Literacy Volunteers of Illinois

At Literacy Volunteers of Illinois (LVI), we’re on a mission to transform lives through literacy. Since our inception in 1979, we’ve been dedicated to fostering volunteer literacy programs statewide, empowering families, adults, and out-of-school teens to enhance their literacy skills.  

Respect & Compassion

Our Services

National Service

LVI is a key player in the national service movement. Through our various AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps*VISTA programs, we’ve engaged over 1,000 national service members in approximately 150 adult literacy, family literacy, and Head Start programs across Illinois.

Resources

Our virtual resource center connects individuals interested in becoming volunteer tutors with literacy programs in their communities. Access our up-to-date Volunteer Directory to find opportunities near you. Additionally, we host an annual conference for tutors, students, and staff – the On The Road To Literacy Conference and Awards Presentation, co-sponsored with the UIC Center for Literacy.

Special Events

LVI actively raises public awareness about adult literacy through participation in coalitions, commissions, and advisory councils at local, state, and national levels. Join us at our sponsored events throughout the year to support our cause.

Jump Start

Addressing low literacy rates among incarcerated youth, our Jump Start program pairs retirees, especially retired teachers, with incarcerated youth for tutoring and mentoring. Join us in making a difference in the lives of these young individuals.

Our Funders

Our History

Established in 1979, Literacy Volunteers of Illinois (LVI) emerged as an independent, self-sustaining tax-exempt corporation. Originally founded by the national Literacy Volunteers of America, now ProLiteracy, LVI initially served as a support system for LVA-affiliated programs.

Over time, LVI transitioned into a comprehensive resource and training center for all literacy initiatives. Our services encompass four core areas: Resource and Referral, Advocacy and Events, Correctional Education, and National Service. 

Our Mission

At LVI, we are committed to fostering a supportive and effective learning environment. Our mission is to develop and support volunteer literacy programs that empower individuals to achieve their educational goals, improve their quality of life, and participate fully in their communities. 

Our Vision

We envision a future where literacy is accessible to everyone. Our goals include:

The central goal of the VOCAL—Volunteer Outreach for Community Action in Literacy—program is to expand the volunteer base of community and faith-based adult literacy programs by recruiting, placing and training AmeriCorps members to serve as Literacy Specialists in adult literacy programs throughout the state.

AmeriCorps members serve as one-to-one and small group tutors and are involved with volunteer recruitment and retention activities and help to secure other resources for their host site, including books and program materials. Members are also involved in special events to generate awareness and support.

The VOCAL program is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service through the Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (SERVE Illinois).

Testimonials

Volunteer Testimonials

These testimonials reflect the profound impact of Jump Start on both volunteers and the youth they serve, highlighting the program’s ability to foster positive relationships and support personal growth. 

Membership Types

Choose one of the following membership types and enjoy the benefits of being involved with Literacy Volunteers of Illinois. 

Organizational

$0

Benefits include:

Introductory

$10

Benefits include:

1-Year

$25

Benefits include:

To opt in, complete the form below.

VOCAL AmeriCorps

Logging Hours + Accessing the Portal

Forms from the Handbook

Service Day Materials

Newsletter Archive

General Inquiries

For general questions and information about LVI and our programs, please contact us at:

Mailing Address

Literacy Volunteers of Illinois
1234 Literacy Lane
Chicago, IL 60601

Office Hours

Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Volunteer Opportunities

Interested in becoming a volunteer tutor or participating in our programs? Reach out to our volunteer coordinator:

Email: volunteer@lvillinois.org

Phone: (312) 857-1583

Board Members

These dedicated individuals bring a wealth of expertise and a deep-rooted commitment to our organization’s mission and vision. Through their collective leadership, they steer our organization towards achieving our goals and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Each board member contributes a unique set of skills and experiences that complement the needs of our organization. From education and community development to finance, administration, and strategic planning, their diverse backgrounds converge to form a cohesive team focused on driving positive change.

Their shared dedication to our mission ensures that every decision and action taken is aligned with our core values and objectives. They advocate for inclusivity, equity, and social justice, striving to create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

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