LEARN OR DIE: 21ST CENTURY COMMUNITY LEARNING There are prevailing paradoxes which must be resolved if we are to advance an educational system worthy of 21st century citizens. A paradox is an apparently contradictory statement which may be true however great the contradiction. Somehow, we have to resolve these contradictions if we are to move forward. "We assume that all can learn, but all do not learn at the same pace and in the same way. Yet, we want everyone to complete schooling at the same time or be judged a failure" (Indiana University Dean of Education, Howard Mehlinger, Retired). During the advent years of the July 4th 2026 Birthday Celebration of The Declaration of Independence, the paradoxes blocking our democratic institutions of learning have not been resolved. The Institute for 21st Century Learning has used in the preparation of LEARN OR DIE a community of national scholars, each having their own insights, yet the knowledge and skill attributes necessary for addressing today's paradox barriers: Qualitative Action Research; The New Global Economy; The New Urbanism; The New University; Complex Systems Evaluation; 21st Century Leadership; Vision-Based Community Development; and Citizens' Community Connections and the Transformation of Community Schools. Is the American Revolution still alive? A perfect storm of shrinking capacity and growing need typifies the educational establishment in many areas. Learn or Die articulates the model for successful education policies as we head faster into unpredictable territory for public education. Learn or Die is the roadmap. Kim Brand, President 3D Parts Manufacturing, LLC, Senior Scholar, Information Technologies, Institute for 21st Century Learning