Organization Mission
OLY Parle is a small nonprofit based in Olympia, Washington, dedicated to helping adults master French. Our goal is to create an engaging and interactive space where participants can improve their conversational skills in a supportive setting.
Our program is designed to meet the unique needs of adult learners at every proficiency level. We provide specially crafted materials and activities for beginners, intermediate, and advanced students, ensuring that everyone can build confidence and fluency. Through guided practice and collaborative learning, participants not only strengthen their French skills but also develop a deeper appreciation for francophone cultural and artistic uniqueness. Whether you are looking to reconnect with the language, enhance your professional or educational opportunities, or broaden your perspective, OLY Parle offers a welcoming environment that makes French a part of your everyday life.
Program Purpose
At OLY Parle, we immerse participants in French conversation over a recommended period of six months or more, although participation is tailored to each student’s needs to help them gradually build fluency. Activities are matched to each person’s skill level, with weekly small-group sessions ensuring an optimal learning experience. In addition, periodic in-person sessions bring together learners from various proficiency groups. These sessions create opportunities for broader community engagement and cultural exchange.
Each weekly session is co-led by a native French speaker and an advanced English-speaking French learner. This dual-instructor model combines the expertise of a fluent speaker with the insights of someone who understands the challenges faced by English speakers, as they are learning French. Regardless of proficiency, participants are encouraged to speak as much as possible, even if it is just a few words at a time. Our aim is to build confidence and make speaking French a natural, enjoyable part of the learning process.
Objectives for OLY Parle
#1 Continue to offer a cost-effective program
Keep overhead expenses low by optimizing operational costs and using e-resources for reading materials. Encourage participants to secure their own reading samples (Ongoing).
#2 Strike a Balance between in person and remote learning
Continue offering remote sessions while refining the curriculum to suit the evolving features of this digital format. Maintain flexibility in using a hybrid model, by adapting to participants’ geographic locations and technological access. (Ongoing).
#3 Explore the eligibility for subsidies
As the program expands and if the need for a dedicated space emerges, securing additional funding may become necessary. Given our commitment to affordability and inclusivity, we will assess opportunities for external subsidies, particularly with the outcome of the multilingual initiative. (2027).
#4 Implement and diversify French language-based initiative
Attract and engage new and returning members by incorporating cultural and entertainment components. Offer fee-based excursions to francophone-themed venues beyond the South Sound. Consider future collaborations with other nonprofits to introduce programs with additional language (2030).
Credits
Audio track illustrations by Annie Herzig
Audio track recordings and sound editing by Mike Mercker
Website design and development by Pixelsmith Design
OLY Parle contributors: Cantala, Célène, Clément, Framboise. Gentiane, Nashesha and Valérie