In the run up to the general election, along with many of our partners, the WEA will be making sure that adult education and lifelong learning is firmly in the minds of our existing and aspiring politicians.

Since 1903, we have argued the case for 'Learning for Life' and democratic participation - and there's no better time to celebrate and promote the two than in the weeks before a general election.

In September 2009 the adult learning sector welcomed Learning Through Life, a report which makes ten recommendations for a stronger national lifelong learning strategy. We're supporting the proposals outlined in the report and asking MPs and prospective parliamentary candidates (PPCs) to do the same. We're not asking for more money and our message is simple:

Lifelong learning receives only modest public investment but offers far-reaching positive consequences for individuals, society and the economy - delivering 'outcomes' across the agendas of all government departments. Please protect funding for adult education and lifelong learning and consider adopting the recommendations for a new national strategy as outlined in Learning Through Life.

If you enjoy attending adult education classes or feel you have personally benefited as a result of adult education, please join us in making sure that lifelong learning receives it due place in the minds and plans of our next government, locally and nationally.

We've put together a 'Speak Up for Lifelong Learning' campaign pack with nine factsheets offering ideas and information on how you can get involved in conveying the message - from sending a postcard to holding a meeting with parliamentary candidates and some like-minded friends or colleagues. Adult education and lifelong learning is good for everybody - let's give it a helping hand into and beyond the election.

What's available:

A full campaign pack : including nine campaigning factsheets covering all sorts of information and ideas from how to find out who your PPCs are, what we're asking from our MPs and PPC and an introduction from the WEA's General Secretary. Download campaign pack in PDF format.

Pack Contents

A ready-made 'Pledge your support' postcard: intended for parliamentary candidates and MPs. Just add a stamp and your own personal message to get the point across. See the postcard here and order copies from campaigns@wea.org.uk , telling us how many you want and your name and address.

A summary of the full Learning Through Life report : clearly explaining a ten-point strategy for a stronger, more equal, national lifelong learning strategy. Click here Download summary in PDF format.

If you want a hard copy pack or have any questions you can call us on 020 7426 3486 or email campaigns@wea.org.uk.