Associate members

National or regional organisation, that are registered and have an established position in their respective countries, can apply for Associate Membership if they do not meet the criteria to become an OM. Organisations in this category shall be called Associate Members or AMs. AMs are expected to support the aims of World Federation of the Deaf and must submit a letter in support of their application from their OM. If no OM exists in its country to submit the letter, the association applying for associate membership may be granted an Interim Associate Membership. This interim membership is temporary until there will be an organisation in its country, which can apply for membership. In reality it is this organisation that becomes an AM. Interim Associate Membership can last up to four (4) years, during which time the Interim Member can become an Associate Member, or, failing that, the Interim Member, must resign.

The Board of World Federation of the Deaf approves Associate and Interim Associate Membership. AM can be expelled by the Board of World Federation of the Deaf if the AM has not paid its membership fees for three consecutive years.

The associate and interim associate members are responsible for payment of membership fees as determined by the Board.

The associate and interim associate members, upon payment of their annual membership fees, are entitled to observer status and participatory rights at ordinary meetings of World Federation of the Deaf.  The AMs and interim associate members do not have voting rights at the meetings of World Federation of the Deaf.

World Federation of the Deaf will endeavour to give the AMs all possible support as each associate member is entitled to receive advice and documents when seeking rights, benefits and solutions.

For Associate Membership application, please contact WFD Secretariat: memberships@wfdeaf.org