The six articles in this first issue comprise a critical discourse about theories, practices, and research with the intent of realizing the potential of adult learning to bring about social change. "Adult Education and Empowerment for Individual and Community Development" (Jack Mezirow) outlines and updates the author's transformation theory of adult learning. "'Really Useful Knowledge': Linking Theory and Practice" (Jane L. Thompson) brings Marxist, socialist, feminist understanding to bear on current political developments and teaching practices. "Community Development and Adult Education: Prospects for Change?" (Brid Connolly) explores community development's role in addressing poverty, exclusion, and the unequal position of women, and adult education's role in bringing about liberating social change. "The Future of Adult Education: Learning towards a New Democracy" (Ted Fleming) critically explores the Irish Government's White Paper on Education and considers a future role for adult education in a democracy of free citizens. "Participation and Rural Voluntary Organisations in Ireland: A Case Study" (Tom Collins, Anne Ryan) explores the implications of approaches to participation ranging from redistributing power and resources to merely harnessing local energy to improve project delivery. "Comparability and Future Research in Adult Education: Methodological Challenges in the Euro-Delphi Survey" (Anne Murphy) examines problems of comparability and future policy development in transnational adult education research. (YLB)