What is a contingent organization?

A contingent organization is characterized by a structure that requires membership at multiple levels, which typically involves individuals being members of both a local chapter and a larger national or regional organization. This layering allows for a broader base of support and engagement across different levels of the organization, facilitating enhanced communication and resource sharing between local and larger entities.

The multiple levels of membership foster a sense of community that extends beyond local chapters, giving members access to wider networks, resources, and a unified voice that can amplify their concerns and interests. This type of structure is often utilized in professional associations where local chapters contribute to and draw from a larger, overarching organization.

In contrast, other options describe different organizational models that do not align with the characteristics of a contingent organization. For instance, organizations that operate independently of their chapters do not embody the multi-level membership nature. Similarly, those that promote only individual memberships or are limited to local chapter memberships do not create the layered membership dynamic that defines a contingent organization.