9. Federations
WAGGGS is built on the principle of one Member Organisation per country. Member Organisations usually consists of one single association. However, in some countries, several Component Associations may join to create a Federation, and work together to develop Guiding and Girl Scouting in the country and apply for Membership of WAGGGS.
When applying for WAGGGS Membership, if there are several associations working with Guiding and Girl Scouting in a country where there is no National Organisation, WAGGGS will encourage that the associations merge into one organisation before applying. When a National Organisation that wants to apply consists of a Federation of Component Associations, WAGGGS will discuss with the Federation the possibility of creating of a sole association in the country. If the Potential Member Organisation and WAGGGS find that a Federation structure may serve the Movement better in that country than a sole organisation would, WAGGGS will welcome the Federation as a Member Organisation. For instance, in some countries a Federation structure may present a greater potential for membership growth and diversity. In other countries, the decision for these associations to federate may have historical reasons.
The recognised Member Organisation in WAGGGS is the National Organisation, the Federation, not the single Component Associations. Every Component Association that forms a Federation or joins a Federation need to be recognised by WAGGGS.
As outlined in subclause 10.1.3.3 of the WAGGGS Constitution, Member Organisation may comprise different Associations or groups, provided that the Member Organisation ensures that each Association or group:
- (a) accepts and adheres to the conditions of membership as set out in sub-clauses 10.1.2 and 10.9;
- (b) agrees to co-operate with other component association/s (meaning an Association which together with one or more other Associations forms a National Organisations or group/s and together to constitute the single Member Organisation in order that the maximum number of girls and young women shall benefit from membership of WAGGGS.
When a Federation applies for Membership, WAGGGS will ascertain whether the organisation in itself and its constitution, fulfils the criteria for Membership and that the Constitution stipulates that the members of the Federation, the Component Associations, also must comply with the WAGGGS Membership criteria. WAGGGS will need reassurance that there are constitutional and established forms for national democratic processes and cooperation within the Federation. When a new Federation applies for WAGGGS Membership, WAGGGS will require evidence that each Component Association meets the conditions of Membership. If new Component Associations join an existing Federation, the Federation will be required to ensure that, as stipulated in its governing document, the new Component Associations meet the conditions of WAGGGS Membership.
Once the Federation achieves Membership, WAGGGS’ main point of contact will be the Federation. However, to ensure all Component Associations receive the same information, WAGGGS will also promote initiatives and programmes directly to them. If a Federation that is already a Member of WAGGGS accepts new Component Associations, they must inform WAGGGS and provide basic information to enable WAGGGS to engage with the new Component Association(s). It is the Member Organisation’s responsibility to ensure effective communication within the Federation and between Component Associations.
The Member Organisation, the National Organisation that is the Federation, is responsible for paying the Membership Fees to WAGGGS.
The World Board has determined that every effort will be directed towards strengthening the position and potential of WAGGGS’ members within a Federation, including SAGNO and WAGGGS-only members. Special recognition and opportunities will be given to the Federations including WAGGGS-only and SAGNO members, such as additional visitors at conferences and events, to ensure that girls and young women are fairly represented.
If a Member Organisation that is a Federation wants to merge into one single association and change its entity in WAGGGS, WAGGGS will support this process.
When a Component Association no longer complies or performs within the conditions of WAGGGS Membership outlined in this policy, it is the responsibility of the Federation to ensure that the CA in question is brought back to compliance. Failure to do so might result in the suspension and/or cancellation of the Federation from WAGGGS membership. In these cases WAGGGS will be available to advise and support the Federation in this process.