Important Writing Definitions

Collaboration

Collaboration is a mutually beneficial and well-defined relationship entered into by two or more agencies to achieve common goals; it includes commitment to mutual relationships and goals; mutual authority and accountability for success; jointly developed structure and shared responsibility; and sharing of resource and rewards. (Collaboration: What Makes It Work, Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, St. Paul, MN, 2001)

Developmental Assets

Developmental Assets are 40 key building blocks that are critical for young people's successful growth and development. The assets fall into four external categories (support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, and constructive use of time) and four internal categories (commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies, and positive identity). (Search Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota)

Note: For further information about the Search Institute, or the 40 developmental assets, see the Search Institute's web site: http://www.search-institute.org/ or call the Program Officer, Ball Brothers Foundation (741-5500).

Executive Mentoring

Executive mentoring is a one-on-one relationship between an agency Executive Director or staff member and an experienced not-for-profit management consultant. The process will focus on the individual needs and goals of the mentee and may involve reading books or other literature, reviewing internal forms and procedures, coaching on leadership skills, human resource and personnel issues, or other areas that the mentee wishes to improve. The primary goal will be to improve the skills and leadership ability of the mentee in order to help them be more effective in their role as an Executive Director or key staff member in a not-for-profit, youth-serving agency.

Organizational Effectiveness

Organizational Effectiveness is the ability of an organization to fulfill its mission through a blend of sound management, strong governance and persistent rededication to achieving results. The attributes of an effective organization include: mission-driven, entrepreneurial, sustainable, adaptable, outcomes-oriented, and customer-focused. (Definition - Grant Makers for Effective Organizations, Washington, D.C.; Attributes from Ewing Kaufman Foundation, Kansas City, Missouri)

Wellness

Wellness is a process involving the integration of many dimensions - social, physical, emotional, environmental, spiritual, vocational, intellectual - that enhance the health and well-being of any individual. The process is designed to help a person make choices that result in positive lifestyle changes; thus, improving individual and community health and well-being. (Definition: Ball Brothers Foundation)