INDUSTRY JOURNAL Vol . 8
Getting more help for the volunteers
Sometimes it is difficult to get board members to serve , because too much time is required . Sometimes it ’ s because neighbours do not want to get between neighbours and collections , rules enforcement , etc . Sometimes it ’ s because people don ’ t feel they have the expertise . This is where choosing good management comes into play . A board member ’ s duties can be minimised with a good , resourceful management company . If the association is small and does not feel it can afford full service management , there are consultation and specific types of management services available . For example , some associations have delegated only the financial management to a professional . Others use management consultant services for violation letters , hearings , etc . related to enforcement of the documents . Some associations have delegated architectural review to outside consultants .
All of the communication in the world with the homeowner sector of the community , with the idea of soliciting willing volunteers , will not help if the board meetings are chaotic . Professional management can help with this . Some associations use management consultants to assist in running smooth , efficient and effective board and / or annual meetings .
Whether the board directors execute a mass exodus because of a difficult problem facing the association , or whether the association is unable to fill the board because of apathy , the business cannot be run without someone making the day-to-day business decisions . Sometimes drastic measures are needed .
Getting the attention of the community
I have , jokingly at times , suggested that a board of directors ( or one remaining board member , if there is one ), send out a communication to the homeowners with a headline like : Levies to Double
The heading could be followed by : ‘ This or worse could become a reality if we do not get community interest going and find members who are willing to serve on the board !’ And then follow with a plea for volunteer board members . It may be a bit misleading , but it is not illegal stated in such equivocal terms . And it does get people ’ s attention . Truth be told , an association without effective administration could be facing this kind of an individual levy , if things are left unattended too long . Inattention invites things like theft , waste and deterioration .
In community associations , apathy is a disease that requires a treatment plan . ‘ Prevention ’ is even better . Some directors may be very happy about the fact that the community is not interested in what is going on in the board room . However , even those people often end up sorry when they have run a dictatorship for years ( without the community even knowing it ) and can find no one to fill their shoes when they get sick or wish to retire .
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