6 Helpful Ideas to Increase Participation in Your HOA
Strong, healthy communities require participation and cooperation from HOA Board members, homeowners, volunteers, and HOA managers. But it seems that most people are busier than ever and being available for HOA meetings or events doesn’t always make it to the top of their to-do list!
If you’re looking for ways to increase community involvement and engagement, we’ve put together some ideas to help!
Publicize, Publicize, Publicize!
Make sure that you utilize all available forms of communication to let your community know about meetings, events, and volunteer opportunities. Use your community’s HOA website, newsletter, social media platforms, and email blasts (with community members bcc-ed, of course) to get the word out. Most people will participate in things that they feel good about, so always be positive and upbeat in your messaging.
Foster a Sense of Cohesion and Unity
We all know that no community or Board will agree on everything 100% of the time. However, people tend to stay away from events where they sense that there will be conflict or stress, so help your Board to present themselves as a unified body that can disagree respectfully, rather than as a contentious group always at odds with one another.
Prepare in Advance and Keep Meetings Brief
None of us wants to come home from a long workday and then sit through a meeting that is longer than it needs to be. Make sure that meetings don’t run long due to disorganization or being ill-prepared. Also, consider having childcare available or having some meetings online rather than in-person.
Reach Out Regularly
Sure, having a sign-up sheet is great, but many people won’t sign up for anything unless they’ve been asked to first. Utilize the volunteers who are already active in your community to personally extend an invitation to folks who have come to the Board with concerns or residents who have asked about having certain activities available. Volunteers are the best advocates for volunteering!
Use Short-Term Projects to Develop Long-Term Relationships
Many residents of your community may not feel comfortable making a long-term time commitment to a project or opportunity, but you may be able to involve them in short-term activities that will then lead to long-term commitment. Remember, slow and steady often wins the race!
Warmly Welcome and Openly Thank
It can be hard for a new volunteer to feel like a part of the group when they suddenly find themselves among a cohort of seasoned HOA volunteers or Board members. Make sure to help them assimilate by welcoming them and connecting them with others. Then, let them know that they are seen and appreciated! Consider having a volunteer appreciation dinner or some other event where those who have committed their time and effort are recognized, valued, and thanked.
As the saying goes: it takes a village! These are just some tips to help you build a strong, successful community of engaged participants. Use them to spark other ideas to make your community the best it can be.
