Own e r s ’ Pa r t i c ip at io n i n Commu n it y By Sue Engers, CMCA and Board Member Volunteer

Round at the

Sword-wielding tyrants from centuries past who sat upon their thrones in judgment of their subjects have thankfully been replaced by the democratic ideals of modern society. Not surprisingly, these ideals may find their distant origins in the form of a most revolutionary concept: the Round Table. Essentially, the Round Table of yore represented a new standard of societal structure and governance. There was no head of the table, no throne. Instead, the continuum of the circle had no start, no end, no top, no bottom. It was inclusive and expansive without change of design.

The circular and inclusive model of the Round Table exists today. One need only recall the concepts “of, by, and for the people” to recognize the continuum of the round circle. Perhaps a most dramatic example of this continuum is boldly represented by the organization of communal living. Community

Feasting

Table

associations, as conceived today, are basically organized upon the principals “of, by, and for the owners.” All owners within community associations may choose to take seats at their own versions of Round Tables.

Community associations today include diverse populations of owners. They may differ in age, in ethnicity and cultural backgrounds, and in family structure and size. Despite these many differences, each owner shares the commitment to shared structures of the associations.

Because of essential differences, it may be inherent for all volunteers involved with leadership and governance within the associations to keep diversity viable and protected. Association membership is not static; it is dynamic. Change is inevitable and must be recognized as a viable part of the future. Such diversity in membership also offers fresh diversity in opportunities for volunteerism. The Round Table of participation in communities must include such diversity.

Community associations depend on volunteers from within their ranks. Community association owners have a choice as to their own level of willingness to volunteer for any of the many opportunities

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