6. National Organisations whose close relationship to their government calls into question their ability to satisfy the criteria for Membership
A National Organisation may be structured under a Government Department such as Youth Affairs, or Youth Sport and Recreation, in which case the Department Minister may take an interest – or even an active role - in the organisation. Support, in the provision of facilities and operational or project funding, may be an outcome of this close relationship. Evidence of a structure which describes such a relationship at this level, may call into question the political independence of the National Organisation and thus its ability to satisfy the Membership criteria described in subclause 10.1.2.4 and 10.1.2.5 of the WAGGGS Constitution and Bye-Laws.
Aspects of structure and management of a National Organisation which indicate a relationship with government that could prevent the free implementation of the Girl Guide/Girl Scout programme could include:
- ● The appointment of National Officers and other Executive or Legislative decision-makers by the government, rather than their election by the members;
- Requirements that policy and/or its implementation be approved by Ministerial representatives rather than by the Executive or Legislative bodies;
- Absence of an assurance of the application of funds to the object of the organisation.
Should independence become affected in Member Organisations (after Membership is achieved) WAGGGS may consider suspension and ultimately cancellation. Please refer to the Section on Termination of Membership within this policy.