Lifetime Education and Renewal Network
LEARN - An ASA Constituent Group

About LEARN

Members of the Lifetime Education and Renewal Network (LEARN) are involved in all aspects of education for older adults. They represent the growing variety of settings and programs offering opportunities for lifetime learners:

• Lifelong learning programs in college and university settings
• Health promotion and hospital wellness programs
• Art, music, dance, writing and other creativity programs
• Humanities, life skills and leadership programs
• Programs in senior centers and community based organizations
• Adult education in school systems and recreation departments

LEARN's goal is to increase your knowledge of the nature and promise of lifelong learning so you can enhance the quality as well as the quantity of programs for older adults. LEARN provides updates on program models, how adults learn, public policy issues, new research, funding sources and training opportunities. The network also helps you stay connected with peers and promotes the exchange of ideas and information in this specialized field.

LEARN members include:

• Deans and directors of continuing education programs
• Administrators, teachers, coordinators and program specialists from educational, corporate and community programs or other lifelong learning programs for older adults
• Faculty working with theory-to-practice problem-solving in the classroom

Benefits of LEARN Membership

• Publications
  LEARN members receive a newsletter, The Older Learner -- a comprehensive, ongoing source of information about resources, program models, best practices, research and policy developments, and more.
• Web Resources
  LEARN's home page offers an annotated guide to Web resources dealing with lifelong learning, as well as an extensive list of recommended books, videos and other resources. A members-only section offers a searchable online directory of LEARN members and their interests to facilitate professional collaboration, plus a selection of articles from The Older Learner.
• Conferences
  At the ASA-NCOA Joint Conference each spring, LEARN offers a full track of lifelong learning-related sessions, as well as a peer group meeting, a reception, and informal opportunities for networking and socializing. In addition, LEARN organizes intensives on healthcare and aging issues during ASA's Summer Series on Aging, an annual training series for professionals who work with older adults.
• Networking
  In addition to contact with other LEARN members, LEARN fosters links among practitioners, educators, researchers, policymakers, service providers, administrators, business people, and other interested individuals and groups. In addition, LEARN works with other organizations and publications to encourage greater understanding about the lifelong learning needs of older adults.
• Awards Programs
  With support from MetLife Foundation, LEARN sponsors the annual MindAlert Awards, which recognize innovations in mental fitness programming for older adults.

The American Society on Aging

LEARN is a constituent group of the American Society on Aging (ASA), the largest professional membership association in the field of aging in the United States. ASA's more than 6,000 members comprise a national multidisciplinary community of those who work with older adults.

LEARN membership is available at no extra charge exclusively to ASA members. Members of LEARN have access to a wealth of resources in the field of aging through ASA's publications and programs.

ASA Individual Membership Benefits

As an individual member of ASA, you receive the following benefits:

• Publications
  Generations, ASA's quarterly journal, is one of the most highly respected journals in the field of aging. Each issue provides a diversity of perspectives on a single topical area, written by leading researchers, policymakers, clinicians and practitioners.
  
  Aging Today, ASA's bimonthly newspaper, covers the latest trends and developments in aging, including updates on new products and services, innovative programs and the latest research.
  
  ASA Connection, ASA's monthly e-newsletter, provides news briefs on events in aging, research and policy developments, innovative practices, member news and more.
• Member Discounts
  Save up to 40 percent on ASA conferences and training and 15 percent on books, videos and other products from the ASA store.
• Continuing Education and Staff Development
  CEUs are available for most of our conferences and training. You also can earn a staff development certificate of completion at the ASA-NCOA Joint Conference and at ASA's Autumn Series on Aging.
• Development and expansion of professional and personal contacts
• Unique opportunities to share ideas, information, programs and perspectives
• Access to speakers and consultants
• Searchable online ASA membership directory

ASA Organizational Membership Benefits

As an organizational member of ASA, your organization receives full benefits for three designated individuals from your staff, plus the following:

• The opportunity to add an unlimited number of additional individuals from your organization for only $95 each (a savings of 30 percent off the regular rate).
• Discounts of up to 35 percent on conference registration fees for an unlimited number of people from your organization.
• Free distribution of our monthly e-newsletter, ASA Connection, to your entire staff.
• Free want ads posted on the ASA job board.

Join ASA and LEARN

Start receiving the benefits of membership today! Click here to join ASA and LEARN.

Involvement in LEARN Leadership Council

The LEARN Leadership Council guides the constituent group's activities. LEARN members interested in applying for a 3-year term on the Council may complete an application and submit it to the LEARN staff liaison at LEARN@asaging.org.

Click here for the application.