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About NAVA

The North American Vexillological Association is an international, non-profit, scholarly organization dedicated to vexillology, the study of flags and their cultural, historical, political, and social significance.  It is the largest association of its kind in the world.  NAVA advances vexillology as a social science. It does not participate in the patriotic promotion of any particular flag.

Founded in 1967, NAVA oversees a vigorous publications program, organizes an annual meeting (usually in October) in which vexillologists convene and showcase their research, supports flag conservation and flag research projects.  It also holds frequent interest area meetings, promotes the study and implementation of flag design, offers awards to recognize and promote excellence in vexillological scholarship, and connects its members to one another in many flag-related areas.

With members across Canada, the United States, and around the world, NAVA comprises historians, educators, museum staff, government officials, flag retailers and manufacturers, writers, designers, collectors, and enthusiasts.  Business members provide support to NAVA and often offer discounts to NAVA members.  Membership is open to anyone in the world with an interest in flags—with lower dues for students, spouses, and those under 18.  Libraries and schools can subscribe to NAVA publications.

NAVA is a charter member of the International Federation of Vexillological Associations, whose 50+ member associations coordinate flag studies worldwide and meet every two years at the international congress of vexillology, held in locations around the globe.  Regional flag-studies groups in the U.S. and Canada affiliate loosely with NAVA, holding meetings and publishing on their own—many North Americans interested in flags belong to NAVA as well as their regional group.

NAVA relies on volunteers to conduct most of its activities.  Executive board officers are elected and other officers and committee members are appointed yearly.  With no physical office, NAVA relies on a post office box in Boston to receive and forward mail.  Elections are conducted on-line and all members can vote.  The member directory allows members to learn each others’ interests and connect with one another and displays their personal flags.  Contributions to NAVA are tax-deductible in the U.S. and Canada.

Members provide cities, states, and organizations with expert advice in flag-design competitions, respond to media inquiries about flags, and participate in annual Vexi-Day celebrations (World Vexillology Day, every October 1).  Through its on-line shop, NAVA sells its own books and meeting flags, but does not compete with its business members.  Its books are also available on Amazon.com.

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Symbols and History

Traditions and Beginnings

Leadership

Elected and Appointed

Grant Programs

Research & Conservation

Meetings

Online and Annual

Governance Documents

Legal Documents

Awards and Honors

Individual Recognition