Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati

635 W. 7 Street
19 Broadcast Plaza
Cincinnati, OH 45203
Phone (513) 621-7323
FAX (513) 381-7440
lngc@fuse.net

Year Incorporated

1988

Vision and/or Mission

The Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati champions the development of literacy in the individual, the family, the workplace, and the community by raising awareness, improving access, and serving as a catalyst for literacy efforts.

History

Providers saw a need to come together and wanted a stronger voice on literacy issues. Project Literacy U.S. (PLUS) brought awareness of the need for coalitions.

Founding Leaders

A Catholic sister who worked with a community-based organization, and who served on the Ohio Literacy Network, learned of PLUS and contacted the local PBS station, WCET-TV. They called a meeting of known providers plus school-based educators and interested parties. A board was formed consisting of one-third providers and two-thirds invited business and community people. WCET donated a small office space for the coalition.

Early Successes

Organized regular meetings of providers.

Hired a tutor trainer to provide trained tutors.

Raised funds and gave small initial grants to providers.

Created a business-led "Hands Across the River" fund drive campaign.

Launched a significant, ongoing PR campaign through all media.

Pulled in very high profile business leaders to head campaigns and serve on the Board and committees.

Created strong business partnerships right away.

Launched an information and referral hotline.

Early Challenges

Overcoming the fears of some providers that the coalition was competition.

Building credibility and awareness of the coalition's existence.

Turning Point

One key turning point was when business leaders were eager to head our fundraising campaign and even volunteered to do it a second year. Another key point was when our current co-chair volunteered to head the campaign, because he saw it as a very positive one and wanted to get involved.

Current Size

75+ provider members.

One full-time employee, four part-time employees, and I AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer.

$218,000 budget.

Donated office space in a large, well-located office building at the FOX-TV station.

Recent Accomplishments

In 2000, trained 172 tutors.

Holds bi-weekly adult and daily children's dyslexia classes (the Basic Reading Program).

Conducts two major annual fundraiser/awareness events: Hands Across the River and the Spelling Bee/Tutor Recognition Luncheon

Next Steps - Managerial

Bring a strong media contact onto the board.

Strengthen financial picture.

Increase office space and update office equipment.

Strengthen board participation.

Next Steps - Programmatic

Expand the Children's Basic Reading Program.

Advice to Other Coalitions

Do a long range plan first.

Plan first - do service after planning.

Survey the literacy community for their needs and get suggestions of how a coalition can help them as a prerequisite for your planning.

Create a strong development plan and an active development committee.

Be community-driven rather than provider-driven on your board.

The executive director needs to have strong connections to business leaders and organizations in the community.

Last Updated

May 2001