ABSTRACT
The University of Minnesota, with its wealth of knowledge and resources on children, youth, and family issues, has a strong obligation to understand and respond to these needs and challenges. This chapter presents a case study of the Consortium, an innovation that has evolved in the current sociopolitical climate but that is rooted in the unique traditions and context of the University of Minnesota. The chapter highlights the early history of the Consortium, set out the guiding principles and mission that fuel its development, the first five years of its activities, and discuss the hurdles that confronted during this formative period. As a land-grant institution, the University of Minnesota already had established by 1991 a legacy of cooperation in addressing children, youth, and family issues by connecting related activities within the University and forging links with the community.
