TO SOCIALIZE OR
NOT TO SOCIALIZE
by Yvette Huffman and James R. McCormick, Jr., Esq., CCAL
J
oe was excited to live in a planned community and couldn’t
wait for his kids to enjoy the community pool and play with
neighboring children. Move in day was a joyous occasion with
thoughts of community at the top of Joe’s mind. Unfortunately,
after 6 months, Joe realized that his neighbors didn’t interact
with each other and most members didn’t stray from their daily
routines. Not one to allow his prior plans to fade into nothing, Joe
researched what he could do to improve neighbor relations.
After researching Community Association Institute (“CAI”), Joe found
CAI’s “best practice series,” Report #5, Community Harmony & Spirit.
The report provides ideas to improve the community and give cohesion
to its neighbors.
Joe learned the following methods of attempting to create cohesiveness
and neighborliness in his community:
• Hold a neighborhood swim-a-thon
• Print a community T-shirt
• Hold a clothing drive
• Build and install park benches along walking trails
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SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY INSIDER
SUMMER 2019
• Discover ways in your
community to support local
charities and schools
• Sponsor a safety seminar
• Schedule a pool side movie
night
• Facilitate neighborhood
block parties
• Hold quarterly town hall
meetings
• Hold a progressive dinner
The Report got Joe’s mind
flowing when he realized that
these are only some of the
means by which he could bring
his community together. Joe
next approached his association
and asked how he could turn
some of these ideas into reality.
If you are lucky your community
will have someone like Joe.
If not, an owner, director or
community manager can suggest
means by which to bring the
community together. Getting to
know neighbors is the first step
in creating a more understanding
and well-functioning community.
If your association sponsors any
gatherings and the documents
permit, funds can be expended on
food and beverages, however, the
association should steer clear of
providing alcoholic beverages to
avoid potential liabilities. A budget
should be established to control
expenses and the events should
be well publicized to ensure
maximum attendance. Many
communities create a social
and/or welcoming committee
charged with overseeing these
types of events and making
members feel welcome and part
of the community.