Articles of Association

March 12, 2010

ARTICLE III - MISSION AND OBJECTIVES

The mission of the Federation is as follows: “The mission of the Federation is to build understanding and support for direct selling worldwide. The Association supports direct selling companies and associations by:

Developing, maintaining and promoting the highest global standards for responsible and ethical conduct.
Advocating the industry’s positions and interests with governments, media and key influencers.
Serving as a trusted global resource for information on direct selling.
Facilitating interaction among direct selling executives on issues of importance to the industry.

The Federation is organized for the purpose of promoting such common business interests of its members therein as may qualify as exempt from federal income tax under Section 501 (c)(6) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any subsequent United States Internal Revenue Law). More specifically, such purpose includes, but is not limited to:

(a) Exchanging information among members, principally through regular publication of a newsletter with international subject matter and focus.

(b) Fostering the highest standards of direct selling practices by adoption and promotion of the Codes of Conduct for Direct Selling.
(c) Conducting research and collecting data on the socio-economic impact of direct selling and facilitating long-term industry reputation enhancement.

(d) Improving communications through sponsorship of a World Congress of direct selling or other meeting worldwide to be held periodically.

(e) Encouraging personal relationships and cooperation among people in direct selling.

(f) Promoting education internationally through programs and funding, relying on the United States Direct Selling Education Foundation (USDSEF) as a “center of excellence” towards this objective.

The foregoing enumeration of specific purposes and powers shall, except as specifically restricted herein, be in no way limited or restricted by reference to, or inference from the terms of any provision of this or any other Article of these Articles of Association.

The Association shall not be operated for profit, and no part of its net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any of its officers or other private persons. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles, the Association shall neither have nor exercise any power or authority, nor directly or indirectly engage in any activity, which would prevent it from qualifying (and continuing to qualify) as an organization described in Section 501 (c) (6) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any subsequent United States Internal Revenue law).