Mission and Goals:

• The organization has a clear vision and mission.
• The organization has clear goals and concrete, attainable objectives.
• The organization has a commitment to science-based practices.
• The organization does not offer direct services.

Environment:

• Organizations within the state have a history of collaboration or cooperation.
• The state has a favorable political and/or social climate.

Process or Structure:

• Members share a stake in both processes and outcomes.
• The organization permits decision making at many tiers.
• The organization has clear roles and policy guidelines.
• The organization is adaptable.
• The organization has an established identity as a 501(c)(3) organization.
• The organization has staff and offices.

Characteristics of the Board of Directors:

• Directors exhibit mutual respect, understanding, and trust.
• The membership of the board is diverse.
• The board has no designated seats.
• Members see collaboration as being in their and the organization’s interest.
• Members are able to compromise.
• Members represent themselves, not the agency for which they work.
• Board members hold power in the state.

Communication:

• The organization establishes open and frequent communication with media and colleagues.
• The organization establishes informal and formal communications links.
• The organization is represented by a skilled communicator.
• The organization develops newsletters and media campaigns and holds meetings and conferences.

Resources:

• The organization is supported by diversified funding streams.
• The organization has stable funding.