PUBLIC RELATIONS GUIDE



VII. Local/State-Level/National Agreement

Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc. is a national network of diverse, autonomous, locally-based member organizations which share a common Mission and Core Values. Through the outstanding effort of its organizations, LVA is an acknowledged and respected leader in the volunteer literacy movement. Because of the increasing interdependence among local groups, each organization must recognize that the reputation of the entire literacy movement is determined by the quality of each program.

This Agreement among LVA, 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.

In addition to achieving its Vision through the implementation of its 1995 Strategic Plan, LVA, Inc. and the Mid-Level System identified below agree to:

  • Preserve the autonomy of the local organization which is vested with all ultimate authority to participate as a member of LVA.
  • Protect the use of the LVA name and logo for the benefit of its members and pursue appropriate action to stop any unauthorized use.
  • Collect, evaluate, and disseminate information about the effort of its network.
  • Support, through public relations, publications, training, technical assistance, and advocacy, the consistent application of a rigorous Accreditation program for its members.
LVA retains the authority to:
  • Grant affiliate status and accredit member organizations.
  • Terminate affiliate status where sub-standard conditions persist.
  • Negotiate geographic service territories between and among its members.
The local organization agrees to:
  • Be, if it is community-based, a non-profit organization,
    OR

    Be, if it is agency-based, a designated literacy program of a non-profit organization.
  • Provide all LVA reports and requests for information in an accurate and timely fashion.
  • Submit to LVA (through the appropriate State Office or duly authorized Mid-Level System) requests for name changes, mergers, or other changes in status.
  • Be accessible to program participants and have a telephone with a public listing in a telephone directory.
  • Pay the Affiliate Fee in accordance with its payment schedule.
  • Comply with LVA's Accreditation Standards within the time frame and Accreditation System established by LVA and the appropriate State Office or other duly authorized Mid-Level System.
  • Keep as confidential the Accreditation Standards, System, and related materials (the Accreditation process is not for public dissemination; permission to duplicate any materials and information may only be granted by the national office of LVA.)

Local Endorsement

We, the undersigned, on behalf of out organization ________________________________________ agree and commit to the above stated Local/Mid-Level/National Agreement. We share in the LVA Mission and Core Values and commit to achieving LVA Accreditation as a member organization. We will look to become an accredited LVA affiliate within the time frame established by LVA, and through that Accreditation preserve our right to use the LVA name and logo and other benefits of LVA membership.
________________________________________
Date

________________________________________
Organization Director

________________________________________
President, Board of Directors/Advisory Board

If Agency Based:

________________________________________
Sponsor Organization Director

________________________________________
Sponsor Organization President


State-Level Endorsement

I/We support and recommend the above organization for membership. ________________________________________ has a thorough understanding of and commitment to LVA Mission and Core Values and Membership Standards System and in my/our judgement is committed to achieving Accreditation. I/We agree to provide technical assistance to support this organization's Accreditation and membership as an LVA Affiliate.
________________________________________
Date

________________________________________
LVA State Director/LVA State Liason


LVA National Endorsement

We agree to support through the Mid-Level System ________________________________________ in its commitment to become an accredited affiliate within the specified time frame.
________________________________________
Date

________________________________________
LVA Program Development Managing Director

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