|
The following are some basic building blocks in creating and maintaining
a solid foundation for a neighborhood association.
These steps are not meant to be all inclusive, but an outline of the
basics.
•Written Operating Procedures
To ensure continuity from year to year, especially when officers and
leaders change, your association needs to have written operating procedures
and policies. These written procedures can take many forms. The most
common operating documents are bylaws. Your association does not have
to be incorporated to adopt bylaws. The written procedures should address
the purpose of the association, the boundaries it serves, titles and
duties of your groups leadership, when and how leaders are selected,
frequency of meetings, voting procedures, definition of membership,
etc.
•Democratic Process of Leadership/Officer Elections
Members should have a voice in the leadership of the association. Through
election of officers/leadership, members are able to participate in
the development and direction of the association. Election of officers
also helps to promote officer/leadership accountability to the members.
• Solid Leadership
Assuming a leadership position with a neighborhood association is not
to be taken lightly. A leader is in the position of impacting the association,
and the neighborhood, for years. According to Milton Doheny, 1995 President
of Neighborhoods USA, "Good leadership is shared leadership." A
neighborhood leader needs to have the vision and the ability to build
consensus, to delegate duties and authority to others, to encourage
neighbor involvement and maximize neighborhood talent. A leader needs
to help the association cultivate future leaders for the association.
A good leader knows how important it is for the association to experience
a change in leadership.
•Committees
Shared leadership is healthy for a neighborhood association. Committees
are the basic operating tool for associations. Committees allow the
neighborhood leadership to delegate issues, identify and research problems
and solutions, and meet its goals by involving a number of members.
Many associations have standing committees that operate continually
and address key issues, such as newsletter and communication, welcome,
safety, social functions, etc. Special committees and/or task forces
may be created to address short-term issues. Special committees and/or
task forces are dissolved after the issue has been addressed to the
satisfaction of the members.
•Neighbor Input and Involvement
A neighborhood association is only as strong as its weakest member.
The key to a vital and active association is members--neighbors involved
in their association. A neighborhood association serves as the foundation
to bring neighbors together to address neighborhood issues, promote
team building, and serve as a vehicle for neighbors to pool their resources
and maintain the integrity of their neighborhood. Associations help
promote the self-help tradition and empower neighbors.
•Clear Goals & Objectives
Goals and objectives provide a road map for associations and give them
a reason to exist. Clearly defined goals promote communication and provide
members with direction and a sense of accomplishment. Goals and objectives
need to be realistic and attainable for the members.
•Funding
Neighborhood associations have expenses and should operate with a budget
capable of supporting association goals. Membership dues are the main
source of funding for neighborhood associations. The association leadership,
specifically the treasurer, should provide a monthly report of the revenues,
expenses, and balance on hand.
Back to Menu
|
