An association refers to an organised group of individuals or entities who come together for a common purpose or interest. Associations can take various forms, including non-profit organisations, professional associations, trade unions, social clubs, and homeowner associations. They often have specific goals or objectives, such as advancing a particular profession, promoting social or recreational activities, or advocating for the interests of their members. Associations typically have formal structures, governance bodies, and bylaws that outline their purpose, membership criteria, decision-making processes, and operational procedures. They play a crucial role in fostering collaboration, networking, and collective action among individuals or entities with shared interests or goals.
a formal organisation of people or groups of people
(often in names) a group of people organised for a joint purpose.
- The act of consorting with or joining with others.
- (ecology) a group of organisms (plants and animals) that live together in a certain geographical region and constitute a community with a few dominant species.
- A formal organisation of people or groups of people.
- The process of bringing ideas or events together in memory or imagination.
- (chemistry) any process of combination (especially in solution) that depends on relatively weak chemical bonding.
- A social or business relationship.
- A relation resulting from interaction or dependence.
- The state of being connected together as in memory or imagination.
n. any group of people who have joined together for a particular purpose, ranging from social to business, and usually meant to be a continuing organization. It can be formal, with rules and/or bylaws, membership requirements and other trappings of an organisation, or it can be a collection of people without structure. An association is not a legally established corporation or a partnership. To make this distinction the term “unincorporated association” is often used, although technically redundant.
Association (noun):
1. A group of individuals or organizations that have joined together for a common purpose or interest. Associations are typically formed to promote a specific cause, profession, or industry, and often involve membership, regular meetings, and collaborative efforts. Examples include professional associations, trade associations, and nonprofit organizations.
2. The act of connecting or linking one thing with another. In this sense, association refers to the mental process of connecting ideas, memories, or experiences based on their similarities, contrasts, or previous associations. It is a fundamental cognitive process that helps in learning, memory retrieval, and problem-solving.
3. A formal agreement or partnership between two or more entities, such as companies, governments, or countries, to work together towards a common goal or objective. Associations of this nature often involve shared resources, joint projects, and mutual benefits, and are governed by specific terms and conditions outlined in a contract or agreement.
4. The state of being connected or related to something or someone. This definition refers to the relationship or connection between two or more things, whether physical, conceptual, or abstract. It can also denote the involvement or participation of someone in a particular activity, event, or situation.
5. In statistics, association refers to the relationship or correlation between two or more variables. It measures the extent to which changes in one variable are related to changes in another variable. Associations can be positive (both variables increase or decrease together), negative (one variable increases while the other decreases), or neutral (no relationship between the variables).
An association is any group of people operating together for a common purpose.
An unincorporated association is an association that has no distinct legal personality apart from its members. The law that applies to any unincorporated association is the law that applies to its members. However, an association that takes the form of a corporation (e.g. a registered company) is a distinct legal entity in its own right. This type of association may own land, sue, be sued, and enter into contracts as a separate ‘legal person.
An association is a legal entity formed by individuals or organizations who come together for a common purpose. It can be created for various reasons, such as social, professional, or charitable objectives. Associations are typically governed by a set of bylaws or a constitution that outlines the rules and regulations for its operation.
Associations can be incorporated or unincorporated, depending on the jurisdiction and the specific requirements. Incorporation provides certain legal benefits, such as limited liability for its members and the ability to enter into contracts and own property in the association’s name.
Associations often have a board of directors or a governing body that is responsible for making decisions and managing the affairs of the association. Members of the association usually have voting rights and may elect or appoint individuals to serve on the board.
Membership in an association is typically voluntary, and members may be required to pay dues or fees to support the association’s activities. Associations may also have the power to discipline or expel members who violate the association’s rules or engage in conduct that is detrimental to the association’s objectives.
Associations may engage in various activities, such as organizing events, providing services or benefits to members, advocating for specific causes or interests, or promoting professional standards or ethics. They may also have the power to represent their members in legal or regulatory matters.
Overall, associations play an important role in society by bringing together like-minded individuals or organizations to work towards common goals and interests. They provide a platform for collaboration, networking, and collective action, while also offering legal protections and benefits to their members.
Q: What is an association?
A: An association is a group of individuals or organizations that come together for a common purpose or interest. It can be a professional, trade, or social organization.
Q: What is the purpose of an association?
A: The purpose of an association can vary depending on its nature. It can be to promote a specific industry or profession, provide networking opportunities, offer educational resources, advocate for members’ interests, or facilitate collaboration among like-minded individuals.
Q: How do I join an association?
A: To join an association, you typically need to meet the membership criteria set by the association. This may include being a professional in a specific field, paying membership fees, and adhering to the association’s code of conduct. You can usually find information on how to join on the association’s website or by contacting their membership department.
Q: What are the benefits of joining an association?
A: Joining an association can provide numerous benefits, such as networking opportunities, access to industry-specific resources and information, professional development and educational programs, advocacy for your interests, and the chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion or profession.
Q: How can I find an association related to my field or interest?
A: You can find associations related to your field or interest by conducting an online search, asking colleagues or professionals in your industry, checking industry-specific publications or directories, or utilizing association directories available on various websites.
Q: Can individuals start their own association?
A: Yes, individuals can start their own association if they have a specific purpose or interest they want to promote. Starting an association involves defining its mission, setting up governance structures, recruiting members, and establishing bylaws and operating procedures.
Q: How can associations benefit professionals in their careers?
A: Associations can benefit professionals in their careers by providing networking opportunities, access to job boards or career resources, professional development programs, mentorship opportunities, and a platform to showcase their expertise and gain recognition within their industry.
Q: Can associations help businesses or organizations?
A: Yes, associations can be beneficial for businesses or organizations by providing opportunities for networking, industry-specific knowledge and resources, advocacy for their interests, and a platform to connect with potential clients or partners.
Q: How are associations funded?
A: Associations are typically funded through membership fees, sponsorships, donations, grants, and revenue generated from events, conferences, or publications they organize.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.
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