RICHARD TEARE 13. APPLYING THE CONCEPT OF LIFELONG ACTION LEARNING Learning and Development for a Better World INTRODUCTION Ortrun Zuber-Skerritt’s contemporary ideas about Lifelong Action Learning (LAL) are grounded in the work of the Global University for Lifelong Learning (GULL). This chapter profiles Ortrun’s contribution to the LAL concept and to GULL’s work since its launch in 2007. The chapter also outlines how Ortrun’s personal and scholarly insights have helped to shape an inclusive approach to learning and development that encourages and strengthens low income and subsistence communities. As a vehicle for LAL, GULL aims to harness the potential of people to bring about positive change and in particular, greater self-reliance and financial independence. It is a self-directed process of learning and growth that can be shared with others. The importance of LAL is also reflected in sustainable transformation – a form of practical ‘self-help’ that yields on-going personal and community benefits. Ortrun’s substantial contribution to the literature on aspects of Action Learning and Action Research (ALAR) is internationally recognised and widely acknowledged by people all over the world who draw on her work. To shed light on why her contribution is so significant, I aim to highlight some of the ways in which Ortrun’s generosity of spirit, visionary thinking and commitment to action underpin her many books. The chapter opens with a personal tribute to Ortrun (modelling action leadership) and continues by tracing her contribution to GULL’s work with reference to five books she has authored, co-authored and edited since 2009. This chapter ‘Applying the Concept of Lifelong Action Learning’ is divided into two parts, ‘Learning Communities’ (2009–2012) with reference to Action Learning and Action Research: Songlines through Interviews (2009); Action Leadership: Towards a Participatory Paradigm (2011) and Action Research for Sustainable Development in a Turbulent World (2012), and ‘Self-directed community development’ (2013–2015) with particular reference to Lifelong Action Learning for Community Development: Learning and Development for a Better World (2013) and also Professional Learning in Higher Education and Communities: Towards a New Vision of Action Research (2015). Given that the majority of the world’s population lack options for personal and professional development, the final section, ‘Learning and Development for J. Kearney & M. Todhunter (Eds), Lifelong Action Learning and Research: A Tribute to the Life and Pioneering Work of Ortrun Zuber-Skerritt, 163–177. © 2015 Sense Publishers. All rights reserved. R. Teare a Better World’, highlights the significance of Ortrun’s contribution in relation to GULL’s inclusive approach to learning and development. MODELLING ACTION LEADERSHIP It is both a pleasure and a privilege to contribute to a book about Ortrun Zuber- Skerritt’s lifelong learning but it is also a rather daunting assignment as there is so much to say about Ortrun – an exceptional character who has generated a rich body of work throughout her career. To obviate the risk of duplication (others have known Ortrun and her scholarly contribution for much longer than I), this chapter centres on Ortrun’s practical and theoretical contributions to a network movement initiated in 2007 by the Global University for Lifelong Learning (GULL). The chapter spans a relatively short time frame, beginning in 2008 when Ortrun and I began to discuss GULL’s work. Since then, Ortrun has given freely of her time and energy and devoted space in five of her books to lead GULL’s thinking about the concept of Lifelong Action Learning (LAL) and specifically how this can be applied in low income and subsistence communities settings. I am deeply grateful to Ortrun for her friendship, kindness and commitment to action leadership. Prior to sharing some personal reflections, I should like to outline the purpose of GULL and its vision for inclusive learning. Enabling YOU to Make a Difference in OUR World The official launch of the Global University for Lifelong Learning (hereafter referred to as GULL) took place on Friday 5 October, 2007 in the State Function Room, National Parliament House, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG). The event was attended by both of GULL’s founding Co Chancellors, Sir Paulias Matane, eighth Governor-General (Head of State) and Sir Michael Somare, PNG’s Prime Minister. Among other acts of generosity by these two visionary national leaders, a limited edition stamp was issued in PNG to commemorate the launch event. Why is this event relevant to the development of a new framework for lifelong action learning? The story began long ago in PNG and is mirrored by the early life of Paulias Matane. He was born in 1931 in a remote subsistence community in East New Britain Province, PNG. As both his parents died when he was a young boy, he was raised by his elderly grandparents. His grandfather told him that if he wanted to succeed in life, he had to be focussed, have a vision, set an objective, plan for it, and with total honesty, commitment and perseverance, he would reach his goal. Paulias followed his grandfather’s advice and at the age of 16, he was able to attend school for the first time. He later became a Teacher, Headmaster, Schools Inspector and then National Superintendent of Teacher Education. After that, he served his country as a Permanent Secretary, an Ambassador, a High Commissioner, and as a Vice President of the United Nations General Assembly. On 26 May 2004 he was elected as the eighth Governor-General of PNG. 164.