Membership Information

Why Paid Membership?

Up until now, the 7,000 teachers initially trained through the US WEST Foundation grant in Washington state made up the informal "free" network we know as The Learning Space. Now that the US WEST grant is complete, The Learning Space has decided to continue and expand its mission and work as a non-profit organization. We are moving to a paid membership model for the following reasons:

• Sustained Financial Base - Membership dues paid either by individual teachers or through state education departments, education associations and school districts will provide a sustained financial base to ensure a basic operating budget for the organization, including basic administration activities as well as payment to teachers for their services to The Learning Space. In short, this is necessary in order to guarantee the existence of The Learning Space.
• Quantifiable Identification of Members - In order to apply for more substantial grant and other funding from government agencies, foundations and corporate organizations, they often require proof of a quantifiable membership base. Through this membership process, we will be able to answer the question most often asked "So who is The Learning Space?" The goal is to secure enough funding to create a large enough endowment so that Learning Space membership may once again be free.
• Member Benefits - In order to obtain some of the benefits from retail and other organizations, they also require proof of membership numbers in order to receive significant discount.

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