Executive Summary
(Reviewed and Revised May 2000)

This Executive Summary is provided to outline the critical elements of the Letter of Agreement between the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) and the National Therapeutic Recreation Society (NTRS).

Letter of Agreement to Communicate, Cooperate, and Collaborate

PREAMBLE:

In recognition that professional organizations have the responsibility to guide the growth and development of a professional body of knowledge, codes of ethical conduct, standards of professional practice, credentialing standards, professional preparation programs and public recognition and support, this Letter of Agreement is entered into by and between the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) and the National Therapeutic Recreation Society (NTRS) hereafter referred to as the associations.

The purpose of this agreement is to build a foundation for future communication, cooperation, and collaboration between the two associations and to establish a framework for unified professional action. This letter of agreement serves to operationalize the resolution approved by the two associations dated May 17, 1998, which states:

The American Therapeutic Recreation Association and the National Therapeutic Recreation Society will communicate, cooperate, and collaborate in the best interest of consumers and the therapeutic recreation profession, and will enter into a letter of agreement to operationalize the above stated intentions.

I. LEVELS OF ENGAGEMENT

The organizations determined there are three methods that may be utilized as the best response to identified priorities. The three responses or "levels of engagement" are communication, cooperation and collaboration, as defined below. The Alliance for Therapeutic Recreation agreed that communication and cooperation are essential prerequisites before collaboration can be realized.

A. Communication is defined as an exchange of ideas, information, and thoughts1. Communication efforts will be respectful, timely, and accurate, (e.g., exchange of information regarding public policy agendas; exchange of each association's strategic plan on an annual basis; referral of inquiries to the respective association.)

B. 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 (e.g. written responses to issues of importance to the profession in the form of correspondences that are generated by each association, and communicate a consistent professional position.)

C. 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.

II. TERMS OF AGREEMENT FOR COLLABORATION BETWEEN ATRA AND NTRS

When the Alliance for Therapeutic Recreation agrees upon a collaborative effort, specific terms have been developed to outline the processes for the specific joint effort. These terms outline the process for representation, mission, goals and outcomes, objectives and tasks, communication, proprietary rights, financing, disputes, and dissolution.

In all collaborative efforts, there will be areas of agreement and disagreement. The respective boards of directors are expected to give direction and encouragement to joint efforts to assist in finding common ground and to move positively in light of the established mission.

III. OVERSIGHT

The Presidents, Presidents-Elect, and the Executive Directors of each association will constitute an Oversight Committee to the Alliance for Therapeutic Recreation. The Oversight Committee will meet annually to guide all communication, cooperation, and collaboration between the associations.

The Letter of Agreement was effective October 1, 1998 and was reviewed and revised on May 6, 2000.

1 American Heritage Dictionary, 3rd edition, 1992.
2 Ibid.
3 Ibid.

Attachment: Resolution between ATRA and NTRS, dated May 17, 1998