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Alliance
for Therapeutic Recreation
Executive Summary of the Letter
of Agreement . Resolution
Operational Guidelines
for the Alliance for Therapeutic Recreation Introduction This document provides operational guidelines to the members of the two organizations comprising the Alliance for Therapeutic Recreation, the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) and the National Therapeutic Recreation Society (NTRS). This document is designed to provide further direction to the leadership of both organizations and to further operationalize the Letter of Agreement entered into by both NTRS and ATRA as of October 1, 1998. This document should not be interpreted without two other complimentary documents, the Resolution and the Executive Summary of the Letter of Agreement, approved by the ATRA and NTRS boards of directors. Levels of Engagement The Alliance for Therapeutic Recreation identifies three "levels of engagement" to guide all joint efforts. For clarity, the following definitions are provided for the three levels of engagement: Communication is defined as an exchange of ideas, information, and thoughts1. Communication efforts will be respectful, timely, and accurate. Cooperation is defined as a mutually agreed upon action or position2. Cooperation consists of operating within the identified parameters of each respective association in support of a common end or purpose. Collaboration is defined as working together in a joint intellectual effort recognized by a formal written agreement3. Communication and cooperation are the cornerstones for collaboration. Communication and cooperation are essential before collaboration can be realized. Oversight Committee The Alliance for Therapeutic Recreation has established an Oversight Committee to guide all communication, cooperation and collaboration between the associations and may act on behalf of the two organizations comprising the Alliance. The Oversight Committee includes the presidents, presidents-elect and executive directors of each organization. The Oversight Committee will meet at least once annually to renew the Letter of Agreement and review joint efforts. The Oversight Committee will also meet via scheduled teleconference calls. The Oversight Committee will review all proposals for potential communication, cooperation and/or collaboration and will coordinate the appointments of representatives to any joint efforts. Additionally, the Oversight Committee will monitor all written documents and statements from any joint effort and will monitor all progress toward joint efforts' mission and goals. Implementation The Alliance for Therapeutic Recreation will initiate joint efforts via communication, cooperation and/or collaboration when a common purpose is agreed upon and is considered to be in the best interests of the profession. To initiate a joint effort to the Alliance, a proposal must be submitted through one of the Alliance organizations, for review by the Oversight Committee. Following review and validation of need by the Oversight Committee, both boards of directors will approve the establishment of any collaborative effort. Any joint effort initiated without the approval of the Oversight Committee or without both boards' approval will not be considered an Alliance for Therapeutic Recreation joint effort. All joint efforts approved by the Oversight Committee and respective boards will be established on an equitable basis in terms of representation, financial contribution, etc. Following the approval of a joint effort by the respective boards of directors, a joint task force will be established and appointed by the respective boards, equal in representation, to address the joint effort and to develop a workplan that outlines the goals and tasks to be accomplished. All joint efforts will be identified as task forces and, therefore, be time limited. Since any joint effort requires intensive communications among and between the organizations, all written statements, newsletter articles and releases will be developed jointly and approved by the Oversight Committee. Mutual agreement is required for the release of all information to the public or those members not involved in the joint effort. All Alliance joint task forces will jointly prepare and submit periodic written reports to the Oversight Committee, which in turn will submit the reports to the respective boards of directors for review of progress. Both associations reserve
the right to discontinue or dissolve any joint effort
as a result of infringement of the Letter of Agreement. 1 American Heritage
Dictionary, 3rd edition, 1992. Attachments: ..... ......
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