What is an Association? What does “Motto” mean?

A logo of an Association

An association is a group of persons, having common views, associated or organized for a common end. The main feature of an association is that it is meant for certain definite purpose or purposes which are realized through the co-operative efforts of its members. An association can not do everything. The main purpose of its organizations is the achievement of certain limited purpose through combined action. In short, all associations or social organizations exist to satisfy some important human wants.

Man is a bundle of instincts but his social instinct is the most dominant. It is on account of this instinct that man has evolved various types of association to satisfy his craving for associating with his fellow beings. Apart from social instinct, a modern man has political, economical, religious, recreational, cultural, aesthetic and educational needs as well. It is for the satisfaction of these needs that various associations have come into existence. Political parties and state are the examples of political associations. Trade Unions, Church, the Arya Samaj the Santan Dharma Sabha are expressive of religious instinct.

A tennis club, a football club exemplifies recreational associations. School, colleges, libraries, literary societies, universities etc., are some of the examples of educational associations. A dramatic club represents an aesthetic association and the Red Cross Society, St. John Ambulance Corps etc. are indicative of philanthropic instinct.

As Plato described man as a both political and social animal, we, being human, live with surrounded territory of population with formed several associations.

Perhaps, students used to establish students union and associations through out the world for specified purposes. The main aim of such an association should be to prevent the educational interests of the students and to promote their nationalism in the international fields. Such an association should not be run for an individual benefit and should not involve any culprit activities. Such an association should not also involve in political activities either directly or indirectly.

The resources of such an association should be used for the benefit of all. The association should not work in the interest of a particular people. The association is the authoritative, non-governmental, non-profit body of all members. All members should be represented equally in the association except elected posts of the association.

Every association should have founders who are responsible for it and should have a drafted constitution framed by its founders or leaders. Constitution is utmost importance since it is the body of rules which fixes the structure and formation of the association. In other words, it is the collection of principles where the association should be within its frame. Therefore, without a constitution an association can not be formed or registered. Constitution, here we mean a written constitution.

One of the important components of the constitution of an association is its “Motto”. What is meant by Motto?

Oxford Advanced Learners’ Dictionary of Cambridge defines Motto as “a short sentence or phrase that expresses the aims and beliefs of a person, a group, an institution etc. and is used as a rule of behaviour”. Duty, honour country, live and let live, all for one, one for all are good examples of a well-defined motto.

Apart from the mission and vision statements, associations used to have their mottos because they are interpreted in more simple language and gives the specific identity and have an image like brand name of products that are produced by various leading companies of the world. The essential of a good motto can be outlined as;

It should be in simple language;

It should be attractive;

It should be precise;

It should be comprehensive;

It should be related for the objectives of the association; coherence;

It should not be specific; should have broader aspects;

It should be applicable to all activities of the association.

The motto is very vital because it is only the motto that plays a major role in promoting the particular association in the eyes of general public. It is said that if the motto is good, then the activities will be good.

For instance, “All For One, One For All” is a typical good motto where it possesses the above mentioned characteristics. It is easily understood, attractive and short which does not require much time to read. At a glance our naked eyes can observe the motto. Further, a lay man can understand since it is in simple language and it has a wider aspect; can be related to any objectives of a non-profit organization or a charity. Hence, it is related to objectives; it is applicable to association’s activities.

“All for One, One For All” literary means that all members are dedicated to the association and association is a common property of all members. Thus, this shows the integral part of the motto and importance of working together to turn the ideas into action. United we stand, divided we fall. Do you agree?

Therefore, associations are the results of combined effort and to run associations smoothly every member commitment in general is necessary. However, this does not mean that to form an association everyone should be involved. This is because interests of the people differ from person to person, from time to time. There are specific rules on which we have to obey in forming associations. If we abide by these rules and regulations it is sufficient.

People misunderstand that association is a property of founders; it is run by founders; founders will have special privileges and benefits. However, this is not the scenario. In reality, associations are run by elected executive committee. All the works will be carried out by this committee. This committee should be an elected committee by casting votes of all members. Founders, are just nominal in nature; they exist their because of rules and regulations only.

To sum up, I believe forming associations of various kinds is necessary to achieve specific goals. The sound of an association will be much larger than an individual. It gives certain rights and duties for the association by the constitution. Related problems of the people can be solved easily and effectively through such an association. For instance, let us see trade unions; association of workers. Common problems of workers are low wage, poor working conditions, less overtime, long hours, no bonus etc. It is very difficult for an individual worker among 2000 workers to approach managing directly of the company to raise the wage. However, through trade unions just it is very simple. It has every ones’ voice.

Likewise, the same is applicable to the student’s unions or students’ association. Therefore, this is right time to come forward in forming students associations.