The rise in associations

The Glénans association was founded more than fifty years ago. Yoram Bosc-Hadad, its current president, describes the evolution of his founding project and the creation of his organisation, with reference to the crises it has undergone. This account is followed by a presentation of the research done by Jean-Louis Laville on the world of associations. To consider one's project in an association without reference to its organisation or vice-versa can lead to serious errors. However, to try to change the association without knowledge of its history can lead to failure. There are a number of points which make an association different from a company, but there are similarities. However, to bring its status to this level would mean losing its true identity. Associations are no longer negligible entities from an economic point of view, but over and above the services they provide, they play an essential role. Many of the questions they raise are subsequently discussed in the public domain.