Twelve Keys to Being a Lifespan Learning Community

By Diane Bosman
Canadian Unitarian Council

Editor’s note: The Canadian Unitarian Council’s Lifespan Learning Advisory Board and Consultants are developing a program to support congregations in their quest to become communities that intentionally provide holistic lifespan religious education. These twelve points, reprinted with permission, were articulated as part of that effort.

1. A Lifespan Learning Community has an articulated vision of lifespan learning as it relates to the mission of its community.
2. A Lifespan Learning Community assesses its current opportunities for learning at every age of life and stage of faith development.
3. A Lifespan Learning Community has a long range plan to maintain its current lifespan learning opportunities and create desired new opportunities.
4. A Lifespan Learning Community provides opportunities for people to grow and learn at all ages of their life.
5. A Lifespan Learning Community provides opportunities for people to grow and learn at all stages of their faith development.
6. A Lifespan Learning Community assists members through life-stage transitions with programs and ceremonies of recognition.
7. A Lifespan Learning Community provides opportunities for members of different generations to form relationships and learn from one another.
8. A Lifespan Learning Community supports and inspires its members to teach and lead others.
9. A Lifespan Learning Community allocates adequate resources including space and funds to create quality thriving programs.
10. A Lifespan Learning Community provides encouragement, opportunity and financial support for its lay and professional leaders to continue their own spiritual growth.
11. A Lifespan Learning Community nurtures safe and respectful relations hips among its members and safeguards against abuse.
12. A Lifespan Learning Community regularly re-assesses its vision, goals and plans for lifespan learning.