Chris Koliba asks what civic associations address the citizen as learner...
Two traditions come immediately to mind, one flowing from Saul Alinsky,
the other from Myles Horton. The Industrial Areas Foundation of the
former and the Highlander Center of the latter are still going strong.
For a stimulating analysis of an IAF-style community organizing effort in
Lincoln, Nebraska in the 1970s, see Sue M. Scott, "Personal Change
Through Participation in Social Action: A Case Study of Ten Social
Activists," _The Canadian Journal for the Study of Adult Education_,
November, 1992 (VI, #2), 47-64.
Of course, the work of Paulo Freire is all about this. Volumes of
literature on this tradition, too.
There is a long tradition from John Dewey on in this country that links
adult education and social action/democratic participation. I haven't
come across any literature making direct linkages to the Toquevillean
perspective, however; can anyone respond to that?
Roger Bergman, Director, Justice & Peace Studies Program
Creighton University, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178
(402) 280-1492, FAX 280-4731; rbjps@creighton.edu