The health of a homeowner association is important to measure from time to time. Fortunately, even poor health is curable but identifying the problem precedes the cure. Here are a series of self-diagnosis questions to help you out:

1. Are all board meetings open to members?	YES NO
2. Are all rules necessary, reasonable, uniformly enforced and include a right of appeal?	YES NO
3. Do owners have an opportunity for input before or during board meetings?	YES NO
4. Are all meeting minutes made available to members?	YES NO
5. Do new owners receive informational packets to get them started on the right foot?	YES NO
6. Is there an Owner Forum provided at Board Meetings to allow member comment?	YES NO
7. Does your HOA have and follow a Reserve Study?	YES NO
8. Does the Board consult with an attorney when proposing to new policies or rules?	YES NO
9. If self managed, do you have a reliable system for emergency response?	YES NO
10. Do you have a sustained volunteer recruitment program?	YES NO
11. Does the Board distribute and follow an Annual Planning Calendar?	YES NO
12. Are regular financial statements reviewed by the Board and then distributed to the members?	YES NO
13. Are records available for inspection by members?	YES NO
14. Is a newsletter distributed on a regular basis?	YES NO
15. Are rules and architectural guidelines that are easily available to the owners? And,	YES NO
16. Are they written in a positive tone to encourage compliance rather than dictatorial that promotes defiance?	YES NO
17. Do your members receive timely notice of rules and policies affecting their lifestyle or ownership responsibilities?	YES NO
18. Are members kept informed of ongoing litigation?	YES NO
19. Are members given a chance to comment on proposed rules and policies?	YES NO
20. Does the HOA have a website to archive vital information and for communication purposes?	YES NO

This survey could serve as the basis for an excellent Board Planning Retreat. It hits on many things that smooth out HOA business. Or with some creative rewording, it could be turned into a questionnaire to be distributed to the members for comment. Requesting feedback is an important step to promoting volunteers. Dr. HOA says “Heed the prescription and heal thyself!”

For more innovative management strategies, see Regenesis.net