OLC's Connection with the Four Sectors

AS A DIRECTOR ON A CARVER S A DIRECTOR ON A CARVER MODEL BOARD MODEL BOARD I have found that I have had to learn a new vocabulary. The Carver model has its own language and ways in which to use words like ‘means' and ‘ends'. It also has its own phrases such as ‘at what cost'. One of the key phrases you will hear spoken often on a Carver board is ‘moral ownership.' What or who exactly is this moral ownership? Why is it so important to the work of a not-for-profit organization to understand who the moral ownership is?

The moral ownership of a charity or not-forprofit is generally the people with an interest in the work of the organization. For the Ontario Literacy Coalition, the moral ownership is defined as all Ontarians with an interest in literacy. This might sound rather vague but this definition of the OLC's moral ownership allows the board of directors to undertake professional development and educational opportunities, as well as create policies that ensure no one is left out of the literacy picture. Those groups that have been historically disadvantaged, such as refugees with first language literacy needs or people with developmental challenges, will be considered in the work of the Ontario Literacy Coalition.

This issue of our newsletter is featuring the connection between the Ontario Literacy Coalition and the work of the four sectors: Laubach Literacy Ontario, Community Literacy Ontario, CESBA and the Colleges. It is important that the OLC maintain its relationship with these sectors that are providing important literacy and basic skills services through their programs and volunteer initiatives. It is also important to the literacy field, and to each of these sectors, that we understand the work that is taking place as part of a movement towards improving the lives of Ontarians with literacy challenges.

On a more personal note it is with some sadness that I write this piece for this issue of Literacy on the Move, as it will be my last in the role of President and Chair of the OLC. I am taking my leave of the board of directors to pursue other interests and I sincerely want to thank my colleagues on the Board, and the OLC staff, for their hard work and dedication to the goals of the organization. My work as a board director for the OLC has been worthwhile and rewarding. I know that I am leaving the OLC to be governed by a hard working and committed board of directors, and in the more than capable hands of our Executive Director, Anette Chawla and the staff team.

Sincerely,
Aaron Cantor

Past President and Chair