New Board Member-with no clue

I am new to board and the other board members were upset with me when I voiced my opinion-I didnt realize I wasnt supposed to voice my opinion at the manager and the board-but no one ever told me-they have been all communicating-via email and the moment I did -they said dont communicate via email-the documents become legal documents you can use in court-I feel like Im being bullied-any one have any advice-I am the youngest board member they have ever had and the rest of the board members have been there for yrs-

Did you read all the documents of the HOA?
Know the bylaws? rules and regulations?
Board members should not be discussing board business by email UNLESS it is in the bylaws that they can do that. All business should be conducted at regular board meetings.

Ask to see a written policy concerning emails. In fact, ask to see all policies and procedures.
Don't let them bully you - but you've got to get educated on basic HOA laws.

MaryT3,

I'm an HOA board president who is currently dealing with a new board member who shares their opinion openly. It has hurt this person's credibility because ALL I hear about are "concerns." I never hear a willingness to correct these concerns unless it means spending money, ignoring the HOA's now-struggling budget or I do it on this person's behalf.

You have a balance of intellectual credits in my opinion. If you join the board to "get things done," yet everything you say is a concern with no solution offered or a disregard of the HOA's budget, then you're running a deficit in political influence. If you never volunteer any of your labor to see a small project to completion, you fall further and further towards becoming the stereotypical HOA board member that comes, every month, itching for a fight against those "incompetents" who are actively tending HOA business outside the meetings. So, they'll zone you out.

So, you're correct to bring your concerns as a new board member. Your board colleagues, being volunteers, don't have to listen to you if it's a constant stream of "concerns." No one is wrong but nothing gets accomplished. Email communication isn't always reflective of conducting board business but I've noticed that email communication with spirited HOA directors is non-productive. In fact, it's destructive to HOA board morale if not tamed because sending notes is passive-aggressive by nature.

Getting small projects done, with board approval but under your leadership, will greatly enhance your credibility and effectiveness. You'll become a leader in short order if you get things done and roll up your proverbial sleeves.