The Learning Exchange

Strategic Plan
2015 to 2020

OUTREACH

TRAINING

T U TO R I N G

SUPPORT

PREVENTION

AWA R E N E S S

E x c e l l e n c e i n Li t e r a c y

THE LEARNING EXCHANGE

Strategic Plan 2015 to 2020

Strategic Planning Team:
Mona Arsenault
Darlene Brown
Christiane Dabbagh
Margo Legault
Karen Mockler
Diane Richard
Valerie Sauriol
Written by:
Darlene Brown
Edited by:
Darlene Brown

For 2015 to 2020

Fo r m a t a n d E d i t i n g b y D a r l e n e B r o w n

STRATEGIC PLAN ~ 2015 TO 2020

Our mission
Our raison dtre

The Learning Exchange is a volunteer

not-for-profit organization dedicated
to empowering the community through
improved literacy.

Our vision
What we aspire to do

We envision a Quebec where everyone

has the literacy skills they need to live
a fully engaged life.

The Learning Exchange Strategic Plan 2015 to 2020

page 3

STRATEGIC PLAN ~ 2015 TO 2020

Our mandate
What we do

The Learning Exchange is a volunteer not-forprofit organization dedicated to providing:

Adult Literacy and Tutoring: one-on-one

and small group instruction to adults in
need

Volunteer/Tutor Training

Public Awareness and Sensitization

Volunteer/Student Recruitment

Community Resource and Learning

Centre

The Learning Exchange Strategic Plan 2015 to 2020

page 4

STRATEGIC PLAN ~ 2015 TO 2020

Our core values

What defines us and drives us
We at TLE believe literacy is a basic
human right and are guided by the
following core values:

Innovation to programs and services

Dedication

Commitment to Life-long Learning

Dignity

The Learning Exchange Strategic Plan 2015 to 2020

page 5

STRATEGIC PLAN ~ 2015 TO 2020

Our Board of
Directors
For 2014/2015
President: Mona Arsenault
Vice-President: Lazar Jevremovic
Secretary: Christiane Dabbagh
Treasurer: Valerie Sauriol
Director: Enza Ciampenelli
TLE Executive Director (non-voting): Darlene Brown

Our staff
and consultants
For 2014/2015
Executive

Director:

Darlene

Brown
Administrative Assistant: Karen
Mockler
Communications

Consultant:

Margo Legault
Financial Officer: Diane Richard
Web Master: Darlene Brown
Tutor Trainer: Darlene Brown
The Learning Exchange Strategic Plan 2015 to 2020

page 6

STRATEGIC PLAN ~ 2015 TO 2020

The Learning Exchange Strategic Plan 2015 to 2020

page 7

STRATEGIC PLAN ~ 2015 TO 2020

The Learning
Exchange
Structure
FUNDING SOURCES
Core funding: Mininstry of Education Leisure and
Sports
Project funding: i.e. Canadian Heritage
Donors: Individuals and organizations

Staff & Consultants

Board of Directors
President
Past President
Vice-president

Students

Executive Director
Administrative
Assistant
Financial Officer

Secretary

Communications
Consultant

Treasurer

Tutor Trainers

Directors (two)

Webmaster

Standing Committees
Finance Committee
Personnel Committee
Nominations Committee

Volunteers
Volunteers
One-on-one tutors
Small group tutors
Class tutors:

One-on-one students
Small group students
Class students:

Literacy classes
Basic English classes

Basic math classes

Basic computer classes
General education students

Literacy students
Basic English students
Basic math students
Basic computer students
General education students

Adhoc Committees (examples)

Public Relations Committee
Social Committee
Family Literacy Committee
Student Committee

TLE is a Member of:

Center for Literacy
Literacy Foundation
Literacy Quebec
Quebec English Learning Alliance

The Learning Exchange Strategic Plan 2015 to 2020

Partnerships and Affiliations

ABC Life Literacy Canada
Center for Literacy
Girls Action Network
Literacy Foundation
Literacy Quebec
National Adult Literacy Database
Networking Partnership Initiative of Laval
page 8
Quebec English Learning Alliance
Rseau pour le dveloppement des comptences par
lintgration des technologies/ RECIT
Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board
Volunteer Canada

STRATEGIC PLAN ~ 2015 TO 2020

The Learning Exchange Strategic Plan 2015 to 2020

page 9

THE LEARNING EXCHANGE STRATEGIC PLAN

TLEs Strategic Plan

Sustainability
Strengthening TLE
Goals:
Raise awareness and understanding of literacy services
Expand partnerships and strengthen connections
Develop and maintain solid infrastructure
Increase overall membership

Services
Provision of Services
Goals:
Develop and improve services & programs
Improve access and intake procedures
Provide quality training and professional development
Be responsive to the membership and community: Implement new services
and programs based on needs

Effectiveness
Member outreach, support and recognition
Goals:
Provide members with networking opportunities
Provide students with the necessary tools and skills to function successfully in
everyday life
Ensure members are engaged and have a positive experience

The Learning Exchange Strategic Plan 2015 to 2020

page 10

THE LEARNING EXCHANGE STRATEGIC PLAN

TLEs Strategic Plan

Priorities at a glance:
Strengthening TLE
Awareness and
understanding
Sustainabi
Partnerships and
lity
connections
Infrastructu
re
Membersh
ip

Core Values:
students
volunteersDedication
families
community
partners
staff
&&consultants
supporters
Commitment to
Lifelong
Learning
Dignity

Effectiven
ess

The Learning Exchange Strategic Plan 2015 to 2020

page 11

1 TSHEUSTAINABILITY
LEARNING EXCHANGE
STRATEGIC PLANTLE
/ STRENGTHENING

Member outreach, support and

recognition

Sustainability

Networking
opportunities

Strengthening TLE

Tools and
skills

Goals
Engagement

and
experience

Raise awareness
and
understanding of
TLE services

Marketing
Marketing

Communication/Promoti
Communication/Promoti
onal
onal

TLE
TLE Website/Learning
Website/Learning
Links
Links

Expand
partnerships
and strengthen
connections

Partnerships and
Partnerships
and
Networking
Networking

Develop and
maintain solid
infrastructure

TLEs Infrastructure
TLEs
Infrastructure

and
Committees
Committees and
Board
Board of
of Directors
Directors

Staff
Staff and
and Consultants
Consultants

Funding
Funding

Increase overall
membership

Recruitment and
Recruitment
and
Retention
Retention

Provision of services &

programs
Services and
programs
Access and intake
procedures
Training and professional
General public
Ministry
of Education Leisure and Sports
development
Membership and community
Local Vimont and Laval communities:
Partners and supporters
needs
Partners & supporters (current and

Target population

potential)
Organizations/community services
Commercial businesses
Industry
Political members
Residents

Media
TLE members and staff
NALD and Website hosts

Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board:

CDC Vimont members
Staff and clientele/members (i.e.
commissioners, teachers, students,
etc.)
Elementary/High Schools
CDC Laurier Adult Education centers
SARCA center
Governing Board
Other literacy organizations and service
providers: local, provincial and national
RECIT

The Learning Exchange Strategic Plan 2015 to 2020

page 12

1 TSHEUSTAINABILITY
LEARNING EXCHANGE
STRATEGIC PLANTLE
/ STRENGTHENING

The Learning Exchange Strategic Plan 2015 to 2020

page 13

2 TEHEXCELLENCE
LEARNING EXCHANGE
STRATEGIC
PLAN
/ PROVISION
OF SERVICES
AND PROGRAMS

Excellence
Provision of services and programs
Goals
Develop and

improve services
and programs

and Programs
Services
Services and
Programs

Club
Book
Book Club

Family
Family Literacy
Literacy
Program
Program

Center/DropResource
Resource Center/DropIn
In

ICTs/
ICTs/ Equipment
Equipment

Library/on-line
Library/on-line library
library

Improve access
and intake
procedures

Access to
to Services
Services
Access

Intake and
and Matching
Matching
Intake
Procedures
Procedures

Provide quality
training &
professional
development

Basic Training/New
Basic
Training/New
Volunteers
Volunteers

ICT
ICT Training
Training

Workshops/
Workshops/
Professional
Professional
Development
Development

Be responsive to
the membership
and community

Program
Program development
development

Target population

General public

Partners and supporters

Local Vimont and Laval communities:

Partners & supporters (current and
potential)
Organizations/community services
Commercial businesses
Industry
Political members
Residents

Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board:

CDC Vimont members
Staff and clientele/members (i.e.
commissioners, teachers, students,
etc.)
Elementary/High Schools
CDC Laurier Adult Education centers
SARCA center
Governing Board

Media
TLE members and staff
New
and
volunteers/tutors/students
Past students and tutors
Board of Directors
The Learning Exchange Strategic Plan 2015 to 2020

Other literacy organizations and service

providers: local, provincial and national
current

RECIT
NALD and Website hosts
page 14

2 TEHEXCELLENCE
LEARNING EXCHANGE
STRATEGIC
PLAN
/ PROVISION
OF SERVICES
AND PROGRAMS

Staff
Tutor trainers

The Learning Exchange Strategic Plan 2015 to 2020

page 15

3 TEHEFFECTIVENESS
LEARNING EXCHANGE
STRATEGIC
PLAN , SUPPORT AND RECOGNITION
/ MEMBER
OUTREACH

Effectiveness
Member
recognition

outreach,

support

and

Goals
Provide members with
networking
opportunities

Networking
Networking

Provide students with

the necessary tools
and skills to function
successfully in
everyday life

Student Development
Student
Development

Student
Student Resources
Resources

Ensure members are

engaged and have a
positive experience

Events
Events

and Recognition
Support
Support and
Recognition

Target population

TLE members:
New
and
volunteers/tutors/students
Past students and tutors
Board of Directors
TLE Committees

The Learning Exchange Strategic Plan 2015 to 2020

current

Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board students:

Literacy
Pre-secondary
Math
Computer
Secondary Cycle I and II

page 16

3 TEHEFFECTIVENESS
LEARNING EXCHANGE
STRATEGIC
PLAN , SUPPORT AND RECOGNITION
/ MEMBER
OUTREACH

Strategic
Directions

1. SUSTAINABILITY > STRENGTHENING TLE

2. EXCELLENCE > PROVISION OF SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

3. E

RECO

Goals
Raise awareness and understanding of literacy services
available through The Learning Exchange

Develop and improve services & programs

Provi

Improve access and intake procedures

Provi
funct

Expand partnerships and strengthen connections

Provide quality training and professional development
Develop and maintain solid infrastructure
Be responsive to the membership and community

Ensu
expe

Increase overall membership

Main Initiatives
and actions

Raise awareness and understanding of literacy

issues and services

Develop and improve services & programs

Services and Programs

Netwo

2.1

Actively seek funding for services and programs

3.1

2.2

Annually target services, programs and projects to

develop/promote

2.3

Keep TLE relevant by responding to needs of the community

2.4

Regularly promote and market services, events, information and

programs

Marketing
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4

Regularly promote the recognition of The Learning Exchange and

its vision/mission, within the community and amongst partners
In 2012 create a 3 year marketing plan
Work through marketing objectives 2012 to 2014
In 2014 review Marketing Plan

Communication/Promotional
Ensure regular communication of The Learning Exchange news
and information to members, other literacy providers, partners,
schools and community organizations
1.6 Annually hold communication events
1.7 As needed, distribute communication packages and promotional
materials at events within the community
1.8 Update promotional materials as needed
1.9 Improve/increase social media presence 2012 to 2014
1.10 Starting 2012, involve community members/organizations in
literacy recognition

3.2

Pr

1.5

Strategic
Directions

Stude
3.3

Book Club

3.4
3.5

2.5

Continue to build upon Book Club membership

2.6

Establish regular location for meetings

Family Literacy Program

2.7

3.6

Stude
3.7

Continue to build upon family literacy initiatives within the

community

3.8

3. E

RECO
Main Initiatives
and actions

2.8

1. SUSTAINABILITY > STRENGTHENING TLE

2.9
TLE Website/Learning Links

Provide schools and community organization information,

resources and support for Family Literacy Day initiatives
Secure funding to design/develop TLE Connections website

2.10 Regularly work with ABC Life Literacy

1.11 Regularly link The Learning Exchange website to other literacy and

The Learning Exchange Strategic Plan 2015 to 2020

page 17

Stude
3.9
3.10
3.11

3 TEHEFFECTIVENESS
LEARNING EXCHANGE
STRATEGIC
PLAN , SUPPORT AND RECOGNITION
/ MEMBER
OUTREACH

community organizations sites

2.11 Annually, increase family literacy activities by 10%

Event
3.12

1.12 Annually, retain service of webmaster

2. EXCELLENCE > PROVISION OF SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

1.13 Regularly, update and monitor site for effectiveness and trends

3.13
3.14

1.14 Annually, update/upload master documents in the fall

Resource Center/Drop-In
1.15 Annually update/increase TLEs social media/networking sites
2.12 Annually build resource and information collection
1.16 Starting in 2011, continue to develop, update and promote the
Learning Links website

Expand partnerships and strengthen connections

2.13 Maintain quality of services for staff, students, volunteers and

community
2.14 Starting in 2012, establish an Essential Skills section in library

Partnerships and Networking

Strategic
Directions

Main Initiatives
and actions

1.17 Annually, maintain existing partnerships

1.18 Annually, build two new community contacts/partnerships
1.19 Annually, increase networking opportunities by attending 2 3 new
community events
1.20 Create network opportunities with:
i.
RCIT
ii.
MELS
iii. NPI partners
iv. McGill (ProBono program)
v.
SWL School Board
vi. CDC-Laurier/Vimont
1.21 Every September, appoint a board member to represent TLE as
Community Representative on SWL/Vimont Governing Board
1.22 Annually, review/develop a strategy and an action plan to establish
productive relations and coordinated interaction with key partners
1.23 Starting September 2011, hold 2-3 annual events with key partners
within the community
1.24 Involve centers and communities in events
1.25 Annually, partner with other community groups for Adult Learners
Week events

3.17
3.18
3.19

Suppo

2.16 Starting in 2013, improve drop-in access

3.21

2.17 By 2014 have Resource Center fully updated

3.20

3.22
3.23

ICTs/ Equipment
2.18 Regularly, maintain, update, upgrade and purchase necessary
equipment for Resource Center
2.19 Regularly update staffs ICT as needed
2.20 Add a SmartBoard and related equipment to Resource Center
2.21 By 2012, have working computer for library access
2.22 By 2013, replace old/worn library equipment/storage cases
2.23 By 2014, have three laptops for members use
Library/on-line library

Improve access and intake procedures

1. SUSTAINABILITY > STRENGTHENING TLE

Access to Services

The Learning Exchange Strategic Plan 2015 to 2020

3.16

2.15 By 2012, have wireless access accounts (sign-in names) available

for all members at Resource Center

2.24 Continue annual inventory process

Develop and maintain solid infrastructure

3.15

2.25 In 2011/2012 promote TLE internally

page 18

3 TEHEFFECTIVENESS
LEARNING EXCHANGE
STRATEGIC
PLAN , SUPPORT AND RECOGNITION
/ MEMBER
OUTREACH

TLEs Infrastructure
2.26 In 2011, review access to services and available support
1.26 Immediately increase funding to open additional 4 weeks per year
1.27 Annually, update and review all TLEs master documents

2.27 Manage and improve access to Resource Center and TLE

services to community

1.28 2011 AGM, have by-law revisions completed for vote by

membership

2. EXCELLENCE > PROVISION OF SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

1.29 In 2011, submit necessary forms and documents for changes to

the Letter of Patent

Access to Services continued

1.30 By 2012 have new Letter of Patent

2.28 Increase opportunities for service access to community

1.31 In 2012 , complete Policies & Procedures review based on by-laws

revision and incorporate changes into Orientation manual

2.29 Annually, hold ACE Community Festival

1.32 By 2013, following completion of reviews, print and distribute new

copies of Orientation Manual to members
Committees and Board of Directors
1.33 Annually, develop BODs strength by electing one new Director
1.34 Annually, promote and advertise different committees and duties

Strategic
Directions

1.35 Starting in 2011, increase members involvement on committees

by 10% annually

Intake and Matching Procedures

2.30 Starting in 2011, establish methods to record ongoing statistics
2.31
2.32
2.33
2.34

Starting in 2011, review intake and matching procedures

Starting in 2012, begin update of intake and matching procedures
In 2012, review methods for assessing new students
By 2014, have up-to-date intake and matching procedures
securely in place

Provide quality training and professional development

Basic Training/New Volunteers

Main Initiatives
and actions

1.36 Annually, represent the issues and concerns of TLEs adult

students through representation and involvement on boards,
committees and other key organizations
1.37 By 2014, increase student involvement on committees and in
planning by 20%
Staff and Consultants
1.38 Starting in 2011, broaden and strengthen professional
development programs for staff and consultants
1.39 Starting in 2011, review budget for cost of living increases for
salaried employees
1.40 By 2012, increase opportunities for staff development and team
building by 20%
1.41 Regularly, recognize and support staff and consultants for
successes and effort
1.42 By 2013, increase budget to cover salary increase for staff

1. SUSTAINABILITY > STRENGTHENING TLE

The Learning Exchange Strategic Plan 2015 to 2020

2.35 Secure additional funding to increase training schedule from three

sessions offered to eight
2.36 Regularly, monitor the trends in literacy within the educational
reform and adapt accordingly
2.37 Regularly, train new library volunteers and staff in use of
ResourceMate
2.38 Starting in 2011, work with LVQ on Training Project
2.39 Update training to incorporate new ICTs available
2.40 By 2014, increase frequency of training and flexibility of training
schedule ~ offer more training choices
ICT Training
2.41 Starting in 2011, promote use of computers and related equipment
2.42 Regularly, use ICT skills training to increase the success rate of
adult literacy students
2.43 Annually, implement learning opportunities for students re: ICT use
2.44 By 2013, establish an ongoing students computer group

page 19

3 TEHEFFECTIVENESS
LEARNING EXCHANGE
STRATEGIC
PLAN , SUPPORT AND RECOGNITION
/ MEMBER
OUTREACH

Staff and Consultants continued

2. EXCELLENCE > PROVISION OF SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

1.43 By 2013, increase budget to hire a Communications Consultant on

a regular basis
1.44 By 2014, increase work hours to fulltime for salaried staff:
Executive Director + 10 hr per week = fulltime, and Administrative
Assistant + 15 hours = fulltime
Funding
1.45 Annually, request additional funding from MELS to support HR
needs and growth of TLE
1.46 Annually, research potential funding sources and write proposals
for funding
1.47 Starting in 2011, increase funding opportunities by 10% annually
1.48 Starting in 2011, secure funding from local MNAs
1.49 By 2014, increase funding opportunities and donations by 30%

Increase overall membership

Recruitment and Retention
1.50 Annually, involve existing and new partners in recruitment
1.51 Starting in fall 2011, continue to engage communications
consultant to pursue new venues for recruitment
1.52 Starting 2011, establish strategies for a new recruitment campaign
1.53 Annually create a list of literacy and community events
1.54 Starting in 2012, establish member retention strategies

Workshops/ Professional Development

2.45 Annually, following the AGM, assess training and professional
development needs of BOD
2.46 Regularly , promote members active participation in continued
training and tutoring opportunities
2.47 Annually, bring the board, staff and other key members of TLE
together for professional development, training and information
exchange
2.48 Regularly, provide public workshops to members of community
2.49 Starting in 2012, develop workshops for students re: essential
skills training
2.50 By 2013, broaden and strengthen professional development
programs for staff and BOD
3.1 By 2014, increase event and workshop opportunities by 20%

Be responsive to the membership and community

Program/Service Development
2.51 Secure project/program funding
2.52 Regularly, increase opportunities for everyday life learning and
sharing of skills
2.53 Starting in 2011, begin development of essential skills program
2.54 Develop and promote downtown library visits
2.55 CDC-Pont Viau Career Center for students
2.56 Develop activities around special calendar dates, i.e. International
Womens Day, Earth Day, National events, etc.
2.57 By 2014, have new programs/essential skills/resources
established
2.58 By 2014, increase learning opportunities by 30% to provide
students with essential skills

*All actions are dependent upon acquisition of necessary funding

THE LEARNING EXCHANGE

Strategic Plan 2015 to 2020

The Learning Exchange Strategic Plan 2015 to 2020

page 20

3 TEHEFFECTIVENESS
LEARNING EXCHANGE
STRATEGIC
PLAN , SUPPORT AND RECOGNITION
/ MEMBER
OUTREACH

2015 to 2020

Created by Darlene Brown

The Learning Exchange 2014

The Learning Exchange Strategic Plan 2015 to 2020

page 21