Local communities can be learning opportunities for the active participation of senior citizens, if they open themselves for volunteering and active citizenship of its older inhabitants. Being active for the benefit of others and in public life helps older people to overcome social exclusion and to find a new responsible role in the local community. During the last years in the European countries an increase of the deliberative democracy with initiating agenda 21-processes, round table meetings and other modes of participation in local communities is to be noticed. The intensified participation of senior citizens at the self-government of the local communities and at the shaping of the local environment by civic commitment requires a knew approach of all involved protagonists: the senior citizens, the actors of local policy and the professional experts in the municipalities. Educational services of the adult education are a key to improve the participation and integration of senior citizens. Based on an empowerment-orientated and participative approach the project intends to enhance and promote volunteering and active citizenship (social/political participation) of senior citizens and give useful tools for the adult education to carry out learning processes effectively and properly for all target groups: the older people, the actors of local policy and the experts in the municipalities. The project results will be documented in a guideline which contains prototypes and good practice examples of participation in the local communities and proved and innovative concepts of the adult education.The partnership is composed of adult education providers and representatives of local communities (municipality, NGO, umbrella organisation).