This section outlines composition and procedures relating to the membership of Federations.
WAGGGS is built on the principle of one Member Organisation per country or territory, as per the WAGGGS Constitution and Bye-Laws. A Member Organisation usually consists of one single association but in some instances, multiple associations or groups – known as Component Associations - may form a Federation, which is the Member Organisation of WAGGGS.
As set out in the WAGGGS Constitution and Bye-Laws, sub-clause 10.1.3.3, a Member Organisation can include multiple associations providing each one:
- accepts and follows WAGGGS membership conditions
- agrees to work together as one Member Organisation to benefit the maximum number of girls and young women
When applying for membership, a Federation’s governing document must stipulate that the members of the Federation must comply with the conditions of WAGGGS membership. There must also be provision in its governing document and practical evidence of national democratic processes and cooperation within the Federation.
The Federation is responsible for paying WAGGGS membership fees and acts as the main point of contact with WAGGGS. WAGGGS may also share programmes and initiatives directly with Component Associations, but it is the Federation’s duty to ensure clear communication throughout the Federation. Member Organisations may request a change in their entity to create or disband a Federation.
If a new Component Association wants to join an existing Federation, the existing Federation is responsible for ensuring that the new Component Association meets WAGGGS membership conditions. Once this has been confirmed, the Federation should notify WAGGGS so the new Component Association can be formally recognised as a member of the Federation.
In countries or territories without a WAGGGS Member Organisation, any existing associations or groups are encouraged to merge into one organisation before applying for membership of WAGGGS. However, if the associations or groups and WAGGGS agree that a Federation structure is more appropriate for their context, WAGGGS will support the creation of a Federation.
It is the responsibility of the Federation to ensure that all their Component Associations are in compliance with the conditions of WAGGGS membership and if non-compliance is identified, the Federation must take appropriate action, as necessary, to bring the Component Association back into compliance. WAGGGS will be available to advise and support the Federation in this process. Failure to do so may result in the suspension and/or termination of the Federation from WAGGGS membership.
WAGGGS will ensure every effort is made to strengthen the position and potential of WAGGGS’s members within a Federation.