About The Learning Council

Community Enrichment Through Education & Advocacy

The Learning Council strengthens communities in Colorado's North Fork Valley through educational programs in the arts, sustainable agriculture, food access, social justice, and wellness. We serve Delta County and surrounding areas, welcoming people of all abilities, ages, backgrounds, and identities.


Our programs operate on a gift economy model, ensuring no one is excluded due to financial constraints. Through this inclusive approach, we enrich our local community and serve as a model for others seeking to make education accessible to all.


We acknowledge the Ute (Nuche) Tribes who tended this land for generations. We honor their stewardship and are committed to building authentic relationships and trust with Ute communities.

Children playing violin and keyboard for a large seated audience in a bright indoor performance space

Our Mission

Empowering communities through inclusive education, art, advocacy, food, agriculture, and wellness for all.

Colorful pride parade with banners and flags in front of a building on a sunny day

Our Story

Founded in 1998 as The Learning Cooperative and rebranded in 2007 as The Learning Council, we have evolved to meet the changing needs of our community. From offering community meals to hosting educational forums at our downtown hub, The Hearth (138 Grand Ave), TLC serves as a responsive cornerstone of community development in the North Fork Valley.

Our Values

  • Lifelong Learning

    Education is a continuous journey. We offer a variety of workshops, classes, and community experiences for all ages, fostering curiosity and resilience while equipping members with tools to thrive in our changing world.

  • Representation & Advocacy

    Every community member deserves to feel seen and heard. We promote equity and inclusion across all programs, centering perspectives from underrepresented groups and working to transform systems that have historically excluded them.

  • Celebration

    We honor diverse cultural heritage through festivals, workshops, and performances that uplift unique traditions and arts. These shared experiences foster deeper understanding, appreciation, and joy within our community.

  • Reciprocity

    Our gift economy model makes programs accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. Community members contribute what they can, creating a sustainable cycle of giving and receiving that strengthens bonds and demonstrates the power of mutual support.

  • Wellness

    We integrate holistic wellness practices addressing intellectual growth, physical health, and emotional well-being, from food equity initiatives and agricultural workshops to movement classes, parent support groups, and programs that promote safety, rejuvenation, and sustainability.

How the Gift Economy Works

TLC operates on a gift model where participants choose what to pay based on their circumstances. When those who can afford it pay more, they help sustain programs for others—creating a cycle of generosity and community support.


Three Payment Options:


  • Pay It Forward - Pay above the actual cost to help others attend
  • Pay the Actual Cost - Cover the true cost of the program
  • Give What You Can - Pay whatever amount works for your budget


We also support our volunteers with Gratitude Notes redeemable for meals or classes.

Be Part of the Transformation

People dancing in a colorful street parade under trees, with a decorated vehicle in the center.

We invite you to join this movement. Whether through volunteering, participating in programs, or contributing financially, your involvement sustains our work.



Together, these values create a vibrant, inclusive, healthy community that enriches the North Fork Valley and serves as a model for community development.

Connect With Us


Visit The Hearth
Our downtown educational hub
138 Grand Ave, Paonia, CO 81428


Mailing Address
PO Box 1744, Paonia, CO 81428


Email: info@thelearningcouncil.org