PUBLIC RELATIONS GUIDE



VI. Benefits of Affiliation

As LVA embarks on the development and implementation of a rigorous set of Accreditation standards for full inclusion in the LVA network, it is necessary to clearly identify the advantages accruing to current and potential member organizations as they start the journey to Accreditation.

LVA affiliates participate in a learner-centered, customer-driven organization that provides the highest quality education, support, and advocacy services in the literacy field. An organization�s achievement of a high standard of excellence and attainment of nationally recognized Accreditation will enhance that organization�s ability to meet the needs of the adult learners in its community, coordinate effectively with other social and human service agencies, and secure more stable private and public sector support.

The process leading to Accreditation carries with it an expanding �menu� of benefits. The following outlines in detail the specific organizational gains that can be attained at each stage. The list includes all benefits available to LVA affiliates under the present system. However, these benefits have been restructured and prioritized to enhance and expand the marketability of the Accreditation process itself.

The Provisional Affiliate
Upon approval of the Local/Mid-Level/National Agreement and endorsement by a duly authorized mid-level system and LVA, Inc., a provisional affiliate is entitled to receive:

  • a nationally recognized literacy-specific management system (i.e., Maintaining the Balance: A Guide to 50/50 Management) through LVA core materials and consultation
  • full and immediate participation under LVA�s 501(c)(3)
  • interaction with a vast national and regional network of literacy providers sharing best demonstrated practices in the following areas:
    – program development
    – fund development
    – public advocacy
    – leadership/staff development
    – technology
    – regional and national training (i.e. the LVA Conference)
  • free and regularly updated core materials.
  • ongoing research and product development of training and instructional materials in Basic Literacy and English for Speakers of Other Languages.
  • access to national and mid-level infrastructure including low-cost technical assistance leading to Accreditation
  • advocacy for increased public sector support at the national and state levels
  • free/low cost generic LVA public awareness materials such as posters, flyers, brochures, radio/television public service announcements, bookmarks, etc., for use by the local affiliate
  • continuing growth and development of information sharing services (Internet, World Wide Web, e-mail, etc.) in addition to national newsletters and other publications
  • ongoing data collection, analysis, and reporting of regional and national trends affecting adult learners, volunteer management, and literacy providers
  • one free LVA conference registration the year that provisional status is approved.
  • ten percent discount on LVA produced materials, a five percent discount on non-LVA catalogue materials, and an additional five percent discount for early payments upon LVA approval of Local/Mid-Level/National Agreement.

The Accredited Affiliate
In addition to the above, upon Accreditation, the affiliate:

  • will be recognized as having achieved a national standard of excellence while maintaining local autonomy
  • can take advantage of high quality, low cost management and instructional training, consultation, and support customized by LVA for volunteer literacy providers
  • can participate in a national system of awards and recognition of outstanding students, tutors, and programs
  • will have access to a package of high quality, low cost employee benefits including health insurance, retirement annuities, directors and officers and general liability insurance
  • can participate in a national Signature Event generating public awareness and donor support of LVA at the local, regional, and national levels.
  • has the opportunity to participate in major national funding initiatives supporting innovative demonstration projects at the local level
  • will receive a 15 percent discount on LVA produced materials, ten percent discount on non-LVA catalogue materials, and an additional five percent discount for early payments, affiliate commission on sales, and graduated discounts for multiple conference attendees

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