10 Tips To Be A Good Neighbor In Your Community Association


 Continued From Page 17 7 Listen


No, really. Listen. Listen to understand, not to respond. If you are attending a regular Board meeting as a homeowner-member, you can assist in the success of the meetings by not interrupting during the meeting. Open meeting does not mean Open Season. Just as in a city council meeting,  attendance will have the opportunity to address the Board. This is generally known as ‘Owners Forum’. Otherwise, members are present to observe only. If  to the Board or the Community Manager about it and ask if it can be put on the agenda.


8 9 


In the era of social media, people all too commonly rant online in the heat of the moment, which serves to make a bad situation worse. Even if you are in a closed or secret group, it is always possible that  public forum and as a result, have long-lasting negative impact for an Association. In the unlikely event that a situation escalates into a legal one, online posts may be used as evidence in court.  a sworn deposition admitting, “Uh yes, your honor, I posted that Oscar is a grumpy garbage-head.” Put simply, #DontPostIt


Be Kind


 about something happening within it, that’s understandable. Items of concern should always be presented in a mature manner. The two reasons people get angry about something or someone else is because a) feelings are hurt or b) expectations have been violated. Odds are that the neighbor with whom you have a problem, doesn’t even know why you are angry. Take a breath and think about how you would like to be approached in the situation, and give your neighbor the same courtesy.


10


Respect Boundaries


While there may be many enthusiastic members in the community who are excited about creating a village atmosphere, there are likely others who take a little longer to warm up to the idea. Maybe  recovering from living next to Oscar the grumpy garbage-head. Perhaps they are just super shy and struggle with being in social settings. You can be a supportive neighbor and friend to create an environment where they can ease into things at their own pace and comfort level. They will appreciate the consideration.


Ultimately, being a good neighbor is about creating relationships with those whom you share a common bond and   True communities are built over time and through years of shared collective experiences, and it’s totally worth the effort. It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.


18 Community Associations Journal | May 2019


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