by Joanne Kaattari *

Community Literacy of Ontario (CLO) is pleased to release the findings of the project on "The Economic Value of Volunteers in Community Literacy Agencies in Ontario". In the summer of 1997 CLO commissioned Informa Market Research Co. Ltd. to conduct a study to document the economic value of volunteer involvement in community literacy agencies in Ontario. A custom-designed survey was conducted among volunteers in community literacy agencies. 83 volunteers completed the survey. Survey respondents represented urban and rural agencies and the geographic diversity of Ontario. The sample was designed to provide an accurate cross-section of literacy agencies in Ontario. In addition, four focus groups were conducted with volunteers. Secondary data was provided by the Ministry of Education and other sources.

We believe that this report is a vital contribution to appreciating and recognizing the importance of literacy volunteers. Not only can we tell government funders and the public about the extent and value of volunteers in community literacy agencies, but we can also provide volunteers with an understanding of their key role in a much larger "movement". The report indicates that the training system in Ontario annually gains almost $9 million from the work of literacy volunteers. Volunteers are a precious asset.

We hope that the information contained in this report will generate interest and discussion in the community-based sector and beyond.

Study highlights:

Nearly 10,000 volunteers are involved in community literacy agencies throughout Ontario. The Ontario training system gains nearly $9 million worth of work from literacy volunteers. In addition, three-quarters of literacy volunteers regularly incur out-of-pocket expenses. On average, literacy volunteers who have regular expenses spend $390.40 annually. The annual estimated value of out-of-pocket expenditures in Anglophone community literacy agencies in Ontario is $2.2 million dollars.

• 82% of literacy volunteers are tutors, and one in four volunteers are involved in board work.
• 89% said that learning new skills was "very important" or "somewhat important".
• 77% of volunteers indicated they were acquiring skills which applied to other parts of their lives.
• On average, literacy volunteers have committed over three and a half years to literacy.
• On average, literacy volunteers commit 30 hours per month of their time.
• 60% indicated that they would not give more time even if they received some compensation for their efforts.
• 75% noted they were "very satisfied" with their experience as volunteers.
• A further 24% were somewhat satisfied.
• 28% of literacy volunteers felt that volunteers do not get the recognition they deserve.
• The single most important value of volunteering expressed was to help others help themselves.

The full report (85 pages) was sent to all Literacy Networks in Ontario. The Executive Summary was sent to all Anglophone Community Literacy Agencies in Ontario and to other key organizations. The full report is available for $20.00 and the Executive Summary is available for $5.00 (includes shipping, handling and taxes). Please order by contacting CLO at:

Community Literacy of Ontario
43 Ward Drive
Barrie, Ontario, L4N 7P2
Tel: 705-733-2312 / Fax: 705-733-6197
E-mail: kaattari@bconnex.net
WWW : http://www.nald.ca/clo.htm

* Joanne Kaattari is the Executive Director of Community Literacy of Ontario. She is also a volunteer with several community organizations.

• Start with short books.
• Read slowly and enjoy the pictures.
• Let your child become involved. She can turn the pages or talk about the pictures.
• If your child is restless, let him draw while he listens.
• Let your child help choose the books.
• Have books, magazines and newspapers around your home.
• Tell your child stories about your childhood.
• Make books with your child. Staple pages together, write a simple story, and illustrate it with your child’s drawings or with pictures cut out of magazines.

(Reprinted with permission from Read up on it : The Sports Pages 1997, from the National Library of Canada)