SUMMARY

The following summary is provided to assist in future discussions about policy development within the CCLOW. The recommendations are to be considered as discussion starting points, not necessarily as the best method for dealing with the related problem or obstacle. Each problem is discussed in greater detail in the text of the report.

1. Policy development requires: (a) Empiral-rational-technical judgments based on descriptive information about past and current conditions, needs and obstacles, and about the changes required; (b) political judgments about what is possible in the political and social processes of our society; and (c) value judgments about priorities and preferences based on various criteria of worth. Each set of judgments requires its own special knowledge, skills, and a willingness to use the accompanying sources of power.

Recommendation: That the CCLOW encourage individual and group development of professional, interpersonal, and process management skills; skills related to finding, recording and interpreting information; and skills related to the collaborative processes of policy development and implementation.

2. Information about women and learning activities or opportunities is either inadequate or non-existent for the Canadian context.

Recommendation: That the CCLOW sponsor the development of various studies to collect and disseminate information about women as learners, their characteristics and needs; about the obstacles created by various programs and institutions; etc.

3. This report did not attempt to investigate the problems related to funding: the means by which funds are allocated by governments to institutions and agencies; the means by which those institutions and agencies can best obtain funding; the means by which funds are distributed among programs and individuals; and so on.

Recommendation: That the CCLOW develop workshops at the national and provincial levels to further investigate concerns related to funding.

4. The value orientation and attitudes of the CCLOW are not clearly defined, on an organizational basis. This needs to be done before effective policy can be developed.

Recommendation: That the CCLOW begin a process of value clarification among its individual and group members, such a process to be undertaken within the coming year.

5. Administrative and supervisory personnel, and elected officials, responsible for policy development and implementation need to be asked to clarify their positions on a number of issues related to women and learning opportunities.

Recommendation: That the CCLOW develop a series of questions to be addressed to administrative and supervisory personnel within various public agencies, and to candidates for elected office, to assist local groups in obtaining information about the values and attitudes by which such persons make decisions affecting learning opportunities for women.