Those who volunteer to serve on a community Board or
committee are truly the work horses, ensuring core activities of the
Association are addressed:
·
Business – protecting the assets of the
community
·
Governance – interpreting and enforcing the
various regulations
·
Community – enhancing social harmony
Without these volunteers, consistency within the
community would not be possible. This consistency is important, not only to
ensure fairness between neighbors, but also to protect the investment that each
homeowner has made within the community!
Unfortunately, most volunteers do not understand the full
scope of their duties when first stepping up to serve. It is critically
important that training is mandatory and that it occurs prior to or immediately
upon joining a Board or committee.
Without a mandatory program, less than 5% of members tap educational
opportunities to protect both themselves and their Association. Whether someone is too busy with “real” work
or is a “one-issue” candidate (i.e. they volunteer, but intend on walking once
his/her pet project is addressed) the price for not being trained is too high
to be ignored.
Some volunteers join the Board or committee knowing the
work that the job will require. Others learn once they actually “get in to”
their term. For either individual, as we have discussed above, training is
vitally important. Most volunteers willing accept training, while others are
not as interested – hence the need for mandatory training. Forcing unwilling individuals
to attend training sessions can sometimes be a wasted effort. This leaves the
Association only a few ways to insulate itself from poor decisions or
actions. Three “must-do” steps:
·
Obtain the best liability and directors &
officers insurance possible
·
Require all volunteers to sign disclosure
forms about risky actions and consequences
·
Keep the community well-informed on all
actions and decisions
As in any elective governance, it is ultimately up to the
individuals in the community to be aware and remain involved – a sort of checks
and balances system. The price for incomplete or insincere leadership will be paid
for by all.
Educational opportunities extend to homeowners, too. For example, budget season is now in session.
By providing the association membership with a comparison of what each home is
paying (on an annual basis) for services, as compared to what it would cost if
the homeowner lived in a single family residence outside of an association, the Board or committees can provide perspective
on the reasonableness of annual assessments.
In many instances, the savings via collective purchasing power gives
owners a new appreciation for the benefits of community living. This is a
reminder that doesn’t hurt to be reinforced every once in a while.
Ultimately, it is all about creating a culture and expectation
of constant education in the community that will diffuse conflict and give rise
to responsible volunteerism.
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