DO YOU


Strengthening Association Governance Together There’s nothing quite like the energy of a thriving community—neighbors connecting, volunteers stepping up, and leaders working together to create something meaningful. But strong communities don’t just happen; they’re built through thoughtful governance, shared responsibility, and a commitment to learning. That’s where CAI Illinois’ Dedicated Community Association Leader (DCAL) program comes in.


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our ass ssociiationatio is looki g


m ke it happen. c u


courses tha At


At its ore, bylaws all ab


E al me ery bo lo


s core DC ws and em bout n ur


CAL is about


Even bett r, DCAL courses are annua eve


t ensu ing eve te


oard mem


The DC • Ed


ocal levels


• Recognize homeowners for • Connect vo


olunteers with in


Core Course • Governin


es include: ng Your Commu


• Meetings & Elections • Fair Pra


• Rules & Regulations • Insuran


• Understanding Finan • Board


unity Association actices in Your Community Association nce/Risk Management ncials: Budgets, Reserves & Reports d Leader Development Workshop


or their deddedication ndustry experts natio


n, har a d work, and ser k and service ce onwide, building a network of knowledge and support


Advanced Courses: • Diving Deep into Reserve Studies • Budgets and Monthly & Year-End Financials


appen De ignees ned for both cu hat eq ipquip board mem


k ng to gro r


r t empowerin


ow stronger, more informed and better connected, DCAL offers the foundation to urrent and emer


d,


mbers with the knowledge ng communiti


nside


rging le ders, the pro ge and tools neede


ea r gram provi v des flexible in d d to lead effectively.


mphasisize fiduciary responsibiility, ethical decision-making, and accountability to fellow homeowners. It’s v ry voice


e is con d red and every decision supports the long- r included with your CAI Illlinois membe


at no add t


CAL program is designed to: ducate commun


embership fee ($325 for the entire board of directors) under anr “Education” line item—making it easy for member to access more than 25 hours of valuabluable learn


addiitional costcost. nity association volunteers on day-to-day op perations and the legislative landscape at the federal, state, and “


t es through education. Courses are tailored to align with association g term success of the community.


b rship. Many associations choose to budget their rning at


n-person and online


Participants whocompleteall sevencorecourses earn DCAL recognition, includinga certificate, a magnetic name badge, recognition in Common Interest magazine, and a ticket to the Conference & Expo to attend the DCAL recognition ceremony.


Courses are available as pre-recorded webinars and live online and in-person sessions. View the schedule here https://www.cai-illinois.org/events/ and here https://www.cai-illinois.org/on- demand-learning/.


Strong governance doesn’t happen in isolation—it takes engaged leaders, informed decisions, and a shared commitment to doing what’s best for the community. When board members invest in education, the entire association benefits.


12 | COMMON INTEREST® • Summer 2026 • A Publication of CAI-Illinois Chapter


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