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.

Giving Thanks

Photo by Kelly

It’s that time of year when people count their blessings. They take a look at their life and give thanks for the events and people who have had a big impact.

Here that the PVLA, we have so much to be thankful for.

Individuals Who Make it Happen

One of the biggest things we are thankful for here at the PVLA are the donors who give their time or resources to help students. From Snack Sponsors to volunteer tutors to volunteer instructors, individuals giving what they can makes a huge impact on the lives of students.

The opportunity for students to have a cup of coffee or grab a small treat means the world to them. They are working hard to improve their lives (and the lives of their families), so being able to take a break and refuel is essential, and being able to offer snacks wouldn’t be possible without Snack Sponsors. They include the following:

• Angie Biester – donation through Thrivent
• Richard and Mary Lou Stamm
• Walmart – donation of a grant
• Columbus Bank & Trust Co.
• Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

Snack donations from Columbus Bank & Trust

Having volunteer instructors and tutors who freely give their time to make sure students understand a particular topic or have information to learn a new one is life-changing—literally. The topics they are learning in a class or one-on-one lessons could be exactly what they need to pass a test or apply for a better job. Without individuals willing to help out, students wouldn’t be filled with the knowledge they need to improve their lives.

Bill Podraza (volunteer instructor) with his Conversational English class.

The PVLA wouldn’t be where it is today without the dedication and guidance of its board of directors. These individuals make decisions that empower students to reach their educational goals and ensure that the PVLA continues to be an integral part of the Columbus community.

Partnerships with the Community

Individuals play a huge role in supporting students, but we couldn’t do much without the community. Our partnership with CCC Adult Education provides the technology and classroom space that keep our students learning.

The Columbus Area United Way allocates a large percentage of funding that ensures we can pay our high-quality instructors and obtain up-to-date materials and equipment for the classrooms.

There are also many other foundations and organizations that believe in the mission of the PVLA and have provided funds to help students reach their educational goals. They include:

• Tyson Foods
• The Nebraska Presbyterian Foundation
• Dollar General
• The Union Pacific Community Ties Giving Program

Our partnership with Columbus Public Schools and CCC to offer Family Learning has expanded this year and allows us to reach a whole new set of students and provide them with language skills that will help them and their families be successful in life.

Further connections with the community are made when individuals and businesses are invited to speak directly to students in Family Learning and the Integration Class about their services. There are so many amazing people who have volunteered their time to talk about what they have to offer so that our students know more about the Columbus community.

There are also the partnerships with manufacturers here in town. These companies go out of their way to schedule Outreach Classes to ensure their employees have the skills that allow them be successful at work and beyond. Whether they are learning English or conversational Spanish, these businesses are breaking down barriers and making all of their employees feel valued inside the company walls and in the larger community.

Students, instructors, and supervisors from the Vishay Outreach ESL class.

Let’s not forget that Cruise & Associates also took the time and effort to put together a bowling fundraiser that raised $1,000 for the PVLA. It gives us a warm, fuzzy feeling to know we are part of such a generous, kind, and caring community.

Cruise & Associates employees who participated in the bowling fundraiser.

More to Come

This year has been incredibly busy with the development of new classes and partnerships, as well as the maintenance of classes that have been in existence for a long time. The PVLA has been around since the 1980s, and we continue to thrive and survive because of the support of foundations, individuals, and members of the community.

We are so thankful for our donors, whether they give their time or money. This year may be drawing to a close, but that doesn’t mean we’re done. There are still so many ways for you to support the PVLA and its mission, and there’s a whole new year to get involved and see what we have planned for our students.

Thank You!

The Season of Giving

Photo by Liza Summer

During the holiday season, more and more people and organizations need some help to get through.

While you may have the desire and good intentions to help others, you may also be wary of handing out your hard-earned cash because you don’t want to be inundated with asks or feel like you’re being taken advantage of.

Thankfully, there are ways to get through the “fundraising season” with your sanity intact, in addition to supporting some worthy causes and keeping some money in your account. Here’s how:

Support Programs that Are Important to You

There may be a lot of places asking for money, but you don’t have to give to them all. If you won the lottery and you need some tax write-offs, then give out as much as you can. However, since the chances of you being a lottery winner are fairly low, then you’ll want to consider supporting the programs that are most important to you.

Love animals? Support a local animal shelter.

Want to see young adults become future leaders? Support a mentor program.

Enjoy youth sports? Volunteer to be a coach or send money to help pay for new uniforms.

The list of places you can support is endless, so find something that really appeals to you.

Give Within Your Means

When supporting your favorite organization, you may want to do as much as you can to ensure they have enough funds. While this is noble, you also need to live your life and have money for the things you enjoy. Giving within your means will lower your stress levels, while also boosting your good feels.

Trust us: any amount that you donate to your program of choice will have an impact—and it will be appreciated. Sure, donors who give large amounts of money get a lot of recognition, and you can certainly donate a large amount if you want, but people who give smaller amounts are just as valuable.

Encourage Others to Support

Telling your friends and family about your favorite organization(s) and encouraging them to support is a great way to increase the number of donations that are received. Remember, a large group of individuals giving smaller donations can still have a huge impact. Spread the word and get others as excited about specific programs as you are.

Being a generous person is commendable, but this time of year can be tough. It seems like no matter where you turn, someone wants some money from you. You can be selectively supportive of your favorite programs and impact people in need. No matter what you give, it’s enough.

Where Does My Donation Go?

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

Recently, there were articles in the paper that talked about how a nonprofit was not receiving all of the donations they were supposed to receive. In fact, most of the money was going to the company that helped them raise the funds.

As a donor, that can feel really icky. It may make you wonder why you’re donating money at all. Your goal is to help people, but if they aren’t receiving the money, what’s the point of donating?

We would like to tell you that this doesn’t happen often; that most nonprofits get 100% of their donations, but we can’t. What the newspaper article talks about is actually a pretty common practice.

You are a generous person. You are doing what you can to make a difference in the world, and it can be incredibly frustrating and surprising to know that your donation isn’t doing what you thought it would do.

Here at the PVLA, we can’t speak for other nonprofits, but we can tell you where your money is going when you donate to us.

Where Your Donation Goes

The first thing to keep in mind when you donate to the PVLA is that we don’t use a middle man to help us raise funds. We either apply for grants or take donations directly. That eliminates needing to pay an outside source for fundraising services.

There is a bit of a caveat in that statement, however. The only time we may not receive the full amount of a donation is if you donate through our online site. Then, the company that processes your payment will take a small fee. However, you have the option of covering that fee, and then we get 100% of the money you donate.

Once you make a donation, how the money is used depends on whether or not restrictions have been placed on the gift.

When it comes to grants, those are typically allocated to a specific purpose, so the money can only be spent on certain things. This blog post gives more information about grants.

When it comes to donations from individuals or private donors, it’s possible for you to allocate your money to a specific program or endeavor. If you do that, the PVLA can only spend the money according to your wishes.

 
However, if you don’t specify how you want your money spent, then it might go into the General Fund. That means the money can be spent at the discretion of the executive director and/or the board of directors. Your money may be used for cleaning supplies or classroom supplies, potentially even to pay instructor salaries. It will be used where it’s most needed.

The Benefits of General Funds

Hearing that your donation might go into the General Fund might sound disconcerting. You might be thinking that buying cleaning supplies isn’t a good use of your money.

That’s fine. It’s your donation, so if you want it to be used in a specific way, let us know.

However, there are benefits to having money in the General Fund.

Sure, buying cleaning supplies doesn’t sound overly helpful or generous, but it does make a difference. Students deserve to come to a clean learning environment, and money is needed to buy those supplies.

Using General Funds to pay for overhead costs, including salaries or bills, is also beneficial. If bills aren’t paid, then we lose our building. If people aren’t paid, then there’s no one here to run the nonprofit.

General Funds are the lifeblood of what we do. Yes, it’s nice and beneficial to have funding for programs, but we also need to keep the lights on—and that’s what the General Fund does.

Having unrestricted funds is just as important as getting grants. We need money for a variety of expenses that are part of running our nonprofit.

All Donations Welcome

Making a donation to a nonprofit is an incredibly generous thing to do, and it does help others. However, we get that it can be upsetting and disheartening to know that the money isn’t going where it’s supposed to go or that the full amount isn’t making an impact.

However, here at the PVLA, all donations make a difference and make an impact on students—whether they are grants allocated to a specific program or unrestricted gifts that may find themselves in the General Fund.

You don’t even have to donate a huge amount to make an impact. If you read this blog post, you’ll see that even $1 can make a difference.

Again, we can’t speak for all nonprofits. There are places that don’t see all the money they raise, but when you donate to us, we use that money to ensure our students are taken care of in a variety of beneficial ways.

Staying Sane Through the Holidays

Photo by Gift Habeshaw on Unsplash

The end of the year is upon us, and with that comes a lot. From holidays to school closures to cold weather, it seems like everywhere we turn, we’re getting hit with something new. While this can be an incredibly magical and wonderful time of year, it can also be filled with stress. If you’re looking for some ways to stay sane through the holidays, we’ve got some things for you to try.

1. Limit Your Schedule

There’s a lot of stuff going on right now. If you have kids, they are more than likely putting on holiday shows at school or preparing for class parties. There are also work functions and friend/family gatherings to go to. All of these are occurring in addition to the normal schedule of life.

If you want to make it through this time of year with your sanity and energy intact, then you should consider limiting your schedule. Invest your time and energy in the events that are most important to you. If that means seeing your kid on stage, make sure you are there. If you want to spend time with friends and family, put it on your schedule.

You don’t have to go to everything that’s offered to you. If there are events that you feel obligated to go to, limit how much time you spend there. Keep the visit to an hour or two so that you’re not spreading yourself too thin.

2. Stay Within Your Budget

This is the season of giving, and you want to make sure your loved ones know how much you care—and buying a present is the best way to accomplish that goal. However, it doesn’t take long for the spending to get out of hand. Then, you find yourself stressed because you don’t have the money you need for every day expenses.

There are other ways to “give gifts” this time of year that can be done for cheap. People appreciate homemade gifts. Consider baking them some delicious treats. You can even have the kids help. There’s nothing better than spending a weekend decorating cookies to pass out to friends and family—or to give to your neighbors, teachers, or mail carrier. They get a scrumptious treat, and you get to spend time with your children.

What other crafty skills do you have? Put them to use and create unique, heart-felt gifts that won’t break the bank.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

 3. Take Some Time for You

Taking care of everyone else during this time of year is going to drain you. Sure, it’s fun being around family and friends, but it can quickly become overwhelming. To maintain your sanity, make sure you take some time for yourself.

It doesn’t have to be much. Even 10 minutes a day doing something you enjoy (or sitting in silence) can have a positive impact on your mental health. If you want to take more time to refresh and recharge, have at it!

You can’t be jolly if you’re rundown and exhausted, so remember to do something that makes you feel good. Not only will you thank yourself, but those around you will thank you as well.

An Amazing Time of Year

The end of the year can be busy, but it’s also amazing. To enjoy the holidays to the utmost, you need to keep your sanity intact. Share your time and joy with others, but also slow down and appreciate what’s around you.

Who Are You Giving to?

What is Giving Tuesday?

Giving Tuesday is a worldwide phenomenon that encourages individuals to donate to their favorite causes. It started in 2012 in response to the commercialism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday and encourages people to do something good. In the past decade, Giving Tuesday has developed into a global movement that has inspired and encouraged hundreds of millions of people to donate and celebrate generosity.

When is Giving Tuesday?

November 28th, 2023

Why Should You Donate to Platte Valley Literacy?

Columbus, Nebraska, is special. Within the state of Nebraska, Columbus is the most highly industrial city per capita—which means that there are lot of jobs and a lot of opportunities. People come here to work hard and grab their slice of the American dream. From the Congo to Mexico to Cuba and everywhere in between, our community is incredibly diverse. Everyone here is looking for the best life they can find for themselves and their families, and there are many different ways to achieve those goals.

But there are also challenges that stand in people’s way.

Here at Platte Valley Literacy, our mission is to break down those barriers.

Whether a person is looking to improve their English-speaking skills, earn their citizenship, or increase their employability skills, we are here to help.

But we can’t do it alone.

The vast majority of our classes are offered at no charge to students, but we still have to pay instructors and ensure they have classrooms to teach in. Technology also assists in student instruction, and we need to be able to keep equipment and other educational materials up to date.

As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of others to provide the invaluable services that people need.

We empower individuals to reach their educational goals, and your donation on Giving Tuesday ensures that we have what we need to provide students with high-quality instructors and up-to-date materials and technology.

Here are a few ways to participate in Giving Tuesday:

1. Make a donation

To make it as easy as possible, we offer a variety of ways to make a donation to the PVLA. You can head over to our online donation site or send a check or money order to:

Platte Valley Literacy
3020 18th St, Box 3, Suite 4
Columbus, NE 68601

2. Spread the Word

Tell your friends, family, and coworkers about our services. Chances are, you know someone who could benefit from what we have to offer. The more you share, the more individuals we can help.

3. Become a Volunteer

Giving Tuesday isn’t just about sending your favorite organization money, it’s also about volunteering your time to causes you truly care about. If you want to help adult learners succeed, then contact the PVLA to see how you can volunteer.

The PVLA has been a part of the Columbus community since the 1980s, and it makes us so proud to know that we have helped—and will continue to help—individuals fulfill their goals and dreams for a better life. By working together, we can make Columbus a welcoming place for all and ensure that everyone feels like a valued member of the community.

 

Stories from Students Who Have Benefitted from PVLA Services

For many, being able to live in the U.S. is the ultimate dream. There are a variety of things that make this country appealing, including the freedom and the employment and educational opportunities. As an immigrant, the benefits that come with obtaining a U.S. citizenship include the ability to vote, bring family members to the U.S., travel with a U.S. passport (and get help from the U.S. government while abroad), protection from deportation, and being eligible for federal jobs, among others.

A recent citizenship student from Afghanistan was thrilled to be in our evening citizenship class and unashamedly spoke of his gratefulness. He had no formal education past elementary school but learned English on his own after coming to the United States to live. He explained that because he had left Afghanistan to come to the United States, he could never go back, or he would be killed. This student was overjoyed after earning his U.S. citizenship and plans to work tirelessly to petition for his family so that they too can enjoy the freedom and safety of the United States.

To become a citizen, there is a process that must be followed, which involves being able to pass a test. Many immigrants do not possess the knowledge needed to pass the exam, but the information can be learned—and that’s where the Platte Valley Literacy Association comes into play.

Javier is from Guanajuato, Mexico, and he came to the U.S. with his father to work when he was 14 years old. Six months later, his father returned to Mexico, leaving Javier behind. Speaking no English and working to survive, Javier did not have the chance to finish school. He struggled but worked hard to get to where he is now. His story is very touching because he never took life for granted. Fast forward many years later... he now has a beautiful family, which consists of his wife and two kids.

Javier started with ESL (English as a Second Language) and transitioned to GED. It took him 3 years to complete his GED (it could have been less, but COVID impacted a lot). When he started GED classes, he was having a tough time learning with others, as every student had different subjects to focus on. He decided to work directly with a tutor. Janet, his tutor, focused on one subject at a time until he passed all subjects.

His two goals when starting the program were to become a leader at his job and obtain his GED. He has met both goals. Javier is a robot programmer at Columbus Hydraulics and earned a certificate. He has been working there for 8 years and is involved in big projects. He plans to focus on his projects and programming. Always striving to be better, his message to others is: “If I worked 10.5 hours every day, had parent commitments, and I still found time for education, you all can do it too!” He always went by a quote when challenges presented themselves: “Let’s try it.” Whether he failed or stumbled, he learned something and got better.

The Benefits of Being a Board Member

Photo by Damir Kopezhanov on Unsplash

For many, the thought of being a member of a board sounds like a huge commitment. Not only do you have to invest your time, but also effort. If you already work a full-time job and have a family, adding one more thing to your plate might seem impossible.

However, there are benefits to being a board member.

Yes, you will have to make a commitment, but what you get out of your time and effort can pay off in the long run. 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.