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VOLUNTEERS


R.O.C.K.! Rally to Optimize Community Karma By Margey Meyer


“Common areas do not automatically create a sense of community. Nurturing the community spirit is probably the greatest challenge facing community associations today.”


Clifford Treese, CPCU, ARM, CIRMS


S


o, how can an association nurture community spirit? Trough its volunteers! Tis article will offer a few thoughts on how to encourage volunteerism and some ideas on fostering community spirit.


First, the basics: If you’re a manager fortunate enough to work with a developer when the community is but a gleam in his or her eye, you’ve got the potential to cultivate the community spirit from the very beginning. It may take some persuasion, but convincing the developer that committees composed of volunteers help the community succeed, resulting in quicker sales and happy residents who encourage family and friends to join them, is a win-win for everyone.


As the community’s first cheerleader, your responsibilities may include drafting committee charters with volunteer input that address a real purpose, real responsibilities, and a detailed organization including reporting, leadership (picking the right chairman is crucial), number and required skills of members, frequency and location of meetings, minutes, board liaison and approval process for expenditures. Committees are not for the gadfly you think you can stifle – they are for legitimate, needed work to improve and advance the community – and foster community spirit!


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