What does a federation consist of?

A federation is characterized by a collective of associations that come together based on shared interests or goals. This structure allows individual associations to maintain their autonomy while benefiting from collaborative efforts. Federations often work to amplify their collective voice and influence in areas such as advocacy, policy development, and resource sharing, leveraging the strengths and networks of their member associations.

In contrast, a single association representing multiple industries would not capture the essence of a federation, as it implies a more centralized structure without the distinct, independent associations present in a federation. An organization that serves only local chapters does not encompass the broader network of associations and is more limited in scope. Additionally, the concept of individuals combining their memberships relates more to collaborative membership but lacks the organizational framework that defines a federation, which is specifically focused on the collective nature of associations rather than individual members. Thus, the definition of a federation aligns closely with the collaborative nature of associations with a common interest.