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.

Published: November 15, 2000

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Richard Thompson owns Regenesis, a management consulting company that specializes in condominium and homeowner associations. He is a nationally recognized expert on HOA management issues. Regenesis publishes The Regenesis Report, a monthly newsletter for HOA boards, developers and managers. To subscribe, go to Regenesis.net. He can be contacted by email at .