Preparing for a Successful Spellbinders® Licensed Local Storyteller Organization (a.k.a. LLSO): Bridges to Certification
Congratulations for wanting to begin building a Spellbinders® Licensed Local Storyteller Organization (LLSO or Licensee)! Starting a Spellbinders LLSO takes hard work and enthusiasm, but the rewards are tremendous. We are committed to ensuring that new LLSOs get off to a great start. For that reason, we have identified a number of key success factors that will help ensure your start-up and long-term success. 
To initiate the process of forming a new Spellbinders LLSO, review the information below and then make contact with Spellbinders National at info@spellbinders.org. We are here to discuss the needs of your community and supply you with the tools you need to effectively promote Spellbinders and build support.
Keys to Successfully Starting a Spellbinders® Licensed Local Storyteller Organiztion
An understanding of and belief in our Purpose and Principles. Our Charter contains our Preamble, Purpose and Principles. If these ideas resonate with you and reflect the type of organization you want to create, contact Spellbinders® National to begin your journey.
An enthusiastic leadership team. Running a Spellbinders® Licensed Local Storyteller Organization (LLSO) takes lots of work from organizing monthly meetings to training. From past experience we know that a Steering Committee of three or more committed people committed to sharing leadership responsibilities will give your new local group (LLSO) the best chance of success.
Coordination with Spellbinders® National. Each locale and set of circumstances is unique. Utilize the expertise and informational materials of the Spellbinders® National organization to help you through this process and to connect you with the collective wisdom of existing Spellbinders® Licensees (LLSOs). We can be reached at info@spellbinders.org.
Volunteers. Start talking to friends, colleagues, and potential partners about Spellbinders and the gift of literacy and intergenerational connections it brings to children, elders and the community as a whole. Collect the names of people interested in becoming trained Spellbinders storytellers and/or helping to establish the LLSO. Spellbinders requires at least six volunteers in an initial training, but encourages you to start with twelve.
A storytelling venue. Gain a commitment from a local school to welcome trained Spellbinders’ volunteers into the classroom. Engage local library and school officials by providing them with letters of support (available from Spellbinders National) from teachers and school district superintendents.
Funds. A licensee (LLSO) that starts with $3,000 has a fantastic chance of covering all their financial needs for the first year. Rotary Clubs, libraries and local banks have provided the initial seed money for several local Licensees. Most small Licensees can operate with budgets of under $2,000 in subsequent years.
Meeting space. Monthly meetings during the school year are critical to a LLSO’s success as they let volunteers further polish their art and discuss opportunities and challenges facing the LLSO and its members. Plan on your LLSO growing and ask your library, school district, church or community center if they can provide you a room once a month for meetings, as well as space for volunteer trainings.
What area is your Spellbinders® Licensed Local Storyteller Organization going to cover? Limit your range to a school district, city or county.
Once all of the above are in place, coordinate with the Spellbinders® National about filling out an application to certify your LLSO (Licensee). Once the application is received and reviewed, Spellbinders® National will work with you to secure a certified Spellbinders® Trainer to conduct your first Volunteer Training Workshop.