successful methods meeting quorum & board membership

Proxies left at each door along with several rounds of email, followed up by knocking on doors of people who don't respond. Occasionally reminding owners of the possible outcome of lack of participation (receivership) doesn't hurt.

Put in the Agenda that a dues increase will be discussed. It will get them there. Also the Chair can say the Agenda Item was removed but they will be there.

We also did a drawing for people who SHOWED UP at the meeting - I believe we tried it for two or three years. The first year saw a wee bump, things were the same the second year and then we wound up with fewer people for the third year. Of course, to be fair that was also the year we had record breaking cold weather (our annual meeting is in February) and looking back, we probably should have cancelled it and rescheduled, but oh, well.

Douglas does have a good idea with warning people about receivership - one year we did that (I wrote a strongly worded article for our newsletter). It did help for a time, as we finally got a full board, but right now, we're in the same situation Jay's in. We do have a working board, but I'm sure they're getting tired now, but no one's stepped up to replace them. I was on the board 10 years and I told myself I would have to stay off for at least 5 years before even thinking about trying again. I'm currently in year 4 and at this time, I don't see myself returning unless we do get on the verge or receivership...

John- We are so tempted to do that but probably get a major backlash. It sure makes me wonder if others have done this though.

A couple of years ago the president plastered the community with flyers that said, "Please attend this important meeting!" in large bold type. After the meeting more than a few homeowners were heard muttering, "What was so important about it?"

They had a point. It's hard to drum up interest when there's nothing interesting going on.

Make sure the meeting date/time is well known and consistent. Plus make sure it is a good time to meet. Ours was the 2nd Thursday of every month at 6 pm. Which was a good time for most members. However, that may not be a good time for your HOA. Find out what may work best for yours.

There's nothing like announcing a change that brings people to a meeting. If you want attendance, then put up agenda items. Those interested in those topics will make sure to make it.

Apathy will always be a problem in a HOA. If you can find a way to make it go away, then share it with the rest of us...

actually, I was talking about regular board meetings and getting more board members and/or homeowner attendance.

Part of your OP, Jay, is: I, "...want to know what successful methods work in getting membership participation up and ultimately meeting our quorum."

Your request was confusing, Jay as the only required quorum at a board meeting of any kind--regular, special or emergency is for board members. And that is in your Bylaws.

It might have been courteous for you to have let posters know waaaaaay above that you're only talking about board meetings.

There is no quorum requirement for board members at members meetings.

Jay, your bylaws say: "To constitute a quorum at any MEETING OF THE MEMBERS, there only needs to be 3 lot owners present which shall constitute a quorum for any action. (my emph.)"

That refers only to meetings of the member (owners), not to board meetings and the number for quorum of Board members, i.e, directors.

wow kerry, this is really amazing point and understand where you are coming from. Honestly, that is want I want to hear. but the formalities is it comes down to. So I decided to create a new forum strictly for this. I really appreciate your input, it is always great to have someone point out things like this.

Thank you Richard. I am sure tempted but don't need the stress and liability. That is true, if we are doing our jobs correctly, there is no complaints or motivation to get involved. Notes taken, great advice for open forums. greatly appreciate it!!!