Association Communications –

The More, the Better!

Effective communication helps to establish harmony in the community.  The more effective the communication, the more successful will be the management of the association.  A difficult aspect of communications is assuring that owners within a community have the opportunity to receive and/or access information.  There are numerous methods for the association to facilitate good communications.

Informing a potential buyer – The first step to keeping the member informed about the association

	Create an information booklet, brochure, or packet that briefs the potential buyer on the association
	Review the association documents and/or the state statutes to determine what information the association is required to provide to a potential buyer
	Explain how members can become involved and participate in the association

	Provide a brief explanation of what the association is responsible for as outlined in the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R's)
	Announce the name of the management company and/or the Association Manager. Provide a list of documents that the new homeowner should have received when closing escrow on the property
	Provide a map of the project that shows where the association amenities and facilities are located
	Provide an explanation of the annual assessments; when assessments are due
	Detail when the Board meets, if applicable
	Have the Welcome Committee greet new members

	Hold the annual members' meeting as required by the bylaws of the association.
	Provide a recap of the past year's accomplishments.
	Report on the upcoming year's activities and goals.

	The Association should establish an ongoing, scheduled newsletter program
	The goal of the newsletter should be to communicate a full range of information to the membership
	Recruit homeowner “reporters” to draft articles
	Always include articles about board briefings and/or minutes from board and/or annual meetings
	Make the communication fun and easy to read
	Use tasteful graphics to explain key points
	Include consumer features, such as legal issues, trends, and general information that matches the demographics of the members

	Plan and hold holiday parties and events
	Organize block parties
	Recognize outstanding members who participate in association programs
	Ask if there is any interest in Association social clubs
	On a periodic basis, plan a community wide event, such as yard/garage sale, craft/bake sales, etc.

	Include information that can be accessed by members  of the association
	Provide weekly alerts and reminders that facilitate positive interaction with the association
	Announce any timely changes in operations, such as major repair work on the pool
	Place “links” on the website that allow members to access local services, government entities, school sites

	Select a convenient location for services providers to post flyers, advertisement
	Members can place for sale items within approved flyers
	Association meeting notices can be prominently posted.

	Invite local, state, and national government officials to meet with the membership
	Organize a “neighborhood watch” kickoff meeting
	Work in conjunction with the local police authorities to implement a community-wide policing program