About Our Agency
Literacy Buffalo Niagara (LBN) was originally established in 1965. It is incorporated today as a merger between Literacy Volunteers of Buffalo & Erie County and Literacy Volunteers of Niagara County that took place in 2012. The agency’s annual budget is approximately $500,000.
LBN provides services that are particularly vital to improving the quality of life in Erie and Niagara Counties, since 18% of adults (or 147,000 individuals) in our region are functionally illiterate. LBN also serves the growing population of relocated refugees and immigrants who may not speak or read English, or who may not have had any formal education in their native countries.
Our Mission & Vision
Our mission is to develop literacy skills by providing free tutoring in Erie and Niagara Counties through engagement and training of diverse community volunteers.
Our vision is that all people in Erie and Niagara Counties are literate.
Why Adult Literacy?
Literacy affects the day-to-day life of all adults: in workplaces, supermarkets, doctor’s offices, personal finances, and social settings. We want to see our community thrive. To this end, we are dedicated to helping adults reach functional literacy so they can reach their goals and break the intergenerational cycle of low literacy and poverty.
Why Join Our Board?
The LBN Board of Directors comprises leaders from the non-profit and for-profit sectors who are dedicated to our organization’s mission. Serving on the Board of Directors is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about strengthening leadership and governance in the human services sector.
Board members are expected to:
- Attend meetings held the third Thursday of every other month.
- Read board materials in advance of meetings, and come prepared to ask questions and participate in discussions.
- Serve on one committee and undertake special assignments willingly and enthusiastically.
- Play an active role in securing the financial resources necessary for LBN to achieve our mission.
- Leverage personal relationships and connections to help the advancement committee and LBN employees identify and solicit potential funders.
- Directly invest in LBN’s work by making a personal contribution each year.
Potential candidates are required to complete the application available for download below.
The information on this page is included for your reference. LBN values the perspectives of diverse community members and encourages all interested parties to apply.
“Once you learn to read, you will forever be free.”
Frederick Douglass
Board Committees
BOD members are required to participate on one or more Board committees.
Governance & External Affairs Committee
• Oversees the creation and execution of the on-boarding process for new board members, including review of applications, interviews, and election.
• Provides a yearly review of the bylaws and other governing material of the board.
• Oversees the execution of the Executive Director evaluation.
• Works with the Executive Director on legislative affairs and external relations.
Audit & Finance Committee
• Handles budgeting and financial planning, financial reporting, and the creation and monitoring of internal controls and accountability policies.
• Review the results of the annual audit and any related management letter with the independent auditor.
Advancement Committee
• Works to cultivate relationships with major donors and corporations to provide operational support.
• Oversees the implementation of the annual advancement plan.
• Supports and executes LBN fundraisers throughout the year.
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