learning opportunities and building confidence in community governance and leadership. There is a very strong local partnership theme in all the projects:

The Stoke-on-Trent project concentrates on health improvement with working men from Black and minority ethnic communities; West Cumbria will using local champions to build advocacy and services and learning opportunities for people with physical disabilities living in deprived areas; the North East project focuses on health volunteering; in Manchester adults from disadvantaged communities will use digital media to engage with the city’s cultural venues and design their own film, art and photography courses; the East Midlands project aims to inspire diverse women to become involved in voluntary leadership roles in Informal Adult Community Learning; The London project will help some of the most disadvantaged Londoners engage with and make connections between neighbourhood, local and London-wide governance in civic participation, adult learning and community-based sustainability.

Nearly 50,000 WEA members from around the country are getting their chance to vote on who should become the WEA's next Treasurer in the coming days.

The election is possible due to a change in the WEA's constitution, designed to help ensure that members are increasingly involved in our democracy and decision-making.

The Treasurer is one of the WEA's four national Officers, who are volunteers and are amongst the twelve Trustees of the charity. They also serve alongside members elected by each region on the Association Committee, which represents all WEA members between WEA Conferences, which are held every two years. Officers serve for a four year term, arranged so that there are elections for two of the four officer positions every two years.

The posts of President and Deputy President were up for nomination this year, but were not contested as only one candidate came forward for each. So incumbants Colin Barnes and Lynne Smith were duly elected to the post of President and Deputy President respectively.

Members will however be able to choose between Cliff Allum and J. David Freeman in a by-election for the Treasurer position in the first direct vote by all members in WEA history. In the past, only representatives of members could vote on Officer posts at Conference. The byelection is happening due to the resignation of the Treasurer elected at the 2009 Conference, so the winner of the election will serve until 2013 when a full Treasurer election for the subsequent four years will take place.

The election is open to everyone who was a WEA member on the 28th April this year - six months prior to WEA Conference where the winner will be announced. Voting will take place between now and 2 September; eligible members with email have already received their chance to vote, while those without email should receive their ballot form in the post by 22 July.

The film was produced by Emmy-award winning company Junction 15, who specialise in community arts and educational films.

A student of WEA tutor Rachel Trpeski's health and exercise and classes talks on camera about his experience - and dons a wig for a fitness class with a difference. You can hear and see more of Rachel and students in the film.

As well as footage of classes across the region and comments from class students about their WEA experiences, there are interviews with tutors and partners. Although the film focuses on the work of the WEA in the West Midlands, it is also a good reflection of the WEA elsewhere in the country.

You can see the film on You Tube or the West Midlands website.

This year two WEA learners were chosen to receive a 'Learner of the Year Award' and one WEA tutor for 'Tutor of the Year'.

Sofia Joao is presented with her award by Chair of WEA Trustees, Professor Dick Taylor. Seated behind Sofia is Jane Cordell, daughter of Olive Cordell whose legacy to the WEA resulted in the annual achievement awards for students and tutors.

Learner of the Year 2011: ESOL

Student Sofia Joao of London was nominated by her tutor Maria Zur. Originally from Angola, Sofia came to this country as a refugee. She suffered the loss of family members in Angola and was separated from her children. Sofia studied English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) with the WEA in London. Sofia says she used the skills she gained in her ESOL course to help her with her citizenship application, thanks to which, she says, she was reunited with her children in France after having been apart for eight years.

Of Sofia's achievements her tutor Maria says:

"Sofia is a terrific example of triumph over adversity for all her fellow learners and tutors alike. She inspired her colleagues with her fantastic record of attendance, learning outside the classroom and now at a further education college. She has inspired everyone by the way she has kept going even when personal tragedy has struck."

Learner of the Year 2011: Literacy and Numeracy

This year's second student award went to Stuart Butler. Stuart is a member of MIND the mental health charity, which he joined after he sustained a serious injury whilst at work. Stuart says his accident affected his confidence and self-esteem to the extent that he became withdrawn and isolated.

When visiting MIND in Basildon, he was told about WEA classes. He soon joined a Literacy and Numeracy course provided by the WEA.

He says the course gave him a new lease of life as well as a second chance to learn after not having achieved well at school. Through his classes Stuart gained a qualification in literacy and numeracy which helped him to secure a voluntary work placement. He said he has also gained new friends in and out of the classroom.

Laraine Clark who is Stuart's tutors says:

"The first time Stuart attended classes he lacked confidence in his ability and was hesitant to participate in class discussions. Now, he actively participates in the group discussions showing his academic progress and growth in confidence."

Laraine also says that Stuart has been a support to other members of the class and is a real asset to the class, offering motivation and assistance to any who need it. She says:

"Stuart has been inspirational to the other students in the class, all of whom have seen him gain the qualifications he needed to return to work."

Tutor of the Year Award 2011

Margaret Joojo-Richards is a London-based tutor for the WEA and has received her award due to her educational work supporting migrant domestic workers, and for extending the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) provision in Haringey.

Margaret was nominated by Tutor Organiser Benedikte Morley for her 'learner-centred' approach and her drive in making sure her students are receiving the kind of education that can help them move their lives forward positively.

For example, Margaret offers Sunday classes to make sure that students can attend on their regular day off. Many of Margaret's students left school with no qualifications and have found that Margaret's approach to teaching has helped their self-confidence and social skills as well as their academic achievement.

Attendance at Margaret's classes is high and the exam pass-rate is usually 100%, with excellent feedback from Margaret's students.

Of Margaret's work, Benedikte says:

"She is a role model for other tutors. Margaret puts the learner at the heart of everything she does and believes in the power of education to change lives. Margaret has opened doors and changed the life of many of her learners. This is because she cares deeply about what she does."

Congratulations to Sofia, Stuart and Margaret on their awards. You can read more about the winners of this year's awards in this year's Olive Cordell awards booklet.

Margaret East, Chair of South Tyneside WEA branch. Picture courtesy of The Shields Gazette.

WEA volunteer Margaret East has been nominated for a Pride of South Tyneside award due to her good work as Chair of the South Tyneside WEA branch in the North East region.

Margaret, who used to be a social worker, was pointed in the direction of the WEA when she retired and wanted to find out about local adult education classes. Like many WEA volunteers Margaret started out as a student and was asked to take up a volunteer role within her local branch!

In an interview last week by her local paper Margaret said she was surprised to be nominated. She told the reporter that she is 'enjoying every minute' of her current course to research her family tree and praised her 'excellent tutor'.

Margaret was nominated by Joan Grant, fellow WEA student and member of South Tyneside branch.

Joan, who was also interviewed by the Sheilds Gazette said that WEA classes are: "Important and have a lot to offer, not only to learn a new subject or renew one, but keep minds and hands nimble."

“We might be getting old, but most of us do the school run and look after grandchildren. At these classes you meet like-minded people and learn."

She went on to urge locals to recognise Margaret's efforts towards supporting adult learning in the awards, which are to take place this Thursday (14 July) at South Tyneside Council.

You can read more about the local awards on the Sheilds Gazette website.  We wish good luck to Margaret, Joan and the local branch at the awards ceremony.  Find out more about WEA tutors and volunteers in 'Who we are'.

Although the Durham pits are closed, the traditions of the mining communities remain strong and vibrant. Over 100,000 people attend the Gala each year to parade miners' lodge banners, other trade union and co-operative banner, and banners made by primary schools in former pit villages.

Brass bands lead the huge procession that takes several hours to pass through Durham City centre en route to the race course where trade union and political speakers - and, this year, representatives of the Chilean miners who were trapped underground for many days - address the crowd, amid marquees, a fun fair, a live music platform and numerous stalls.  As usual Durham WEA Branch was among the Gala stalls, launching the Region's new part time courses for the coming year - with over 800 brochures given away.

The WEA banner (above right)  was produced on one of the last pieces of banner cloth made by Tutills, the London weavers who produced many of the miners' and other trade union traditional banners. Generously donated to the WEA by the Durham Twelve Villages Group, the banner cloth depicts regional landmarks and a Right to Learn theme, as well as 12 stars symbolically representing the villages, on the rear panel, and WEA founders Frances and Albert Mansbridge on the front. Local banner artists, Lotte and Hugh Shankland of Durham Bannermakers, who make many modern or recreated banners used at the Gala, did the art work.

Following the procession and display on the Gala field, the banner joined six other new banners for a Blessing in Durham Cathedral by the Bishop of Jarrow. The event was moving and emotional as brass bands led the banners into the Cathedral for the hour long ceremony, and the huge congregation gave a loud round of applause as the WEA banner left along the main aisle afterwards.

Nigel Todd, North East Regional Director, said: 'It was a stunning and memorable day for the WEA. Our spectacularly attractive new banner received a lot of attention as we moved through Durham, and we were especially pleased that WEA colleagues from other Regions joined us during the procession. The Cathedral ceremony was just out of this world, and provided a sense of completeness for the Mansbridge connection. Albert Mansbridge often stayed near Durham when he visited the North East during the Association's pioneer days, and he would have felt quite at home among the union banners and the Church of England with whom he had a strong connection.' 

Pictured above, are Hugh and Lotte Shankland of Durham Bannermakers. Read more about the family who made the WEA North East banner in the Newcastle Journal's Culture magazine.

As of last week almost 150,000 people had used the website to send a message to culture secretary Jeremy Hunt, asking that he and Prime Minister David Cameron delay Friday's takeover of BSkyB by News Corporation. The website is aiming for 200,000 signatures.

Avaaz.org, and those supporting the campaign, are arguing that the takeover would mean Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation would own too-large a part of the news media, for the good of British media, and should be referred to the Competition Commission, the body which oversees mergers and takeovers of the major regulated industries.

Opposition to the News Corporation/Sky deal has increased steeply following allegations that the News of the World newspaper, owned by News Corporation, used a private investigator to intercept mobile phone messages of victims and families during the trials related to the murder of Milly Dowler, the 7/7 bombing victims and others.

Responding to public pressure, Prime Minister David Cameron has agreed to a public inquiry into the phone hacking allegations but is not moving on the decision to allow the News International/BSkyb merger to go ahead.

Avaaz.org was set up in 2007 to enable people to use the internet as a democratic, campaigning tool and 'to bring people-powered politics to decision-making everywhere.'  The word 'avaaz' means 'voice' in several European, Middle Eastern and Asian languages.

If you are interested in adding your voice to the campaign and seeing other campaigns running on Avaaz.org - you can visit their website.

The Northolt Thanti Branch was set up by Sanat Gurung (pictured on the right), a bus driver working at Greenford Bus Depot, who is the chair of the new branch.

Sanat saw the work undertaken at his workplace by Everton Herbert (on the left), a Unite Union Learning Representative, to put in place learning opportunities for employees. This inspired him to  find out how that engagement could be replicated within the Nepalese community.

There are about 6,000 members of the Thanti Nepali Sarmaj Community across West London. Many work within the local security, retail, public transport and hospitality sectors. Due to the nature of their work and often unsociable hours, it can be challenging for them to develop their potential and progress in their careers. Another major challenge is that a large proportion of the women within this community are housewives - many of whom feel socially excluded, often due to a lack of English.

Everton and Sanat agreed to work towards delivering a community learning project aimed at addressing skills for life, active citizenship and professional development. The WEA was identified as the education provider, meetings were held and learning needs surveys carried out. A learning centre based in Northolt was chosen as the location for classes to take place; after two months there were already over 120 Thanti members enrolled on courses, including fifty on ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languagues) courses.

Sanat said: "This has been a dream for me and the community, we have been overwhelmed by the response from our members. Once the ESOL courses are fully established, we hope to provide further courses in IT, knowing your rights at work, health and safety at work and work-related qualifications. None of this would have been possible without the help of the Unite rep Everton and the WEA."

At the heart of the WEA’s mission has always been a commitment to widening participation in adult learning: enabling people to realise their full potential and campaigning for every adult to have the right to do so.

The first day of this year’s WEA conference, supported by the Co-operative College, challenges all of us in the WEA and the adult education sector more widely to revisit these values to ask: What role should adult education play in the development of a bigger and better society?

On the following day, delegates from across the country will attend the formal WEA Association Conference, where they will debate and vote on key national decisions.

Friday: Equality, Inclusion and Action in Adult Education

Friday 28 October, 10.00am – 4.00pm

East Midlands Conference Centre, University of Nottingham

After a keynote address which we expect will be delivered by John Hayes, Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, delegates will be able to attend four sessions through the day from a choice of twenty. Formats will range from addresses by speakers in the main theatre to participative workshops. There’ll be published authors, bloggers and leaders within the adult learning sector and beyond, as well as examples of outstanding practice from within the WEA.

+New speaker now confirmed+
Finn Mackay is the founder of the London Feminist Network, now the largest grassroots feminist activist organisation in  prevention education and anti-bullying. She is currently entering the second year of a PhD on feminist activism in the UK, in the School for Policy Studies at the University of Bristol. Finn speaks and writes regularly on women's rights and particularly on violence against women. In 2010 she won the Emma Humphreys Memorial Prize for her work in raising awareness of violence against women and children.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Dame Pauline Green, President of the International Co-operative Alliance; former MEP and leader of the European Parliamentary Labour Party and of the Parliamentary Group of the Party of European Socialists, and former Chief Executive of Co-operatives UK

• Richard Wilkinson, co-author of The Spirit Level and Professor Emeritus of social epidemiology at the University of Nottingham

• David Hughes, the new Director of the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE)

• Finn Mackay, founder of the London Feminist Network

• Henry Tam, writer on political and public policy issues, visiting professor at Birkbeck, London University, associate of the Faculty of Education, Cambridge University.

• Alastair Clark, Programme Manager, NIACE

• Titus Alexander, Head of Policy and Research at the Novas Scarman Group and Convenor of Democracy Matters

Click here to see the full lineup of speakers and to book your place.

Saturday: WEA Association Conference

Saturday 29 October, 9.00am – 3.30pm

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Wollaton Street, Nottingham

This event comprises the formal business of WEA Conference, which is held every two years. Delegates representing WEA branches, regions and affiliates can vote on motions previously submitted, while non-voting guests are also very welcome to attend.

The day will include:

• Debates and votes on motions proposed to conference by WEA branches, regions and Scottish local associations.

• Reports, and questions and answers, on WEA’s work since the 2009 Conference, including the Trustee’s report and a vote on its acceptance.

• The results of the election for the WEA’s Treasurer for the next four years will be

announced. This election is being conducted via a ballot this summer of all WEA members.

• The WEA's Trustees have also made provision for an Extraordinary Association Conference to take place, if required, to debate resolutions submitted by some English regions.

Most WEA delegates attending both the Friday and Saturday events will be staying in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, where a conference dinner has been arranged for Friday evening.

Click here for further details and to book Conference packages which include both the Friday and Saturday events.

The message is part of a campaign that the WEA is part of called the Real Power for Communities campaign. Its aim is to lobby MPs to make sure that a new parliamentary Bill will give more say and influence to people over local matters.

The campaign aims to make sure that the government's Localism Bill really does benefit local communities around the country, just as the Government has promised.

A new Real Power for Communities website has been set up. If you are interested in local politics or think that local communities need a greater say and influence in local services, why not visit the site and sign up to the campaign.

The wesbite features regular updates on the progress of the bill and offers support material for people wanting to get involved.

The WEA’s Digital Activist Inclusion Network (DAIN) has been chosen as one of two volunteering projects to represent the UK in the European Year of Volunteering Relay.

Reporter Jure Revec visits the WEA East Midland's DAIN project and meets two of the project's 'digital activists'.

The Relay is running as part of the European Union's programme to fund and promote volunteering projects.

WEA students on the DAIN project, recently hosted Jure Revec, one of twenty-seven volunteer journalists covering the selected projects across Europe

He visited a range of DAIN volunteer activities, spoke with volunteers and staff and recorded footage to create a short film which will appear on the Europe European Year of Volunteering website.

Andria Birch, WEA's DAIN Manager said: “We were delighted to be taking part in the relay and to have been given this opportunity to showcase the excellent work of volunteers in the DAIN project alongside that of other WEA volunteers within the East Midlands Region. Volunteers are an essential part of the WEA, so it’s great to celebrate and share their experiences and achievements with our European neighbours”.

DAIN is part-funded by the European Social Fund, and aims to help some of the four million people in the UK currently experiencing digital and social exclusion to begin to use digital technology.

DAIN volunteers help engage people who have not used computer technology before, ultimately helping to widen participation in employment and learning.

Find out more at the DAIN website or the DAIN blog.

The WEA, and other adult education providers, run ESOL courses for adults whose first language is not English. Many ESOL students are migrants to the UK, and in some cases have refugee status.

MPs recognise that ESOL courses play an important role on helping UK citizens, refugees and others to integrate positively into society and to contribute to public and economic life.

The Early Day Motion 1706, raised on the 4th April 2011, highlights the concerns of funding cuts to ESOL courses, which will impact many people who are on benefits and need to learn English.

Bob Russell, MP for Colchester and a patron of the WEA, is one of the sponsors for the EDM among five other MPs.

Early Day Motions (or EDMs) allow MPs to draw attention to an event or cause which they support. The more MPs that sign up to an EDM the more likely that the EDM will be debated in the House of Commons.

All EDMs are listed on the Parliament UK website, including the ESOL EDM with a list of supporting MPs. You can check to see if your own MP has signed up, and if he or she has not, and you feel strongly about ESOL, you can ask them to consider supporting the EDM.

For further details about the campaign to protect ESOL courses, you can visit the NATECLA website, which is a professional organisation set up for ESOL teachers and contains a national forum.

Adult Learners’ Week is the largest annual celebration of adult learning in the UK; it has now been running every year for twenty years and is celebrated in more than fifty-five countries. Find out more at the Adult Learners' Week website.

"It's never too late to come back to education"

John Wilson left school with no qualifications and spent time in prison, but returning to learning with the WEA has inspired him to pursue a career helping young offenders. His dedication and commitment has been recognised with a Regional Outstanding Individual Learner Award as part of Adult Learners’ Week, which ran from 14-20 May.

John was delighted to receive the award: "Just getting nominated for the award is fantastic, but to win it is brilliant. It's never too late for anyone to come back to education - if I can do it anybody can."

John is in his forties and a father of two. He was brought up in council estates across Glasgow and went to at least six different primary schools. Although he enjoyed primary school, John had bad experiences of secondary school. He became involved in a gang and ended up in an approved school and then in prison.

Despite lacking formal qualifications, John was able to turn his life around: he has not been in trouble with the police for over twenty years and since moving to Portsmouth with his family he has worked in a variety of jobs.

In the last year, John decided to improve his situation further and enrolled on WEA literacy and numeracy courses at the Omega Centre in Portsmouth. He has already passed Level 1 Literacy and is working towards both Level 2 Literacy and a course in teaching adults, and he has also taken sign language and computer courses.

John explains, "I chose this type of learning because I wanted to improve my chances of getting better employment as I missed out at school. It really has transformed me, it's made me very confident and I can now help my daughter much more with her homework - my own work has also improved a great deal. For the last year I've been a volunteer with the Prince's Trust helping young offenders in prison - my studies have helped with that work too."

Tutor Gina Maliphant, who teaches literacy and creative writing at the Omega Centre and nominated John says, "Even though he has so many commitments, including working for several hours in the morning before class, John's attendance is excellent, his attitude to learning is positive and he has turned his own early negative attitudes about himself around. Now he has a ‘can do’ approach to everything."

John plans to pass his level 2 literacy and numeracy courses, plus the teaching course, and hopes eventually to get a paid job working with young offenders to inspire them to turn their lives around.

•Watch a video interview with John on the WEA Southern Region Youtube channel.

•WEA courses are run at the Omega Centre through a partnership with Portsmouth City Council, and the building was able to be redeveloped thanks to a generous legacy left to the WEA by Canon Ivor Jeffery-Machin and his wife, Brenda. Find out more about the Omega Centre. Photo of John Wilson courtesy of Tim Arnold.

"Learning to paint has changed my life"

Sarah Lambert from Ewell, Surrey won the WEA-sponsored Learning in the Community Award. She has just started a second academic year in the art class taught by Dianna Rutterford, who nominated Sarah for the award. Sarah joined the class after having to move into supported sheltered housing, following an accident which left her with severe mobility problems.

Dianna says, "When I first met Sarah she had low self esteem and confidence. Before her accident she had been very active as a bus driver and member of the Territorial Army. She now had to come to terms with her new life, having to rely on others to live as independently as possible. Her carer suggested she join the class. She was apprehensive because her memories of learning at school were not great, as she was dyslexic and given little encouragement to study."

During the classes Sarah studied hard, watching and experimenting and eventually joining in discussions. As the terms went by Sarah’s artwork improved and it became apparent she had a talent for painting and drawing. She attended every class she could, only missing them ocassionally when she was too weak or in hospital.

Dianna describes Sarah as, "An inspiration to other learners in the class: she never gives up and tries everything. She is always asking questions and pushing herself, determined to experiment further and improve her artwork."

Last year she was encouraged to lead a group activity within the class, which she excelled in - she excited the other learners with her enthusiasm and encouraged them to work together as a team to achieve their goal. As her confidence grew, Sarah realized that learning has been a positive experience for her and she wanted to show others how to develop their interest as she has done. When a worker at her day centre asked her to share her knowledge of painting and drawing she jumped at the chance.

Sarah says, "Learning to paint has changed my life. It has given me a purpose in life and hope for the future. Whatever happens, I now have a skill that can use to help myself and others."

Sarah has produced a number of paintings for her friends and family and is hoping to exhibit her work in the future, whilst continuing to study art.

"I love learning new things every day"

Mohammed Afkari from Hastings won the Trinity-sponsored Learning through English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Award. He joined WEA courses via the local Link Project and was nominated by his WEA tutor Sarah Brereton.

Mohammed came to this country as a refugee from Iran. His ambition is to go to university in the UK to study chemistry and biology. He still wants to improve his English and particularly enjoys studying grammar and idiomatic language. He heard about the Link Project through the Home Office and found it a huge relief that there was somewhere to go for advice and to meet and eventually help others. He made friends with a wonderful English couple who helped him with his language and let him use their home when his was uninhabitable for a short time.

Mohammed is very motivated and has developed greater self confidence since attending the WEA ESOL courses. He is now able to help others with their English language learning, interpreting for them and giving advice about English culture and mannerisms which he has learned in his time living in the UK.

Mohammed says, "I love learning new things every day and am very grateful to have these opportunities. The WEA have helped me hugely with my learning and Sarah in particular. She always has time for my never-ending questions about language! In the future, I want to live a full and happy life, with great qualifications behind me".

The three million pound initiative was funded by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, with the WEA as one of the organisations appointed to oversee the project.

All 2,000 volunteers were trained as part of the programme to become Community Learning Champions (CLCs) to bring learning to some of the most disadvantaged communities in the country. This was done through volunteer-led projects regionally and locally.

The CLCs went on to help 100,000 people - 70 per cent of which were unemployed - to find their way into learning, training and paid employment. The programme supported individuals with disabilities, mental ill-health and homeless people to use informal learning to help transform their lives.

"Community Learning Champions", the project's concluding report, has just been published and offers insights into community and volunteer development and the role of adult education in supporting disadvantaged adults and groups.

The report describes many of the project's learning activities and their impact on individuals and communities, as well as the programme's overall achievements. On the right, Stephanie Pickett, the first CLC on the national register shows off her Community Learning Champion badge, presented to her by the Mayor of Coventry. Stephanie is with Louise Williams (right) of the WEA West Midlands.

The CLC programme was delivered in partnership by NIACE, the WEA, Unionlearn and Martin Yarnit Associates.