This theoretical paper links prevention activities and wellness activities in a context of social action. It attempts to define prevention by describing the essential characteristics of the prevention process. Six characteristics are identified: proactive, generic, developmental, experiential, systemic, and collaborative. A number of prevention programs which appear to illustrate one or more of these characteristics are cited. The need for such a process as an approach to many contemporary individual and social problems is assumed. The author's intention is to provide program planners and funders with a usable theoretical base for developing and evaluating specific programs.