The Chilliwack Learning Community Society builds relationships and partnerships to better meet the learning needs of all community members, to make possible the successful learning, development and growth of the individual, the family and the community.
How we started
- Founded in 1990
- Originally known as FVELA (Fraser Valley East Literacy Association)
- Original aim “promote literacy for all groups and individuals”
The Chilliwack Learning Community Society (CLCS) was incorporated in 1990 as the Fraser Valley East Literacy Association. It was founded by the then Fraser Valley College (now UFV), School District 33, Chilliwack Library, Chilliwack Health, Chilliwack Community Services and numerous local organizations, with the aim to “promote literacy for all groups and individuals” in the community.
How we do it
- Use Learning Communities framework
- Build relationships and partnerships with other organizations
- Aim to meet the learning needs of all community members
Using the Learning Communities framework*, CLCS builds relationships and partnerships to better meet the learning needs of all community members, to make possible the successful learning, development and growth of the individual, the family and the community.
What we do
- Consult with all various sectors in Chilliwack
- Develop Community Literacy Plan
- Work with four task groups
- Focus on five strategies
Through a broad consultation process with civic, public, economic, education and volunteer sectors of Chilliwack, and with funds and support from Legacies 2010 Literacy Now, CLCS developed the Community Literacy Plan. The plan sets out five strategies, two focused on young children and their families, one on youth, one on adults and one on workplace essential skills. Four task groups, (one per target population), comprised of CLCS and community members, work to achieve the outcomes identified in the respective strategies.
* The Learning Communities framework is an internationally embraced asset-based model of community development. Its twin objectives are environmentally sustainable development and social inclusion. The model strategically links healthy individual lifestyles with healthy community and uses the concept of lifelong learning as an organizing principle.
Download the Community Literacy Plan here.
The CLCS has a number of task groups working on behalf of the society. The current task groups include:
- Early Family Literacy
- Youth Literacy
- Adult Literacy
- Workplace Essential Skills
Click on the Strategies page to learn more about the work each does.