Non-Profit Associations as Legal Entities

The truth is that some influential non-profit associations long have vigorously fought attempts to give clear legal form and substance to unincorporated associations. They like "having it both ways." It is very convenient to be able to be sometimes a legal entity and sometimes not, sometimes a partnership and sometimes not-very convenient for the association (or its managers), not so convenient for creditors, regulatory agencies, injured members, or others affected by the will-o-the-wisp nature of the association.