Newsletter content

I'm on the BoD and serve as VP. I also chair the only official committee, the Communications and Engagement Committee. Part of our mandate is to create and distribute newsletters. Since the committee serves at the pleasure of the Board, I always try to get Board input on content and to review the final newsletter before it goes off to the printer (maybe this is a mistake?)

Anywho, the committee was approached by a homeowner who asked us to feature her closed FB Group in our next newsletter. It is "Moms of (subdivision's name). I'm not part of the group, but some committee members are; the group shares recipes, arranges kids' playdates, etc.

All Board members are in favor of giving the group a shout out in our next newsletter. All... except our president who wants a "carefully-crafted policy statement" to be done at our next Board meeting - which is after the newsletter would be published/delivered. This is timely, and president is unwilling to put it on agenda for a sooner Special Meeting which time would allow the group to be in our next newsletter.

So, can one Board member stop this from going in? Must all content of a newsletter be voted on before a newsletter can be published?

I guess I'm torn here. Does the Committee have the authority to publish as its will or must everything go through the Board, and could one Board member stop an article?

Bylaws & CC&Rs only speak about Nominating Committee and Arch. Control Committee - and it's not details.. just that they exist.

Our Board recently adopted the following SOP related to Committees:

Committees
1. All Committees must be approved by a majority of Board members at a Board meeting;
2. Unless formed via Board Resolution establishing such Committee, no groups of
homeowners can perform the work of a prospective committee until approved by the
Board;
3. Only established Committees can function as HOA sanctioned. Board members can not
represent the HOA on un-established Committees;
4. The duties carried out by a Committee will be respected by the Board, and the Board will
direct any Committee related inquiries to the Chair of the relevant Committee.

"Carefully crafted statement" is an oxymoron. Stay as far away from F**kBook as possible. Let 'em squawk otherwise and stay out of it.

Since this is a "closed" group, it does not benefit all, so I'd not mention it. They can do their own PR to this small-interest group.

Beside, if you allow this one, you will be deluged with all kinds of clubs or FB groups within or outside the community who would want the same exposure.

The policy should be to stick with hard news about the community : board information, message from the President, message from the MC, announcements, committee reports, board meeting results. Some do also include information about new residents, births and deaths, etc.

I tend to agree with both Tim & Sue. It's a good idea to have a board member review the newsletter--not the whole board. Perhaps the board can pick a newsletter liaison, who'll promise you quick turnaround time. I agree the moms group can wait till the board decries.

I also think a little PR about the group and how to reach it would be nice, but not a regular monthly column about it.