duties in good faith in the best interest of the association. As a member of the board, you are part of a team who can have different opinions, but after a majority decision is made you work together as one.
Why should I care about the board or volunteer to run for election to the board?
“Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions.” -Harold S. Geneen.
I was new to condo living when I was approached to consider running for the board. I decided to step up and submit my application to enter the election of board members. I realized this was my home now and I wanted to be a part of taking care of the building and keeping it in the best condition. I wanted to understand what my responsibilities were as a condo owner. I thought this was a good opportunity to meet my neighbors and make new friends. After only living in the condo for 7 months, I was elected to the board. After my first meeting, I realized my commitment, decisions, and primary focus were for all the homeowners and not to any one individual, including myself.
As a new board member, I learned that the association board acts as the governing body for the community. Understanding the governing documents, bylaws, and rules and regulations was the first step in being a good board member. The board conducts the business of the association by selecting contractors, working with a professional manager, making sure repairs are done as needed and managing assets. Board members are not expected to know everything. This is when they turn to specialized professionals for information to plan. The board needs to exercise due care and diligence.
About five months after I became a board member, I attended the Board Leadership training provided by our chapter. I realized that volunteer education adds a layer of protection for the association. Educated board
members make better decisions. All community associations should encourage and invest in training and educating board members and key volunteer leaders. A trained member will have a greater understanding of their responsibilities and obligations. I personally have become a better board member after taking the leadership training and attending continuing education webinars offered by the chapter. The resources of having a manager, CAI education, having the services of specialized professionals, and networking with other homeowner leaders has allowed me to feel comfortable in the decisions I have made for my community.
For me, the benefits of being a board member outweigh the time and effort I have put into the community. I have gotten to know my neighbors, made new friends not just in my condo building, but across the entire chapter. I know I have made a difference by my service.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has” - Margaret Mead.
If you are a homeowner leader reading this, I encourage you to continue your service to your community and mentor others to become leaders in their association. Demystifying is to make a difficult subject clearer and easier to understand. I hope I was able to demystify board service and look forward to meeting you on the next Homeowner Leaders Coffee Chat or other chapter event.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Joyce Sachs is President of the Board of Directors at 1219 W. Wynnewood Condominium Association, board member for the Keystone CAI Board of Directors, and chair of Keystone CAI’s Homeowner Leaders Committee. Nationally, Joyce serves as a member of CAI’s Homeowner Leaders Council. She can be reached via email at:
joycesachs2@aol.com.
www.cai-padelval.org 39
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
