Literacy Volunteers Of Massachusetts
Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts (LVM) believes in the power of literacy to transform lives and communities. Since 1972, LVM has trained volunteer tutors to provide free, confidential and individualized tutoring to adults in basic reading and writing, and English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). With improved literacy skills and the confidence that comes with them, adults are able to pursue a better life and a better future for themselves, their families and their communities.
Description:
Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts (LVM) is about bringing people together to make a real difference through the power of literacy.
As one of our basic literacy students said, "Without the help of Literacy Volunteers I know where I'd be -- sitting on the couch staring at a brick wall. Literacy Volunteers has given me the tools to break through that barrier, and for that I thank them."
LVM specializes in teaching adults whose literacy skills are below the 6th grade level or who have limited conversational English skills, especially those who cannot or will not attend classes due to fear, embarrassment, past failure in school, or difficulties with child care, transportation or scheduling. Adults specifically choose LVM because LVM's services are accessible, individualized, private, confidential, flexibly scheduled and free. They have described LVM as their "best chance" and often the only program that would take them.
Prospective volunteers are required to attend a volunteer orientation (2 hours) and successfully complete a tutor training in either basic literacy or ESOL (18 hours each) prior to being certified and matched with an adult student. Once certified, volunteers work one-to-one with a student for 2 hours per week for a minimum of 9 to 12 months at mutually convenient times and public places. Individualized tutoring lessons are student-centered and focus on the goals, skills, materials and content that are relevant and important to the student.
Volunteers and students receive ongoing support from LVM's professional staff. The varied support services include monthly contact, newsletters, additional trainings and other professional development opportunities, special recognition events, a reference and lending library, and personal assistance whenever needed.
LVM tutors are dedicated, patient, flexible and encouraging volunteers who create a positive learning environment where adults can thrive and learn without embarrassment. Volunteers must have a high school diploma or its equivalent, the ability to work with diverse groups, and a sensitivity to the struggles of adult learners, especially those with limited literacy and English language skills. Previous teaching experience or knowledge of another language is not required to be a tutor.
Tutoring is a wonderful opportunity to make a real and lasting difference in someone's life and to change your own life in unexpected ways. As one of our volunteer tutors said, “Of course the students are the ones actually tackling the challenges and doing the hard work, but we get to witness and share the experience in a way that I think is rare in the rest of life. To hope, to discuss the challenges and strategies, to enjoy the small accomplishments along the way, to look forward to the realization of goals, and to savor them as they come to fruition. I believe that the work LVM supports is life at its best – to dream big, work hard, and create the life that we want.”
Become an LVM volunteer tutor and join us in supporting life at its best.
History:
LVM is the leading volunteer literacy organization in the state, serving more than 1,000 adults each year through its statewide network of 12 local affiliate programs in Massachusetts. LVM is widely recognized for its expertise in training volunteers to tutor basic literacy and ESOL. LVM has been chosen by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Boston Adult Literacy Initiative, Boston University and the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Center to help design programs and train tutors. Boston University, Western New England College and Worcester State College have all granted college credit to individuals completing LVM's tutor training and subsequently tutoring.
LVM was competitively selected as one of 100 charities included in the first issue of the distinguished "Catalogue of Philanthropy". LVM was also selected as the recipient of the Ad Club of Greater Boston's Public Service Campaign Award. The campaign was honored for creative excellent with two prestigious Hatch Awards.
LVM staff members have received awards for exemplary service from the Massachusetts Literacy Foundation, the New England Branch of the Orton Dyslexia Society, the Boston Jaycees, the Women's National Book Association, Rotary International and the Massachusetts Reading Association. LVM students and volunteers have been honored by multiple times by the Massachusetts Coalition for Adult Education. LVM's Executive Director received an honorary doctorate from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in recognition of her achievements in adult literacy.
LVM was one of eight programs recognized nationally by ProLiteracy and Dollar General for exemplary accountability and data management systems.
Contact person: Kirstin Griffiths, Program Coordinator, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (617) 367-8894
Address:
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8 Faneuil Hall Marketplace - North Market
3rd FloorBoston, MA 02109(See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.lvm.org
Directions:
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LVM is a few minutes walk from the Green Line (Government Center or Haymarket), the Orange Line (State Street and Haymarket) and the Blue Line (Government Center and Aquarium).
Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Government Center,
Walk distance (in minutes): 2
Nearest Bus Stop: none, none minute walk |
Miscellaneous Information
| What is the type of the agency? |
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501(c)(3)
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| Does the agency conduct CORI checks? |
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No
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| Last updated on September 2, 2009 |
