The Coalition of Lifelong Learning Organizations

The Coalition of Lifelong Learning Organizations (COLLO) was started decades ago as a coalition of organizations working to advance adult and lifelong learning. We have brought together leaders of these organizations to advance knowledge, find common ground, and take collective action to benefit adult learners in areas like access, cost, and removal of barriers to participation in education at all levels.

With the growing importance of adult and continuing education to the United States, COLLO provides a forum for:

  • exchanging information among member organizations
  • building cooperation and collaborative action among member organizations
  • developing, maintaining, and improving lifelong learning, adult, and continuing education throughout the United States and internationally
  • reviewing new adult and continuing education programs, national policy, and innovative examples of the use of technology
  • promoting the best practices of adult, continuing education and lifelong learning

COLLO has achieved these goals through awareness building, advocacy, input on and support of legislation at the state and national levels and in collective action where consensus can be Coalition members review new adult and continuing education programs, national policy, and innovative examples of the use of technology.

COLLO plays an active role in promoting the best practices of adult, continuing education and lifelong learning.

Statements on the Coalition

The Coalition of Lifelong Learning Organizations (COLLO), formally established in 1973, consists of national associations and groups that share a common interest in enhancing the field of lifelong learning, i.e. adult and continuing education, throughout the nation. These organizations represent public schools, institutions of higher education, industry, labor groups, and most importantly, the learners themselves.

COLLO brings its member organizations together to foster closer cooperation and coordination of efforts to develop, maintain, and improve adult learning in the United States. Internationally, the Coalition encourages networking among adult educators interested in international lifelong learning education.

The growing importance of lifelong learning education to the total U.S. education system is clear to all. In this arena, COLLO provides a forum for the exchange of information among member organizations. At its two annual face-to-face and two conference call meetings, members review new lifelong learning education programs, innovative examples of the use of technology, and reports from non-member organizations with specialized targeted programs. Updates on ever-changing legislation are also presented.

Over the past few years, COLLO has taken a very active role in promoting lifelong learning education best exemplified by its annual Outstanding Service Award for distinguished contributions to the field of lifelong learning education. Recent recipients of this award have included author/educator Malcolm S. Knowles, Professor K. Patricia Cross, educator Morris Keeton, Senator Paul Simon, literacy advocate Barbara Bush and Henry Spille.

The Coalition makes it possible to accomplish goals which individual organizations cannot achieve alone. It is continually ready to meet future challenges that face our constituent members.

Purposes of the Coalition

The overall purpose of the Coalition is to operate on a non-profit basis for the promotion of social welfare by developing, maintaining and improving a balanced system of lifelong learning.

In carrying out the overall purpose, the Coalition endeavors:

  1. To identify and focus on the resolution of major issues in lifelong learning education.
  2. To facilitate the exchange of information about resources, actions and plans of the member organizations of the Coalition.
  3. To facilitate the exchange of information among member organizations of the Coalition about various aspects of lifelong learning education, including programs, financial support, legislation, administration, professional development, publications, research, and staffing.
  4. To initiate, facilitate, and promote joint planning or projects to serve the field of lifelong learning education.
  5. To serve as a resource for information and to provide consultative services concerning lifelong learning education to government agencies and other organizations.
  6. To educate the public as to the importance, value, and necessity of lifelong learning education and to serve as an advocate where appropriate.
  7. To promote the action of government, foundations, and agencies to achieve equal educational opportunity for all adults.
  8. To identify and encourage cooperation with other groups, agencies and organizations in the achievement of these overall purposes.

The Coalition also studies, evaluates, and makes recommendations concerning legislative proposals affecting lifelong learning education.

Membership of the Coalition

Membership in the Coalition is carried in the name of the member organizations and associations. The constituents of the several members comprise the membership of the Coalition.

Applications for membership are considered from associations or organizations that have a major commitment to lifelong learning education.

Applications for membership are reviewed by the Board of Directors and upon approval, are referred to members of the Coalition for a vote. If two-thirds of the membership approves, the application will be accepted.

Eligibility

Associations or organizations with a commitment to adult, continuing education, and lifelong learning are eligible for membership. Member organizations represent institutions of higher education, libraries, business and labor groups, government agencies, public and private schools and the military, nonprofit and community-based organizations, and most importantly, the learners themselves.

Benefits

COLLO makes it possible to accomplish comprehensive goals which individual organizations cannot achieve alone. COLLO brings its member organizations together to foster closer cooperation and coordination of efforts to develop, maintain, and improve the development of adult learning within the United States and internationally. COLLO also encourages global networking among adult educators.

To apply for membership

To apply for membership, inquire to: info@thecollo.org

Contact COLLO at news@thecollo.org to receive COLLO News (published periodically).
Also, send your ideas on high priority issues for COLLO to address to advance adult and lifelong learning to: info@thecollo.org!