Every year, a community association holds its annual meeting and election. The notice of the meeting goes out, and the community waits to see who will run for the board. There is often a wide disparity in the response to the call for board candidacy. Sometimes nobody wants to run for the board, and sometimes the board election is extraordinarily competitive in a negative or positive way. Convincing someone to run for the board of directors in a condominium or community association is never ever easy. How do we engage homeowners to run for the board and what makes it worthwhile for the homeowner agreeing to serve? It can be a bit like getting engaged and married; it’s not for everyone, but marriage and serving on a community association board can also be an amazing experience if it’s a good partnership.
The Proposal & the Right Timing For a successful marriage proposal, you need the right moment: a special dinner, a memorable vacation, a grand gesture or that intimate meaningful setting. Timing matters when reaching out to potential board members. You don’t want to overwhelm people when they’re busy or when the community is dealing with a crisis.
The best time to ask is likely when people are enjoying a community celebration or social event, when they’re happy with life at home and not necessarily thinking about the community’s long-term goals. It’s the disarming proposal they don’t see coming! Much like a well-planned marriage proposal, the approach should feel personal. Hearing that, “We need someone like you to help guide us” is very flattering, right? The right approach makes it harder to turn down the suggestion (or the desperate plea) to run for the board.
A “Yes” is Just the Beginning Getting someone to agree to run for the board may also be the easy part, just like accepting the ring may be the easy part. The real commitment is what follows. Once someone agrees to run for the board and then gets elected, you’re signing up for a host of responsibilities, long-term plans, and sometimes difficult decisions. You’re doing more than showing up for a few meetings, you’re committing to the heart and soul of the association, which includes the maintenance, the legalities, and oh my yes, the drama.
This is where the metaphor of the wedding ceremony is really applicable. Just like an engaged couple faces tough times and needs to work together, new board members need to learn how to collaborate with one another, manage differences, and stay focused on the shared goal of making the community a better place. It’s a long-term relationship, with ups and downs, and one that requires time, effort, and care.
Why Say “I Do”
In both engagements and community associations, the “I do” is based on shared values and a common vision for the future. For couples, it’s likely the excitement of building a life together. For association boards, it’s the shared goal of enhancing the quality of life in the building or community, whether that’s improving common areas, making sustainability a priority, or ensuring fair and transparent management.
For many, the decision to run for the board is rooted in a sense of civic duty or personal pride in their homes and living space. Like a partner who agrees to spend a life together, board members are making a promise to improve and protect something you really care about.
Accepting the Ring & the Future Like an engagement ring symbolizes a promise for the future, running for the board is about making a commitment to the future of your association and community. It’s about laying the foundation for the next generation of homeowners and residents to enjoy their homes in a safe, well-managed, and harmonious environment.
By running for the board, you ensure that decisions are made thoughtfully and responsibly, with the long-term interests of everyone in mind. Whether it’s setting the standards for property values, addressing resident concerns, or handling day-to-day operations, your involvement will help pave the way for a positive and sustainable community living experience.
The Honeymoon Period When couples get engaged, there’s often a “honeymoon” period before the wedding and actual honeymoon. There’s a heady euphoria to those initial blissful moments of excitement. The same may actually be said for new board members. In the early days, there’s a sense of enthusiasm, newness, and shared excitement about the volunteer work ahead. Everything feels fresh, and there’s a lot of learning and bonding as new board members figure out their roles.
However, just like with any shiny new relationship, reality soon sets in. There will be challenges. The honeymoon phase can quickly give way to tough decisions, disagreements, and unexpected hurdles. Much like a successful marriage, the key to a successful board term is resilience and the ability to work together, even when things aren’t perfect.
You’re Not Alone & Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
While the idea of serving on a community association board might feel intimidating at first, remember that just like in marriage, you’re not alone. You’re entering into a partnership with fellow board members who (hopefully!) share the same vision to create a better living environment for all. You’ll work together to address issues like budgets, maintenance, and community policies, making decisions that shape the association’s future.
www.cai-illinois.org • 847.301.7505 | 57
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