voluntary association

American  

noun

1. a group of individuals joined together on the basis of mutual interest or common objectives, especially a business group that is not organized or constituted as a legal entity.

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Example Sentences

Against a backdrop of war in the Middle East and Ukraine, the King will commend the unifying force of the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 56 countries.

From BBC

The King will say how "all nations are equal in this unique and voluntary association" which "is committed to developing free and democratic societies", and will also speak of the "existential threat" of climate change and its impact on Commonwealth nations.

From BBC

While still heir to the throne, Charles surprised many at last year's summit of the Commonwealth - a voluntary association of countries that evolved from the British Empire - by acknowledging slavery's role in the organisation's roots.

From Reuters

Charles, then still the heir to the throne, surprised many at last year's summit of the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of countries that evolved from the British Empire, by acknowledging slavery's role in the organisation's roots.

From Reuters

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent countries, most of which have historical ties to the United Kingdom and its former empire.

From Washington Times