This document contains 11 papers about the potential for progressive educational practice in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. "Editorial" (Mae Shaw, Jane Thompson, Liam Bane) discusses the tradition of common purpose in education and the need to tackle social exclusion, educate for active citizenship, and promote lifelong learning and adult and community education. "Returning to the Northern City" (Jane Thompson) discusses current social, economic, and political conditions in the working class neighborhood where she grew up in Northern England. "Contesting Citizenship" (Ian Martin) explores competing traditions of citizenship, learning democracy, linking the local and the global, and stretching the policy discourse. "Making Connections" (Ursula Coleman) considers the nature and purpose of adult education in the Irish context during the first decade of the 21st century. "Learning for Active Citizenship" (Jane Pillinger) explains how growing concerns about the demise of democratic participation in political and civil life has led to new adult education initiatives across Europe. "The Emancipation of Hope" (Paul Nolan) focuses on adult learning and peace building in Northern Ireland and considers the issues of learning and unlearning, community, workplace, and women's groups. "Scotland's Parliament, Civil Society, and Popular Education" (Eurig Scandrett) examines community educators' response to recent constitutional changes in Scotland, with special attention to land reform, gay rights, and the ambiguity of civil society. "The POWER Story" (Margaret Martin) reports on a partnership of two women's organizations and two educational institutions in Ireland. "Inclusive Rhetoric, Exclusive Reality" (Usha Brown) considers the impact of British government policies to reduce poverty. "Reclaiming a Progressive Tradition: A View from South Africa" (Jonathan Grossman) explores changes, continuities, and challenges facing the progressive tradition in South Africa. "Popular Education and the Landless People's Movement in Brazil" (Liam Kane) traces the development of Brazil's Landless People's Movement and discusses its lessons for the United Kingdom. The Scandrett paper contains a substantial bibliography. (MN)