Living in a Community Association II - A Professional's View
As the holidays approach, community associations tend to take a back burner and slow down. Sure, board meetings are held, annual meetings are held, budgets are mailed, but residents and board members oftentimes put off agenda items for a later decision.
Everyone gets busier, the days are shorter and rule violations are not as noticeable in the dark. The landscaping stops growing so fast and the pool area is no longer a problem. Holiday decorations go up and associations seem to just settle down.
It is a good time for reflection. If you have an annual meeting in December that is a perfect time to create a festive mood by decorating the clubhouse, bringing in cookies to share and maybe asking a choral group to perform. Large associations have a flurry of clubhouse use as the clubs all celebrate the end of the year.
Boards can use this time to list all of their accomplishments of the past year. It gives the board an opportunity to solicit members for committees, ask for volunteers to handle a specific project and let the residents know what the new year might bring. Boards never seem to “sell” what they do. Inactive members might have no idea what it takes to create a successful association of volunteers. A fresh group of volunteers is always welcome and necessary for successful programs to flourish and evolve. Using the same group of volunteers over and over tends to discourage review and change. Volunteers need to be thanked and not just taken for granted. Programs should always be fresh and inviting. New members on a committee should be encouraged.
I believe it is important to explain what you did and to ask for help in continuing the service or the program. Successful programs are not guaranteed to go on if the volunteers resign or tire of the work involved. It is always helpful to notice people who might be unaware that they could really help and make a difference. Boards should seek out their replacements and encourage new volunteers to get active in the community. It is quite an honor to be singled out and invited to become a committee member or to head a task force.
The cost for management and services in general will naturally increase in cost due to the increase in the cost of doing business. Volunteers are needed for training and replacement. Most residents who don’t become involved in community projects might not know where to begin. Watch for those people, invite them in and encourage their participation. Keep your community active and inviting. Enjoy your holidays. Stay safe and warm.
Karen Bennett, PCAM®, CCAM®
Community Association Consulting
