STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE
Tips for Using Affiliate Templates & Sample Documents
“Sample Documents” are re-creations of a number of required Standards of Excellence documents. Many of them have been put together in order to help you identify related documentation that should be obtained from other sources; others are internal documents that have more flexible requirements. As mock-ups of actual documents--rather than official documents--they often use the name of a fictional affiliate, “NAMI Lone Star.” The Sample Documents are intended as general references, as opposed to templates with more precise language. As a result, they are available in a PDF file format (that cannot be edited). Of course, you are welcome to structure the framework of your own documents based on our Sample Documents, as applicable.
“Templates” are documents that you can download and easily edit in a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word. The language is much more precise and has been reviewed and approved through various channels prior to official release. You are welcome to adopt any of the posted templates and customize them to your own affiliate’s needs. It is advisable that you keep all of the text the same, with the exception of spacing on the pages andlanguage indicated in the highlighted sections. The highlighted sections provideparameters for you to interact with the text according to the key on the following page. Use of templates is optional; you are welcome to create your own documents from scratch, as well.
Please note that we designed these templates with all affiliates in mind. Though some items may not be represented at your affiliate at this time (e.g.paid staff, real estate, etc.), the all-encompassing language will ensure that you are covered in the event of any additions to your affiliate. It also means you will not have to drastically revise your policies should you choose to add paid staff or other assets to your organization in the future. If your affiliate does not have Board Committees, you may instead use “Board of Directors” for those entries.
When you’re ready to begin, we suggest the following steps:
- Download the templates of interest from the NAMI Texas SOE website section
- Read through the documents and let us know if you have any questions
- Enter your affiliate-specific information into each template, as indicated by the highlighted sections (see following page for the key)
- Have your Board of Directors vote to pass each new policy
- Once finalized, upload your documents to your NAMI Profile Center account
Highlighted Sections: Interpreting the Affiliate Template Color-Coding System
If highlighted in blue…
It’s a message about the template that should be deleted after you read it.
If highlighted in pink/purple…
It’s anumerical code to enter, based on the numbering system in your affiliate’s Board Operating Policies & Proceduresdocument.
If highlighted in yellow…
It’s a place to enter your NAMI Affiliate name.
If highlighted in green…
It’s an entry you need to make other than your NAMI Affiliate name or a number code. Parameters for these entries are indicated within the highlighted brackets.