How to Engage Your Community as an HOA

12/10/2024 (Permalink)

HOA Board Having a Meeting

How to Engage Your Community as an HOA

Are you wondering how to engage your community as an HOA? One of the benefits of living in a neighborhood or community with a homeowners association (HOA) is that residents have opportunities to be connected and engaged. HOAs work best when you foster a sense of community.

However, many people who live in HOAs live as though they are on their own little "islands" instead of seeing their properties as part of a bigger picture. This frustrates HOA board members and those tasked with managing and overseeing HOAs. When HOA residents are engaged, this leads to increased volunteerism, safety, and quality of life! Everyone is happier when there's a stronger sense of community. That's why SERVPRO® works so hard to help local HOAs build a strong sense of pride for residents. We want to share seven proven tips for boosting resident engagement in your HOA.

1. Get on Social Media for Regular Communication

Helping residents connect online can help them connect in real life! It's up to you to decide whether to make your social media presence public or private. If you choose public, this could look like a Facebook or Instagram page. If you prefer a more guarded online presence, consider creating a private Facebook group for community members only. A private page offers a place where moderators can make announcements and share important community information. Additionally, residents can share photos and talk about the community. If you don't want to be dependent on social media to get residents connected, consider having a professional website that features a member portal. Residents can use login information to access postings and chat features.

2. Host Family Movie Nights

If your HOA has a clubhouse or outdoor common areas with lots of space, this creates the perfect opportunity to host family movie nights once a month. Invite residents to bring lawn chairs and snacks for a night of old-fashioned fun. The key here is to choose films of all ages that everyone can enjoy. If your community has a large shared outdoor space, consider moving the movie outdoors for the summer. Put a film projector in the budget for next quarter to start enjoying "films and fireflies" on gorgeous summer nights. If movie night succeeds, use the momentum to form a social committee to plan card nights, game nights, formal dances, and more.

3. Create a Community Volunteer Program

Consider creating a volunteer squad to help with everything from setting up HOA events to lending helping hands to neighbors during struggles. The truth is that people feel more invested in their community when they know they are needed. A volunteer squad allows residents to use their time and talents to improve their community. In addition, residents will see that they are part of a strong, vibrant community when they see volunteers working hard for the betterment of everyone.

4. Form a Book Club

Consider creating an official book club for your HOA to increase community engagement. The group can meet at a community space within the HOA or allow different members to host at their homes. A book club allows members to bond over a shared experience. It is both a social and intellectual pursuit.

5. Form Sports Leagues or Clubs

Wondering how to engage your community as an HOA in a fun, healthy way? If your HOA has a pool or pickleball/tennis court, consider introducing the idea of tournaments or competitions. Members can even form fun leagues. This is a great way to help members strengthen bonds while enjoying the health benefits of training for some friendly competition. Even HOA members who don't participate can still enjoy the fun of watching from the sidelines. If your HOA doesn't have amenities that support this type of thing, consider introducing a walking club that gives residents opportunities to stay active in a group atmosphere.

6. Create a Welcome Committee

Does your HOA have a welcome committee? If not, you're missing an opportunity to build a strong community by helping residents feel engaged right from the start! Welcome each new resident with a basket of muffins, some wine, or other goodies. It's also very important that the welcome letter accompanying the basket lists upcoming events happening in the community that everyone is encouraged to attend! Don't forget also to include an invitation to the next board meeting.

7. Make Your Homeowners Association HOA a Place People Can Be Proud to Live

Attempts to encourage active participation among community members won't go far if homeowners don't feel good about where they live. That's why keeping an HOA properly managed is the best way to increase community engagement. That means using long-term planning to create financial stability for the association. It also means providing clean, safe, and well-maintained spaces. Nothing hurts a sense of community like buildings that are falling apart. If residents have complained about the state of things, make sure you're doing an architectural review to ensure that everything is sound.

The foundation for engaging your community as an HOA is simply creating a place where people can feel safe and take pride in their homes. That's why any structures damaged by weather or age should be taken care of by a company offering commercial building restoration services. Don't let problems linger. Call for restoration today!