Rent Real EstateHow to Promote Volunteerism in Homeowner Associations
A common Board question: "How do we get more and better participation from our homeowners with board and committee work?"
Many associations experience a large degree of apathy from the membership
when it comes to leadership roles or volunteerism. On the one hand, some
folks want to reduce their amount of personal responsibility (carefree
living). On the other hand, there are many willing and talented homeowners
that could and would participate if given the right set of circumstances.
Here are a couple of suggestions:
1. Develop a regular communication system to the membership.
A frequent complaint of owners is not being kept informed. To draw out
volunteers, it’s critical that they know there is a an ongoing need. Also,
some owners develop a suspicious nature about board motives when kept in the
dark and resist being involved. Let’em know what you’re up to early and
often! Repeated pleas for help will have their effect. A newsletter and
flyer distribution box [the kind used by real estate agents] is an
inexpensive and convenient way to get the word out.
2. Give credit where credit is due.
People love recognition. Make sure that directors, committee members and
homeowners are given formal recognition for their efforts in meetings,
minutes and newsletters...any opportunity where there is an audience. Point
out particular owners that show superior landscaping abilities. They are
obvious candidates for the Landscape Committee. Consider awarding
certificates of achievement at the annual homeowners meeting. Remember also
that some tasks are ongoing and many faithful volunteers often get
overlooked. It is a wise board president that makes a point of recognizing
effort for its own merits.
3. Provide opportunities for the membership to get acquainted with each other.
People tend to want to help those that they know personally. However, many
are shy and don’t easily make friends. The association can promote socials
to facilitate the process. Consider a spring clean-up party, pool party or
just plain potluck. It will help create a real "community".
4. Assign real jobs to do.
It’s been said, "A committee takes minutes and wastes hours." There is
nothing more futile and frustrating than a job with no job description or
substance. There is real work to do at each association. Directors and
committee members should have clear "marching orders" detailing exactly what
the objectives are, the time frame and the money available to help get the
task done.
5. Be an encourager.
The board president should take the lead in promoting volunteers. The
successful leader motivates by persuasion and not authority. Remember, "A
servant does not lower himself but elevates others".
Getting the ball rolling to increase participation is one of the most
rewarding efforts a board can achieve. In a motivated group of homeowners, a
synergy develops with a result that far exceeds the sum of the parts... a
worthy goal indeed. For more on this subject, see www.regenesis.net.