Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc., (LVA) is a not-for-profit organization, operated by professionals, that delivers services through a network of more than 50,000 volunteers nationwide. LVA's certified, locally-based education programs are committed to increasing literacy for adults and their families; effectively utilizing and supporting volunteers in the delivery of services; and providing research, training and technical assistance related to literacy. Through trained volunteer tutors, adult learners are enabled to achieve personal, educational and job-related goals. Founded in 1962 by Ruth Colvin in Syracuse, New York, LVA has more than 350 affiliates in 43 states, and has tutored over half a million adults in Basic Literacy and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

The contents of this manual are not offical statements of LVA, Inc. policy unless so identified. Legal and personnel documents are included as samples only and must be reviewed by qualified legal counsel for compliance with applicable state laws governing non-profit corporations.

Table of Contents

This guide is provided to help LVA affiliates introduce and �sell� Accreditation to their constituencies -- board, staff, volunteers, community leaders, organizations and funders.You are encouraged to use it in conjunction with the Introducing LVA Accreditation video and brochure.

I. The Journey to Accreditation
Welcome to our shared journey! This section gives a brief overview of the purpose, process, and objectives of Accreditation.

II. Accreditation: A Major Strategic Initiative

III. The Evolution of a Field-Driven Initiative

Sections II and III were presented as part of a proposal to the Hearst Foundation which was successfully funded. These sections are included here to give you an in-depth history of how Accreditation was developed to meet the needs of the field, and an understanding of the central role of the LVA state and regional system in the implementation of Accreditation. In addition, these two sections may be useful as you develop proposals related to Accreditation.

IV. About the Standards
Accreditation standards are not radical or unreasonable! This section offers an explanation of the two types of standards that have been identified as the basis of the Accreditation process: Qualifying Standards and Scored Standards.

V. The Process
LVA, Inc.'s goal is to assist affiliates in providing the best, most effective tutoring experience possible for students. This section describes the technical assistance that will be available to affiliates to assist them with the Accreditation process.

VI. Benefits of Affiliation
The process leading to Accreditation carries with it an expanding menu of benefits. This section clearly identifies the advantages accruing to current and potential member organizations as they start the journey to Accreditation.

VII. Local/Mid-Level/National Agreement
This agreement among LVA, Inc., an LVA state-level organization, and a local literacy organization is intended to demonstrate LVA�s commitment to excellence and to provide a framework to establish common policies, practices, and organizational standards to help strengthen the LVA network and ensure quality literacy services to those in need.

VIII. Summary of Standards of Affiliation
Here, in summary, are the Qualifying Standards and Scored Standards, each category broken down into the areas of Organization, Finance and Personnel, and Program.

IX. Support from United Way of America
The LVA Accreditation Initiative has won praise from the National Institute for Literacy and the GTE Foundation, as noted in the brochure and the video contained in the kit. In addition, Martha Greenway of the United Way of America sent this letter of support, which may be included in affiliate proposals related to Accreditation.

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