The Purpose of the PVLA

The goal of the PVLA is to offer students a safe space to obtain the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in the classroom and in life.

Our mission is to break down barriers and give people a chance to find success and live their dreams. We empower students to obtain their educational goals and reach for the stars by providing individuals with information about how to live in Columbus and obtain their citizenship, as well as teaching them English-speaking skills and helping them search and apply for jobs.

History

The Platte Valley Literacy Association (PVLA) has been proudly serving the Columbus, Nebraska, area for several decades as a United Way Agency. Our goal is to meet the educational needs of individuals in our community. We partner with the Central Community College Adult Education program to further increase educational opportunities in the area and help students gain the necessary skills to be successful in life.

The PVLA evolved from a group of volunteer tutors in the early 1980s. As the director of the Columbus Public Library, Robert Trautwein was instrumental in responding to the need for more reading tutors. Mr. Trautwein wrote many grants that initiated programs that are still flourishing today. Many passionate individuals have shaped our organization into what it is now.

In 1990, the Platte Valley Literacy Association was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit. As the years have gone by, the PVLA has adapted in order to provide valuable services that address the current needs of community members.

Current Classes

Classes currently offered by the PVLA include the following:

• Introductory English as a second language (ESL)
• Citizenship
• Conversational English
• Book Club
• Integration
• One-on-one employment skills training

How is the PVLA Funded?

Grants

The vast majority of PVLA funding comes from grants. In essence, grants are funds that are awarded to a nonprofit from some type of foundation, organization, or business. More often than not, the PVLA has to apply for these funds, and the awarding entity decides if our cause is worthy of money.

Grant funds are typically restricted, which means that they can only be used for a specific program or purpose.

For example, the PVLA offers a wide range of classes, including Book Club, Integration Class, Conversational English, Citizenship, etc. While all of these classes are amazing and help students become successful, they are not all covered by grant money.

Some organizations prefer to fund very specific programs. When a grantor restricts funds to specific programs, the PVLA can only spend the money on those specific programs.

And those are perfectly reasonable and accepted practices. Every entity has something different they are interested in and want to support, so they send funds to help with causes/classes they care about.

Grants can also come in the form of unrestricted funds. Typically, these are classified as “operating grants.” This money can be used for an array of things, including salaries, rent, supplies, or instructor salaries.

Whether a grant is restricted or unrestricted, they keep PVLA programs up and running.

Donations

In addition to grants, the PVLA also receives donations from individuals and businesses. These can include money that allows us to buy snacks for our students or donations of snack items. We have also have had Thrivent grants donated to us to be used for a specific purpose.

We have also participated in fundraisers to obtain donations for our various programs. This year, like last, Cruise & Associates hosted a bowling fundraiser. In addition, Terrace Books put on a Blind Date with a Book fundraiser that collected $310 to be used for the purchase of snacks.

An Integral Part of the Community

The PVLA has been around since the 1980s, and we don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon. We have evolved our program offerings to ensure we are providing what the community wants and needs when it comes to skills and knowledge—and we will continue to do that for as long as we can.

If you have any questions about the PVLA, please fill out the form on the right-hand side of this blog, send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com (don’t forget to remove the spaces), or call 402-562-1463.

The Benefits of Being a Board Member

Photo by Damir Kopezhanov on Unsplash

The PVLA currently has an opening for a new board member. If you've been considering being part of a group that leads a nonprofit, here are some of the benefits that come with becoming a board member:

1. The Ability to Make a Difference

If you’ve ever wanted to make an impact, then becoming a board member for a nonprofit organization should be on your list. You’ll have the opportunity to make decisions that will impact individuals and the larger community. You’ll feel a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that you made a positive impact on others.

2. You Can Strengthen Your Professional Credibility

Being selected to be a board member is an indication that you are trustworthy and valued. As a board member, you become highly visible and are called upon to make decisions that impact people’s lives. Not only can you strengthen your professional credibility within your own business, but you can also enhance your reputation across your industry and within your community.

3. Expand Your Professional Network

Board membership puts you in a position where you have the opportunity to meet intelligent, influential, and well-connected individuals from other industries that you may not typically have access to. Since everyone shares a common goal of promoting an organization’s mission, you’ll already have one thing in common. From there, you can expand your network and connect in other meaningful ways outside of board meetings.

4. Improve Your Professional Skills

Whether you’re looking to advance your professional career or just want to be the best in your current position, serving on a board can improve your skillset. Since you’re working in a group, you’ll be able to hone and enhance your collaboration skills. You’ll learn how to compromise and communicate with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds, and that will serve you in many different ways.

You may already have some experience managing day-to-day operations in your career, but when you serve on a board, you can expand that skillset and help with an organization’s strategic vision. This allows you to see some different aspects to running a business, which can then be applied to your job or any position you may decide to apply for later down the road.

Serving on a board also gives you the opportunity to improve your leadership skills. You may already know what it’s like to manage a team within your business, but being the head of a committee or other executives opens up new horizons and requires different knowledge. Not only can you help others as a board member, but you can also help yourself.

5. Gain Insight and Exposure

Serving as a board member gives you insight into the operations of an organization, as well as exposes you to other industries, markets, and business strategies. Having this information can help you think about your own business differently or help you transition to another company or industry.

6. Find Inspiration and Motivation

If you feel like your life or career has hit a dead end or you’re stuck in a rut, then serving as a board member can be inspirational and motivating. Again, you’ll be exposed to a variety of different professionals and industries, so this may kickstart some new ideas and get you excited about the different avenues you can take your business down.

In addition, becoming a mentor or knowing that the decisions you’re making are having an impact on the lives of individuals and the community can be incredibly gratifying. You’ll feel like you have a purpose and can support a cause that you are truly passionate about.

Increase Your Visibility and Do Something Good

Making the decision to become a board member shouldn’t be taken lightly. It does involve time and effort, and you have to be willing to dedicate both. However, you aren’t just giving without getting in return. There are many benefits to being a board member.

If service to others is something you’ve been thinking about, and you’re passionate about literacy and adult education, then you might want to consider joining the PVLA’s board of directors.

Want to know more about the process? Fill out the contact form on the right-hand side of the blog or send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com.