AEC Talks_ Knowing Your Affiliation Agreement, 2025

During this month’s AEC Talks, Todd Allred, PHCC of Washington, Executive Director, led a thoughtful and timely discussion on Affiliation Agreements and what a healthy federation agreement looks like between national and state associations.

Using a clear, side-by-side comparison of National Affiliate Agreements and National Bylaws, this session breaks down:
How affiliation agreements and bylaws work together
The purpose and intent behind each document
What independence vs. alignment really means in a federation model
Intellectual property, authority boundaries, and legal protections
Membership, dues, compliance, and operational expectations
Why clarity strengthens—not weakens—state and local associations

This presentation reinforces a key principle of strong federations:
Independent organizations, aligned by mission, standards, and shared responsibility.

Whether you’re a state executive, board member, or national leader, this session provides valuable context for understanding governance, compliance, and the long-term health of our federation.

📌 Topics include:
Charter & recognition
Compliance requirements
Intellectual property ownership
Authority limitations
Legal identity & EIN protection
Termination and due process
Membership and dues alignment

Thank you to Todd for helping AEC members better understand the why behind these agreements and how clear structure supports trust, transparency, and collaboration across the federation.