Standards of Exellence
In March 2005, United Way of America unveiled new Standards of Excellence, a comprehensive description of benchmark standards and best practices. Developed in conjunction United Way executives, staff and volunteers throughout the country, the standards are designed to enhance the effectiveness of the 1,350 United Way affiliates.
Introduction to the Standards of Excellence
Spanning more than 100 pages, the new standards provide highly detailed descriptions regarding five key areas of operation:
Community Engagement and Vision
Working with formal and informal leaders to develop a shared vision and goals for a community, including the identification of priority issues affecting the overall well being of its citizens.
Impact Strategies, Resources and Results
Creating "impact strategies" that address the root causes and barriers of a community's priority issues; mobilizing essential assets such as people, knowledge, relationships, technology and money; effectively implementing impact strategies; and evaluating the effectiveness of impact strategies in fostering continuous improvement.
Relationship Building & Brand Management
Developing, maintaining and growing relationships with individuals and organizations in order to attract and sustain essential assets.
Organizational Leadership and Governance Garnering trust, legitimacy and support of the United Way in local communities through leadership and overall management.
Operations
Providing efficient and cost-effective systems, policies and processes that enable the fulfillment of the United Way's mission, while ensuring the highest levels of transparency and accountability.
Download the Standards
By visiting the United Way of America site, you can access all of the standards. Click HERE.
