Education: An Essential Tool for Successful Community Associations
Education and Training: Invaluable Tools for a Homeowners Association.
Education and Training for the Board of Directors - Boards of directors are responsible for the effective governance of the community association. While Directors may bring their own personal and professional experience to the position most boards will not be completely versed in the roles and responsibilities of a community association board specifically. This makes education and training extremely valuable. Learning the ins and outs of association leadership and governance gives elected volunteers a starting point. Understanding best practices for policy making and policy enforcement will allow for the most effective and least controversial term of office. Finally, education and training are the best ways to avoid conflict and protect the investments of the community association.
Elected community association leaders can do a number of things to educate themselves.
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Hire a professional and accredited association management company (AAMC). If you have a professional management company working for you, you should be able to have your questions answered. Your company may even provide training and education programs.
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Join and participate in the Community Association's Institute (CAI). CAI is a national community association industry organization dedicated to ensuring best practices. Community volunteer leaders are invited to participate in the education and training programs offered by CAI.
Education and Training for Homeowners - Membership in a Homeowners Association (HOA) or Community Association comes with rules and responsibilities. For new members of an HOA education is the key to a full and happy life in a new community. The key is reading and fully understanding the governing documents. Be sure that you received these very important materials before you become a member and at the time of purchasing your new home. The associations documents will act as a guide or roadmap throughout your homeownership. You will know what you can and cannot do with your property. You will also know your responsibilities in terms of assessment contributions from year to year so that you can budget.
Homeowners can do a number of things to educate themselves.
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Contact your community association's professional management company. Your contact at the management company should be able to help you to understand any rules and responsibilities associated with membership in the HOA.
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Attend the annual meeting of the Association and some Board of Directors meetings to know what is happening in the community.
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If your Association does not have a professional management company, request that the Board of Directors consider hiring one.
Additional Resources
More information on board member education can be found here.
For information on Accredited Association Management Companies (AAMC) in your area click here.
To sign up for Maredith Management's Board Orientation Training Seminar please click here.
For a free consultation with an Association Management Specialists (AMS) please click here.