I. Purpose
The Elderhostel Institute Network is a voluntary association of Institutes
for Learning in Retirement (“ILRs”) whose purpose is to strengthen
and support the effectiveness of ILRs, encourage the establishment of
new ILRs, and disseminate information about ILRs.
II. Constituency
The Network consists of affiliated ILRs which are independent of one
another and vary greatly in size and character. Their association in the
Network is prompted by a shared purpose and common attributes. Each ILR
is a community-based membership organization of mature adults who share
a love of learning. At its heart is an academic program designed by its
members to suit their interests. In the company of like-minded peers,
members enjoy college-level academic pursuits without concern for credits,
grades and prerequisites. ILRs offer unique educational opportunities
which emphasize collaborative leadership and active member participation.
Each ILR is a center for intellectual and social activity operating in
affiliation with a college or university. While benefiting its individual
members, and ILR also adds a new dimension to campus life, bringing campus
and community closer together.
III. Guiding Principles
The Institute for Learning n Retirement is a program model which provides
a vehicle for mature adults to continue their intellectual development,
to serve their communities, to enhance their understanding of the world,
to benefit from and also contribute to the life of our colleges and universities.
The Network’s commitment to the ILR as a model for adult education
is grounded in the following beliefs:
• The pursuit of knowledge is a worthy human endeavor throughout
life and continued learning and social interaction contribute to greater
enjoyment of life and personal fulfillment.
• The education and participation of citizens are keys to fulfillment
of civic duties in a democracy. Through shared inquiry and discussion,
ILRs promote knowledge and understanding of the past and future development
of the arts, humanities, social and physical sciences by people of all
ages, backgrounds and interests.
This Mission Statement was developed during the period 1996-1997 by a
subcommittee of the Network Advisory Committee. Chaired by Harry Lawrence,
the committee included Joe Bothwell, Evelyn Chasan, Mary Linnehan, Mary
Montgomery and Marjorie Skafte. As a starting pint, the committee used
an earlier draft mission statement by Henry Lipman which was published
in Network News in fall 1992. The statement was endorsed by the Network
Advisory Committee in October 1997.
• The companionship of a peer-age group facilitates and enriches
the learning experience, as do active participation and involvement of
the learners.
• Through their ILR, older adults can continue to share their talents
and enthusiasms with people of all ages, thereby enhancing the quality
of their lives, influencing younger generations, and promoting an image
of older adults as active and contributing members of their communities.
• An ILR is a learning community which encourages new friendships,
leadership, and the continuing development and use of one’s skills
and talents.
• The affiliation of an ILR with a college or university is mutually
beneficial. Older adults make use of the institution’s resources,
and the institution thereby extends its educational influence to the larger
community.
• The opportunity to continue learning should be accessible to
all who desire it, regardless of race, creed, gender, economic status
or prior educational achievement. Diversity of cultural backgrounds and
viewpoints enhance the learning experience.
IV. Program
The Network seeks to fulfil its mission through the collection and dissemination
of information about ILRs, through leadership training, and by promoting
enthusiasm for ILRs. The Network’s structure provides for an ILR,
as an organization, to become a Network affiliate by paying annual dues
and fulfilling other requisites of affiliation. Activities of the Network,
coordinated through a headquarters office, seek to foster communication
among ILRs. These include publications, conferences, training workshops,
programs of travel and study for ILR members, consultation and referrals,
and spokesmanship for the ILR movement.
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With headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts, the Elderhostel Institute
Network operates as a division of Elderhostel, Inc. which shares with
ILRs a mission of providing high quality educational opportunities for
older adults.
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