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JaneS13 (California)
Posts: 37
Posted:
What positive ways have you found to reduce apathy in your community that worked?

AdamD1 (Indiana)
Posts: 179
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By JaneS13 on 05/09/2018 9:34 AM
What positive ways have you found to reduce apathy in your community that worked?


We design beautiful, monthly newsletters and deliver them to each home (over 400 homes) in our apathy-struck HOA. We knock on doors and hand deliver them, which has garnered interest in what we do.

We also started walking groups, 2x weekly, which homeowners can attend. Good way (FREE) to meet new neighbors and talk about HOA happenings.

We are doing a very limited social event: coffee and donuts. Board approved $200 for the event. Hope that will help raise awareness and bring homeowners together.

We also have a very robust website and somewhat active FB Page. Gotta hustle out there, or we would most likely go out of business.
DouglasM6 (Arizona)
Posts: 724
Posted:
Put out an letter saying that you will be having a vote to change the rules to say that all the front doors have to be painted lilac. State that a simple majority vote will pass this new rule. You'll get a great turn out.

You can actually use any off the wall idea, doesn't have to be front doors painted. AND, when it works, they will like you because you knew what to do to get people involved. Maybe.
JaneS13 (California)
Posts: 37
Posted:
Adam, that hand delivery is an awesome gesture of care. Walking in one study, showed that it helps facilitate new ideas. What a healthy way to bring folks together. All of these ideas are wonderful and brought a smile to my face, a needed respite from looking at problems. Thanks!
JaneS13 (California)
Posts: 37
Posted:
Douglas, this one made me laugh. Humor appreciated. I am thinking of a future design for a flyer. Thanks!
AdamD1 (Indiana)
Posts: 179
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By JaneS13 on 05/09/2018 11:23 AM
Adam, that hand delivery is an awesome gesture of care. Walking in one study, showed that it helps facilitate new ideas. What a healthy way to bring folks together. All of these ideas are wonderful and brought a smile to my face, a needed respite from looking at problems. Thanks!

It started with a necessitated scare tactic: we were on the brink of receivership last summer. So we had to send out letters from the attorney, and go door-to-door collecting proxies so we could have a meeting to elect us to the Board (prior Board resigned without picking a replacement, and we had been without a Board for over half a year, while our PM was bilking the Association... LONG story!) That got people interested, naturally, but then it faded. So, we have done so much work to bring more awareness and opportunities for homeowners to interact. Unfortunately, outside of a well-beaten nature trail, we have no common amenities in our subdivision (like clubhouse, pool, etc.) so we have to think outside the box.

I am working with our local high school's building trades class to build a community bulletin board and a "little library" box as well.

Change won't necessarily happen overnight. Just stay the course and results will come about in due time.
JaneS13 (California)
Posts: 37
Posted:
Impressive turnaround. I cherish out of the box thinking. Love the custom bulletin board idea and the library. Just wondering..without a clubhouse, where will that box be located?
AdamD1 (Indiana)
Posts: 179
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By JaneS13 on 05/09/2018 11:54 AM
Impressive turnaround. I cherish out of the box thinking. Love the custom bulletin board idea and the library. Just wondering..without a clubhouse, where will that box be located?

We do have random parcels of common areas, and the most logical one would be our "nature trail" which the HOA owns/maintains. I'm thinking we will put it at the entrance to the trail, pending Board approval.
JaneS13 (California)
Posts: 37
Posted:
Some of those kids in high school are talented with their hands. I hope they will built a box for your community that is inviting, functional, and secure. I enjoy hearing about people who can use creativity for goodwill.
AdamD1 (Indiana)
Posts: 179
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By JaneS13 on 05/09/2018 12:05 PM
Some of those kids in high school are talented with their hands. I hope they will built a box for your community that is inviting, functional, and secure. I enjoy hearing about people who can use creativity for goodwill.

A few things we (the Board) may consider in the future:

1) A yearly "Nice Neighbor" award. Nominate a homeowner, the Board and/or homeowners vote for a winner based upon good deeds in the community.

2) A "Neighbor in Need" program. We are over 400 single family homes and the last two lots just broke ground and are under construction. Due to previous Boards without backbones, we have homes that look blighted. We are thinking about a homeowner self-nominating the exterior of their property to be selected for a volunteer day where homeowners help clean up the outside.

3) A community raffle where homeowners can donate items for a gift basket or something similar, then we run a FB campaign where homeowners "Like" our FB Page and share the post to have their names put in a bowl where a random winner of the gift basket would be selected.
MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836
Posted:
Adam... Remember the HOA's is EVERYONE's money. It is NOT just the boards. So I would not be spending the HOA's funds on "awards" or even gift cards. Those are extras and not something the HOA should spend money on unless agreed by the owners.

For me, it is simply lead by example. If people see someone take an interest, then they may follow. Apathy is the nature of the beast. Not all apathy is a bad thing. I found that once I started getting things done, the apathy was because the people trusted I could do the job. They would attend and see things were going well, they aren't up to volunteer much.


Former HOA President
JaneS13 (California)
Posts: 37
Posted:
Your ideas keep getting better. 😊 There is a lot of kindness woven into them. It does remind me of what servant leadship is about. I would be grateful to live in such a community.
AdamD1 (Indiana)
Posts: 179
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By MelissaP1 on 05/09/2018 3:21 PM
Adam... Remember the HOA's is EVERYONE's money. It is NOT just the boards. So I would not be spending the HOA's funds on "awards" or even gift cards. Those are extras and not something the HOA should spend money on unless agreed by the owners.

For me, it is simply lead by example. If people see someone take an interest, then they may follow. Apathy is the nature of the beast. Not all apathy is a bad thing. I found that once I started getting things done, the apathy was because the people trusted I could do the job. They would attend and see things were going well, they aren't up to volunteer much.


I would NEVER suggest or vote that the HOA spend money on a gift card or the like. Though homeowners can donate items to be used for a gift basket, absent any and all HOA funds. The "Nice Neighbor" award would be a shout out in our newsletter. Something small but is kind and rewarding.

Now Melissa, you know my HOA dues are too low to provide anything beyond the minimum, even if I wanted to use HOA funds.
AdamD1 (Indiana)
Posts: 179
Posted:
And ideally, there would be no reason for the HOA to think of these niceties, that the homeowners should organically be interested in THEIR HOA without the allure of gift baskets or bulletin boards.

I doubt ANY HOA governing documents mandate "fun" activities the HOA must organize for the homeowners. Boards do such things to bring more awareness and, more importantly, meet potential replacements!

JaneS13 (California)
Posts: 37
Posted:
So far, these were excellent ideas. How about education for homeowners? Anyone interested in sharing some ideas about that?
DouglasM6 (Arizona)
Posts: 724
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By JaneS13 on 05/10/2018 9:26 AM
So far, these were excellent ideas. How about education for homeowners? Anyone interested in sharing some ideas about that?

Something that our treasurer did this year worked out really well. It's going to be hard to describe, but it was basically a flyer, done in a fun way with pictures and not in a random boring format, showing where all of the money was spent for the year. For the power bill there was a power pole and lightning bolt, etc. The residents loved it.
JaneS13 (California)
Posts: 37
Posted:
Clever use of images to convey a fact. I can see that as a productive tool to inform residents of about costs that are rising and need some solutions to reduce them. Thanks!
JaneS13 (California)
Posts: 37
Posted:
I’m wondering..have you found it helpful to educate homeowners about their rights in an HOA? Did that work in your community?
DouglasM6 (Arizona)
Posts: 724
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By JaneS13 on 05/10/2018 10:40 AM
I’m wondering..have you found it helpful to educate homeowners about their rights in an HOA? Did that work in your community?

If this question was directed at me, we don't attempt to educate anyone about anything other than where the funds are used, and what plans we have for the future. We have very basic CC&R's with only a few restrictions. We have only one meeting a year, with the members, and usually one or two board meetings. So, for the most part, the thing is on cruise control and running smoothly.
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
I found it helpful to educate the membership.
However, apathy didn't really stop (and then, only momentarily) until an issue hit the pocketbooks of the members.
JaneS13 (California)
Posts: 37
Posted:
Agree about education for homeowners and think a financial issue is the starting point for it, whether it is actual or a possibility. What did you do that had an impact on apathy, even though it was for a short time?

JaneS13 (California)
Posts: 37
Posted:
That’s good to hear. Well done. It gives me some hope that maybe our community (the titanic) might make a turn away from the ice cap in time.
GeorgeS21 (Florida)
Posts: 3,808
Posted:
I’m the secretary of our BoD.

I referenced this thread and provided a link to it in an email to our new BoD ... received zero responses.

C’mon, this is funny. 🙂
JaneS13 (California)
Posts: 37
Posted:
When I was on the board, I had no idea what owner apathy meant. There was much to learn and digest. The thought of any suggestion about bringing a community together was nonexistent. Can relate to that zero.
GenoS (Florida)
Posts: 4,276
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By GeorgeS21 on 05/16/2018 6:31 AM
I’m the secretary of our BoD.

I referenced this thread and provided a link to it in an email to our new BoD ... received zero responses.

C’mon, this is funny. 🙂

LOL
One of our directors cornered me on the street the other day and announced, "We have a problem with our declaration of covenants!"
"What would that be?", I asked.
"They were never approved by the county!"

When dealing with stupid, apathy is at the bottom of my list to worry about. By the way, this guy was our president last year
KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550
Posted:
Interesting conversations.

I'm wondering, Jane, what the symptoms of apathy are in your HOA? Low attendance at mandatory open board meetings? No interest in maintaining their homes or yards? Failure to reach quorum for annual elections of directors? Not enough willing to serve on your board? Or....something else?
JaneS13 (California)
Posts: 37
Posted:
Hello Kerry,

Homeowner attendance for both open meetings and Annual meetings is rare.

There are no social activities in our HOA and our board does not seem to be interested in them.

Our board does not have committees nor encourages the formation of them.

Common areas that include landscaping are maintained by our HOA with some issues, though minor.

Some long time homeowners have said that they never have received HOA minutes.

Our board is not interested in board education and relies heavily on PM.

Felt uncomfortable with PM while on our board. With less than 15 minutes of verbal instructions from PM without written materials nor references to outside educational resources, it was confusing. Left to pursue training from CAI. In applying what was learned, there has been one conflict after another with PM and myself. Lost trust in MC. Lost trust in our board.

At least now, how the system works is becoming more clear including its benefits and flaws.

If I were to return to our board as a director, issues with PM would need to be closely examined in order for me to regain trust and confidence to proceed.
JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265
Posted:
I keep hearing our owners are apathetic. Ever consider that they just might be happy with the way things are run?
PatJ1 (North Carolina)
Posts: 568
Posted:
It takes time, communication, education, engagement and visual successes. After years of neglect and Board ignorance in our 35 year old condo HOA, it’s taken 5 years to make positive changes with the right people on the Board.

It’s not easy. I quit the Board twice, but when they were left with no board when everyone else quit after me, I again got the “call”. I’ve spent 100's of hours educating myself via the internet, seminars, forums and calls to the attorney. Every complaint or comment was an opportunity for further education for me and the community.

We’ve replaced the roofs on all 21 buildings. Been awarded 3 City grants totaling over $75,000 for enhancements and replacements by beating on doors for volunteers to fulfill the Grant requirements. We are in the middle of replacing all our building railings and wood retaining walls. Although we still don’t have quorum at annual meetings, attendance has increased. It takes time. I no longer dread opening my e-mail and can walk my dog without being bombarded in the parking lot. One of those Grants allows me to take my dog to the new community dog run.

Apathy is still present and at times I feel defeated. I now know to ignore those apathetic owners and sigh because I know they really have absolutely no idea. They should be happy because their resale values and rental income has increased 50-100%.
KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550
Posted:
Form your last post, Jane, it appears that the board is doing all it can to keep owners quiet & apathetic. Docile Owners aren't likely to test the status quo that your board seems so comfortable with. The board's reluctance to form committees, which can b very useful for Ownrs and boards, suggests the board wants to exclude owners form svn advisory roles.

What size is your HOA? Your board? How often does the board hold board meetings?

To some of your other points: Owners need to request open meeting minutes in writing; there's no requirement in CA to mail copies to all Owners.
boards in my HOA also often have relied too much on the PM--and have refused to learn basic Davis-stirling statutes or even our own documents. Don't know how to fix lazy.

I couldn't quite follow your remarks about the PM, Jane. Is the PM full-time onsite? What types of conflicts do you have with the PM?

Congrats on your perseverance, Pat, and your successes. Did you have any allies? Or did everything entirely on your own? Are you still on your board? What size is your HOA? Put another way, are those 21 buildings condo buildings?
JaneS13 (California)
Posts: 37
Posted:
Pat, your determination to do what ever it takes to set your HOA on the appropriate track is commendable. Well done. I can relate to logging in the time to build a knowledge base.

Like Kerry, I am curious about how you got other people involved to be on the board with you. How did you convince them?

This is the first time that I have heard about grants beneficial to an HOA. It must feel wonderful to walk your dog in a place that you helped provide for many people.

It saddens me when owners do not understand how much work it is for board directors to turn things around.

JaneS13 (California)
Posts: 37
Posted:
Seems like the owners here do not know that they can request minutes from PM who is full time off site for this HOA that has 6 or less meetings per year.

As a board director, I participated in something that should not have been done by following PM’s example. Also, observed PM not allowing something that should have been allowed.

I am not certain what approach to take, since I suspect that our board will side with PM who certainly knows more than I do.

Two things pique my interest, apathy and fraud.

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550
Posted:
What is the size of your HOA, Jane???
JaneS13 (California)
Posts: 37
Posted:
I do not understand why size is relevant. Can you please explain this to me.
MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836
Posted:
That's what she said... Sorry... Could not resist...

Former HOA President
KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550
Posted:
It's easier for me to think about what might work in an HOA if I know the size. It helps me (and maybe you) if I can see the HOA in my mind. Odd perhaps, but we all have different ways of understanding our worlds

An HOA of 200 homes or units would suggest a different approach to me than an HOA of 75. The % of renters matters too (to me) as does the size of the board.
DouglasM6 (Arizona)
Posts: 724
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By KerryL1 on 05/21/2018 7:11 AM
It's easier for me to think about what might work in an HOA if I know the size. It helps me (and maybe you) if I can see the HOA in my mind. Odd perhaps, but we all have different ways of understanding our worlds

An HOA of 200 homes or units would suggest a different approach to me than an HOA of 75. The % of renters matters too (to me) as does the size of the board.

Absolutely agree. I always use 1000 homes compared to our 20 homes.

If you have 400 homes do you really want them all showing up to the meetings? Talk about hectic!
JaneS13 (California)
Posts: 37
Posted:
Thanks Kerry, based on what you said including renters, I estimate about 50 or so.

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550
Posted:
So, sounds like there are about 50 homes or condos. Can you say about what % of these are occupied by renters?

Btw, does you HOA have a clubhouse or meeting room, jane?
JaneS13 (California)
Posts: 37
Posted:
That estimate includes renters and how many people maximum that could show up in a meeting.There is no clubhouse or meeting room. A meeting by the poolside is a possibility. Even better would be to find another facility nearby.
AdamD1 (Indiana)
Posts: 179
Posted:
Random idea that just popped in my mind...

I walked around with a vendor to look at small, land (home)-locked parcels of Common Areas for mowing purposes. It would be cool to create a certified wildlife habitat in one of those where initial investment could be done by homeowners or a non-profit, or even the HOA since it's Common Area, and upkeep would be less costly than mowing fees each season. Just a thought!
JaneS13 (California)
Posts: 37
Posted:
Nice! Maybe look into grants for that and possibility get some other organizations involved for fundraising that also includes owners. You may want to consider creating a campaign with a message about the environmental benefits and the reduction of maintenance cost. Also, contact universities or similar to give you more input. This is awesome idea. Check out liabilities, as a precaution.
JaneS13 (California)
Posts: 37
Posted:
Interesting..there is actually a way to get habitat certified...

https://www.nwf.org/certify

And here is information from an advocacy group to borrow ideas...

https://www.nwfactionfund.org/advocacy-toolkit/#1517518102571-2bbf9ef6-ab3b
AdamD1 (Indiana)
Posts: 179
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By JaneS13 on 05/24/2018 3:01 PM
Interesting..there is actually a way to get habitat certified...

https://www.nwf.org/certify

And here is information from an advocacy group to borrow ideas...

https://www.nwfactionfund.org/advocacy-toolkit/#1517518102571-2bbf9ef6-ab3b

Thanks so much for the info! It's always fun to think outside the box!
JaneS13 (California)
Posts: 37
Posted:
My favorite thing to do. Best of luck!
JaneS13 (California)
Posts: 37
Posted:
Couldn’t resist, Adam. I wanted to know if there was a working model...

Cornell Lab of Ornithology:

“We connect you with your landscape details and provide tools for you to make better decisions about how to manage landscapes sustainably.”
“When you join you are instantly connected to the work of like-minded individuals in your neighborhood, and across the country. Together you can become a conservation community focused on sharing strategies, maps, and successes to build more wildlife habitat.”

http://content.yardmap.org/about-us/

Citizen Science!
AdamD1 (Indiana)
Posts: 179
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By JaneS13 on 05/24/2018 8:11 PM
Couldn’t resist, Adam. I wanted to know if there was a working model...

Cornell Lab of Ornithology:

“We connect you with your landscape details and provide tools for you to make better decisions about how to manage landscapes sustainably.”
“When you join you are instantly connected to the work of like-minded individuals in your neighborhood, and across the country. Together you can become a conservation community focused on sharing strategies, maps, and successes to build more wildlife habitat.”

http://content.yardmap.org/about-us/

Citizen Science!

More great info!

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