Strategic Plan (2011-2013)
The AONTAS Strategic Plan 2011-2013 was launched at the AGM on 11th May 2011. Click here to download a copy of the Strategic Plan. Three key themes will underpin the work of AONTAS for the next three years, Value, Voice and Visibility.
VALUE: AONTAS as a membership organisation:-
- believes in the concept of lifelong learning as a means of enabling people to contribute to and participate personally, socially, economically and collectively in the development of Irish society.
- affirms and supports the key role of adult and community education in promoting equality, social inclusion and active citizenship.
- commits to the development and sustainability of a quality adult and community education service.
VOICE: AONTAS as a membership organisation:-
- commits to acting as a critical voice for the adult and community education sector, to lobby for change and reach a wide audience.
- supports and affirms the voice of adult learners as the core of its advocacy work.
- commits to articulating the key elements of a quality adult and community education service and lobbying for its development.
VISIBILITY: AONTAS as a membership organisation:-
- commits to promoting the importance, value and role of adult and community education at local, national and international levels.
- supports and affirms the achievements of adult learners as a means of drawing attention to the key social purpose of adult learning.
- commits to articulating and demonstrating the importance and quality of the work done by the adult and community education service.
How The Strategic Plan was Created
- 573 Questionnaires to members
- 2 Adult Learners' Festival information events
- 7 Interviews (IVEA, CEOA, AEOA, CEFA, TUI, DES and FEDU)
- 8 Stakeholder Surveys (NALA, FETAC, AEGI, NCCWN, ASTI, FAS, Pobal and Access Office)
- 1 Focus Group (key stakeholders and key organisations)
- 3 Regional Seminars (Wexford, Kerry and Limerick)
- 1 AONTAS General Meeting
- 1 Community Education Network Meeting
- 1 Learner Network Forum
- 7 Community education workshops - Limerick, Clare, Galway, Kildare and Dublin.
An Evolving Consultation Document
The consultation began at the Annual General Meeting of membership held on May 19th 2010. The discussion groups at this meeting were informed by a scoping document disseminated to members prior to the meeting. The scoping document which you can find online for your information is based on the work AONTAS has done and the feedback it has received over the period of the current Strategic plan 2007-2010. The Appendix attached to the scoping document outlines the outcomes of the current plan.
The outcomes of the discussions at the Annual General Meeting shaped the strategic plan questionnaire. The three themes of voice, visibility and value emerged and were identified as key areas for AONTAS to concentrate on over the course of 2011-2013. The questionnaire was disseminated to all members during July with the aim of creating an opportunity for members to respond to this newly shaped document. Over 50 responses were received and all inputs have been collated and analysed, this will reshape the consultation document which will be used as a basis for telephone surveys, one-to-one interviews, focus groups and membership meetings. A draft of the AONTAS Strategic Plan will be available for members at the General Meeting on Wednesday 17th November 2010.
Download the Strategic Plan Scoping document (pdf).
