Cultivating Stronger Communities

As we navigate and set objectives for 2025, there is no better time to remind ourselves that leading with civility, knowledge, and compassion is crucial to building and maintaining stronger communities.

Occasional negative bias and misperceptions about community associations in recent years has, in some instances, led to increased tension and polarization between individual homeowners, volunteer board members, and community association managers. All of these groups should, in theory, share common goals to build stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable communities based on shared (i.e., common) interests. In turn, shared/common interests are often best supported by relying on and encouraging the exchange of vast experiences and individual knowledge, opinions, and beliefs of individuals and neighbors within communities.

Here are some ways that individuals and groups can be proactive in cultivating stronger communities:

• Be transparent
  • Keep your membership up-to-date with issues affecting your community (information on proposed legislation can be found on our 2025 Bill Tracker).
• Foster inclusivity
  • Communities are generally comprised of a diverse group of residents. Actively listen to the needs of the membership and implement changes, policies, and strategies where necessary to encourage participation.
• Host community events
  • Virtual or in-person events provide easy ways for association members to get to know homeowner leaders and offer feedback/suggestions.
  • Social and/or community events offer an opportunity to get to know one another in a less formal setting.
  • Encourage owners to submit ideas for new committees, groups, and events.
• Volunteer Appreciation
  • Recognize committee members, community volunteers, and homeowners for their contributions.
  • Share appreciation of individuals for their dedication, hard work, and efforts in the community through community newsletters, “volunteer spotlight” emails, etc.
• Listen
  • Actively listen and respond to questions, concerns, and inquiries with compassion and understanding.

Read more in attorney Aaron Goodlock’s article for CAI-SoCo’s Quarter 2 newsletter – Cultivating Stronger Communities – The Value of Civility & Personal Interactions, found here.