PMA stands for “Private Membership Association”. PMA’s go back as far as the 1950’s when they were established to protect the right to associate and the right to privacy for civil rights groups. Today, PMA’s exist as healthcare centers, bars, restaurants, gyms and markets/co-ops.
A PMA, under constitutional protection (the due process liberty clause of the 5th and 14th Amendments), grants its members the right to associate, the right to privacy and the right to conduct ‘business’ among its members, in the private domain. The ‘business’ that the association undertakes, is considered a private contractual agreement among the members, and is protected by private domain rights. All members relinquish their ‘public’ status and understand that the business is taking place among ‘private citizens’, therefore generally un-regulated by local, state, and federal regulations. Members agree that the association bylaws and articles are the governing terms of business. A PMA is managed by trustees and chairpersons.
A PMA has the right to operate privately, in accordance with terms and conditions agreed upon by the association, contained in the Articles and Bylaws, through contractual agreement, rather than in accordance with government regulations. This allows the members the liberty and freedom to participate or partake in an activity or business of which they believe they have a right to, unhindered by governmental authority. However, a PMA is not protected and can be restricted if "justified by clear public interest, threatened not doubtfully or remotely, but by clear and present danger". Thomas, 323 U.S. at 531.
Businesses can be owned and operated without government interference really focusing on consumer needs and creating a sense of community.
By getting involved you support this form of business, free from government regulations. You will be helping all PMA’s operate a business. You can offer ideas, suggestions and support to those making the bold move to run a successful business. You benefit from the goods or services provided by your local PMA.