Newsletter

Started by HowardG • 8 replies • 1528 views

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HowardG (Maryland)
Posts: 10

Posted:

By what rules, bylaws, etc do you adhere to for publishing a HOA newsletter. Can an individual homeowner take this upon themselves to do this or does it have to go before the BOD? We need a better line of communication between the homeowner and the BOD (dictators) members. The majority of homeowners do not know the mess the HOA is in. Out of 403 homeowners approximately 15 attend HOA meetings held monthly. Is there any help out there in HOA land?
Greatfull for any!!!!
HowardG

RogerB (Colorado)
Posts: 5,067

Posted:

Howard, I would suggest you suggest to the Board of Directors they create a newsletter and you could offer to be the editor. The same could be said for creating a website. The object of these is not to let the owners know there is a mess. it is to create more interest in the neighborhood, disseminate information, and recognize good deeds.

JeanneK3 (Maryland)
Posts: 562

Posted:

If your BOD doesn't want the truth to be known, start your own newsletter and distribute it door to door. It's the only way to effect change.

Jadedone4 (Virginia)
Posts: 495

Posted:

.... you get more flies with honey....

I agree with both Roger and Jeanne on this. Volunteer to work the newsletter, website, or any other method of communication that the community is lacking. But also do NOT start with the negative, most folks will be put off by that, or they already know the issues, and just either do not want to get involved, or might not know HOW to get involved.

If you are an established community, start with how things "used" to be, and points on getting back to that level of service, or status.

If a newer community, start with the fact that you are "investing" in what attracted folks to that community in the first place. Speak to what can be, and not necessarily what is current the state of the community.

By no means "sugarcoat" things from folks, but you must get their attention first. Understand that anyone can spot a problem, it take a whole lot more to identify a possible solution, and even more to have the energy and foresight to see the thought into actions.

If the range of the problems and the solutions are within your grasp, then offer solutions to the problems that you seek to change. If not ask the community for their expertise to form solutions to the issues - the more active you get them, the less of a burden this becomes, because you have a team, and not one or two folks carrying all of the load.

Chances are you will have someone with background with newsletters, websites, etc - or a printer, or someone who can run copies for the community, and another who is willing to walk the community and deliver to each owner.

GloriaM (North Carolina)
Posts: 829

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By HowardG on 06/22/2007 2:59 PM
By what rules, bylaws, etc do you adhere to for publishing a HOA newsletter. Can an individual homeowner take this upon themselves to do this or does it have to go before the BOD? We need a better line of communication between the homeowner and the BOD (dictators) members. The majority of homeowners do not know the mess the HOA is in. Out of 403 homeowners approximately 15 attend HOA meetings held monthly. Is there any help out there in HOA land?
Greatfull for any!!!!
HowardG

Howard:

The board can appoint a newsletter chairperson and create a newsletter committee. However after the draft newsletter was created the Board of Directors would have to review and approve the newsletter. Since they are the governing body and are the ones liable for any false statements or inappropraite newsletter information.

I am sure the board would welcome participation in having a newsletter committee.

BradP (Kansas)
Posts: 2,640

Posted:

Howard:

As others have suggested I would go to the board and suggest this to them. Offer to take on this responsibility. The board will still want to approve and edit the newsletter as Gloria said. I wouldn't suggest starting your own, that will only make everyone more upset.

HowardG (Maryland)
Posts: 10

Posted:

Thanks for all the advice! Going to the BOD is the correct way but the people in the HOA won't get the TRUTH if the BOD edits the newsletter. The Bible says that the TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE but in this case I have to agree with JeanneK3. The only way for the truth to be known is to tell it on your own.

MargieH1 (Michigan)
Posts: 7

Posted:

If you want the truth to go to the members, you need to put out a newsletter on your own. Our Assoc went through this when we were co-op and the majority wanted to convert to condo. If a group of us had not put out a newsletter to inform the members about the advantages of converting to condo, we would still be a co-op. TAKE ACTION!

BradP (Kansas)
Posts: 2,640

Posted:

Howard:

If, in your words, you want the truth to be known, then you will need to do your own newsletter at your own cost. Be very careful that you are not making it appear like the association newsletter and be very careful that your content is 100% accurate. I personally would advise you against this because sometimes our emotions get the best of us and once it is written and distributed bank on being approached and threatened with a law suit. If you are attempting to represent or look like you are representing the association or don't have facts 100% correct you can be in trouble.

My suggestion, approach the board, write a non-biased newsletter. If they don't agree to having something in there state your reasons why. You will have better success IMO.

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