Becoming Affiliated

How to Become an Accredited LVA Affiliate

Ensuring that adults and their families who receive tutoring from volunteers are getting quality services is the impetus behind accrediting LVA affiliates. LVA Accreditation goes further than establishing minimum standards; it also identifies promising educational and management practices within the LVA network and beyond.

Accredited LVA affiliates:

  • provide effective literacy instruction
  • demonstrate effective nonprofit management in the literacy arena
  • are accountable for quality outcomes

    LVA no longer mandates specific instructional methods and materials. However, local programs must prove their effectiveness by documenting outcomes – both in terms of learner achievements and management practices. This approach maximizes accountability while encouraging innovation.

    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.

    Volunteer literacy programs applying for LVA Accreditation submit a Local/Mid-Level/National Agreement and an application through state-level LVA staff. Potential affiliates are assessed according to their potential to meet the Accreditation standards and are asked to describe their program services and governance structure. State/regional contacts provide guidance and technical assistance.

    LVA's affiliate fees are based on the number of members in the organization.

    For more information on becoming an LVA affiliate, contact LVA, Inc., Program Development Department, P.O. Box 6506, Syracuse, NY 13217; telephone (315)472-0001, or e-mail [email protected]