(wisdom) and the olive tree (peace). Athena seems to have been a divinity of purely ethical character and a protector of the state and social institutions. How does this equate to those of us within the industry of governing associations? Are we modern day Athenas?
While some of us may think we exhibit traits of Greek gods or goddesses,
it is believed that the “true”
essenceofAthenaisfound within ourveryown CAI (Community Association Institute). CAI is our modern day Athena. Let’s see if this theory checks out...
CAI is international, is dedicated to wisdom (learning) and is about what is just, fair, and ethical. CAI does help us to answer the difficult questions, and provides the education and support needed to justify the existing social structure of association living. CAI provides managers, homeowners, and business partners with the tools needed to develop and maintain our civilizations (associations). Managers through CAI
learn and advance. Let’s start off with the
CMCA (Certified Manager of Community Associations). This accreditation shows that the manager earning this credential is professional, acts with integrity and has the knowledge necessary to lead their assigned community. The next designation is the AMS (Association Management Specialist). This designation demonstrates a higher level of commitment notonlytothe industry,but also the manager’s career. Last but certainly not least is the PCAM (Professional Community Association Manager). If there is a current day Olympus, I’m betting that there is a PCAM managing it. This is the highest designation an experienced manager can obtain. To earn this accreditation, one must demonstrate advanced skills and knowledge. CAI offers education and support for Large Scale Managers, Community Association Lawyers, Community Insurance andRiskManagementSpecialists,Reserve Specialists, and Educated Business Partners. In addition, CAI providides learning opportunities for our homeowner leaders through the Dedicated Community Association Leader (DCAL) program.
also of ed ng As th Ded progr
n and support for Large Scale Manag on La
and Risk Manag ment Sp and Edu ear
te Bus un
ess Pa ed Commun
ers, Communi sts, Re
s. I
s for our ho eown r le ssociat
Sp addi on, CAI pr s th (DC Insur nc sts es
Through all the educational opportunities provided, those of us within the industry are giventhe toolstoprotect andmaintainour associations. Our local chapter, Illinois Chapter, recently rolled out an amazing new tool – the LMS (Learning Management System). With this new tool, those of us within the Illinois Chapter have access to remote learning at our fingertips – any time we want within an easy-to-use format. Look out Athena, there is a new Goddess in
town – CAI, the Goddess of Education!
Picture it! The year 2522. For as long as anyone can remember, CAI has been guiding managers along the path of furthering their education, while also providing learning opportunities for community leaders and volunteers, and aiding business partners as to best practices. From CAI’s consistent support and education to all involved with associations and communities we can ward off any evil creatures that dare to rear their ugly heads in any community or association we manage. In doing so, Athena’s spirit would continue through CAI thus completing CAI’s evolution into the Goddess of Education. CAI would continue to support Athena’s quest of protecting civilizations and to ensure that associations and communities far and wide be managed fairly and justly, and that best practices are utilized throughout all the managed lands near and far.
And maybe, just maybe, somewhere out there, will be a young adult researching archives for insights on career opportunities and stu
d stumble upon a assoc ation manager archives o
that the mythological tales o CAI w re in fact true.
archives of Common Interest and discover that the m tho ogical ta es off CAI were tru
e upon an associiation manager’s mmon Interest and disco
38 | COMMON INTEREST • Spring 2022 COMMON INTEREST®
Spring 2022 • A Publication of CAI-Illinois Chapter A Publication of CAI-Illinois Chapter
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 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56
