Volunteerism – A Great Community Resource

Just like you nurture plants and flowers so they become a vibrant, vigorous enhancement to your home, community managers and board members are wise to nurture community members so they become vibrant, vigorous community volunteers. You’ll be pleased with the enhancement to the community.

The strength of a community is in its members. There’s no better way to create a sense of community than for the members to be actively involved as volunteers in committees. The way to do this in a new community is to have the Board establish committees and clubs. These can cover many subjects. Just a few examples are social and cultural events either in-house or off-site, travel groups, exercise classes, book clubs, photography club, games and sports clubs, chorus, support of charities and topical issues, and a government relations committee to reach out to the local municipality. An important boost to a community is to establish a Welcome Committee that greets new owners and encourages their involvement right from the start.  

It’s a little more of a challenge to get the ball rolling in an established community that has not had volunteer activity in the past. To breathe new life into the community takes a dynamic leader who encourages involvement. Start by planning one or two well-publicized events that will be of general interest. Don’t be discouraged if these first events have low participation, but keep trying to entice members to become involved by offering great events.       

Communication to members is key to this process. A frequent and informative newsletter is important, as well as a website to post event announcements. Consider establishing a broadcast email capability as well, for quick communication to members.

Although clubs are often for social events, committees usually serve to assist or enhance Board functions. Therefore, the Board needs to establish committee guidelines from the start. Each committee should have a Board member liaison that attends each committee meeting. It’s important for committees to know that they are set up by the Board, serve at the pleasure of the Board, and can be disbanded by the Board. They can make recommendations to the Board, but the Board ultimately makes, and is responsible for, all of the community’s decisions.            

Even if your community has been inactive for several years and you are sure that nobody is interested in helping out with committees and clubs, you owe it to yourself and your community to give it a try. I think you’ll be pleased with the results, and don’t forget that a community full of enticing events and activities is attractive to potential buyers. 

Donna Cawthorne, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®
Community Manager
Mid-Atlantic Management Corporation
Doylestown, PA