How it Works

V-REMS is a voluntary process sponsored by the DSCR and facilitated by a neutral party.  The V-REMS partnership relies on regular communication between its partners to successfully achieve its partnership mission.  Key communication mechanisms include: monthly phone calls                  2-3 meetings annually                   2-4 workgroup calls / meetings monthly focusing on specific initiatives                   an internet and intranet site to share partnership information

On average, most V-REMS partners contribute about 3-4 hours per month of their time.  However, participation is entirely voluntary.  If a given partner cannot attend a phone call or a meeting, they still remain a partner.  Some partners choose to participate in all calls and meetings while others participate when they can, or when the topics being discussed are most relevant to their organization. 

This flexible nature of the V-REMS partnership has proven to be highly successful because it maximizes participation from the most enthusiastic and interested partners while still allowing other partners to engage as much as they can or feel comfortable.  For these reasons, participation in the V-REMS partnership is without formality and does not require signing an MOU or making a specific time commitment.  The V-REMS partnership is of its partners and for its partners.  Each partner may choose to determine their own level of involvement.  Of course, those V-REMS partners that are most participatory tend to benefit the most from the partnership.