Welcome to MCA's on-line newsletter, Confluence
The word "confluence" is most commonly used to describe the point at which two rivers join together. It can also be a coming together of people or things, as in trade and professional associations. It comes from the Latin confluere "to flow together," from con, "together" + fluere, "to flow."
What a tremendous word to describe what associations do! Just as Pittsburgh is located at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, associations are at the confluence of people and ideas. Associations bring together diverse professional interests, viewpoints, cultures, generations, and technologies. The result is an almost alchemical reaction creating opportunities, solutions, and engaged communities of like-minded people.