About Us
The Literacy Society of the North Okanagan began as the Literacy and Youth Initiatives Society of the North Okanagan in 2007 and operated both the Junction Literacy Centre and Teen Junction Youth Centre.
In 2017, the management of the Teen Junction Youth Centre was turned over to the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club. This was a win-win. The Literacy Society could focus on literacy services, and the Youth Centre had a new level of support to help grow and develop as a safe place for teens in our community.
Your membership helps us support the community with their literacy needs! Please plan on attending the Annual General Meeting each year in November. To be eligible to vote members must have a membership of at least 3 months prior to the AGM. The membership fee is waived for all active volunteers. Your membership is welcomed!
Vision Statement
Our vision is that the literacy needs of every person in the North Okanagan are met.
Mission Statement
To enhance community literacy through partnerships, programs, and services with the help of our valued volunteers and supporters.
Value Statements
The Literacy Society has four core values that reflect the perspective of the organization, and its guidelines for our conduct and behaviour as we work towards our vision.
Collaboration
The Literacy Society works constructively as a team and with partner organizations to achieve our mission and vision.
We pledge to:
- work collaboratively with staff and community partners
- build and maintain effective partnerships between volunteers and staff
- deliver transparent and timely communication and reporting
- seek out productive partnerships with other organizations that share our values
Quality
The Literacy Society believes in providing free, quality learning support.
We pledge to:
- focus on the learners we serve
- ensure our learners receive individual instruction from knowledgeable, trained volunteers, facilitators, and staff
- use relevant, reputable, accredited learning resources
- strive for excellence through evaluation and continuous improvement
Respect
The Literacy Society believes that all people should be treated with consideration and dignity and that literacy should be available to everyone.
We pledge to:
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provide individualized support to those who voluntarily seek our services
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create a positive, non-judgmental, and encouraging learning environment
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provide accommodations, wherever possible, for limitations which may be experienced by our learners and volunteers
- serve with empathy and compassion
- celebrate the diversity of our learners, volunteers, and staff
Sustainability
The Literacy Society believes that all people should be treated with consideration and dignity and that literacy should be available to everyone.
We continue to:
- promote the importance of literacy as integral to the success of individuals and communities
- promote life-long learning for everyone
- promote the spirit of community volunteerism
- acknowledge and appreciate the support of Literacy Society volunteers
- be a financially-responsible organization
- be accountable to our funders
