At the recent annual meeting, there was strong interest by homeowners of how to expand the Board and join the Board. As a Wellington resident, I wrote this article to assist those homeowners interested in becoming a board member.
This has been written to provide some ideas for community members truly interested in becoming an HOA Board member in the absence of a quorum and traditional elections. As explained in the annual meeting, expanding the board requires a special meeting. In order to have that special meeting, there should be documented interest in such an effort.
Typically, getting on the HOA Board means campaigning in the homeowner community so that you earn sufficient support votes from homeowner members. An election is held and managed by HMS. They would count the votes to see who got the most votes.
However, without a quorum, that system is not possible. Unfortunately, for many years, there has been no quorum because there are too many homeowners who don’t participate. It hurts those of us who do participate.
Without a quorum, the only way to get new members on the Board is persuading current board members to allow new members.
Because the number of board members must always be an odd number for tie-breaking purposes, there must be at least two homeowner members (from two different households) who show strong qualified interest. Ideally, there will be 3 or more strong homeowner candidates to choose from.
You can show your interest in many ways. You can contact HMS, speak with the community manager, and fill out required forms they might have.
You can reach out to any or all the current board members to express your interest. Their contact info is on the website. Make yourself known. Put your best foot forward.
You might meet them individually or as a group at a community event. You might email, make a phone call or video call. Use creativity and initiative.
If there is no quorum, you have to “campaign” the current board members of your interest. It helps to be responsible, be of good character, in good standing, and have no outstanding issues and violations with HMS.
You might consider what you wish to offer to the Board and overall community. You might consider highlighting your personal or professional background. Again, use initiative and creativity of what you want to share and highlight of yourself.
You might express how much time you are able and willing to assist and contribute to the board and the overall community. Is it 3 hours per week, 5 hours per week, perhaps more? Ask current board members of how much time they put in to successfully serve.
There is an expectation of volunteering time and energy when you become a board member. You should try to figure out when and how much time and energy you can give. Remember, being on the board is a financially unpaid and a volunteer endeavor with real responsibilities.
Do you want to serve 1 year, 2 years, or longer? There is no expectation of lifetime service. But it helps if you are able to commit to at least a 3-year term.
You might consider showing up and participating in some community events. There is at least one or two board members in attendance at every event. Have a soda with them. Have a slice of pizza or burger together. Have a conversation. Find common interests and common ground. Get to know each other. Use your imagination, creativity, and initiative.
You have to start somewhere to get the relationship going. You don’t need to meet and campaign every board member but it helps if they know you.
There is no expectation that board members or community members will agree 100%. But there is an expectation that they will be civil and respectful to each other and community members. So, it helps if you get along with people both individually and in a group setting.
Although each board member may have disagreements and differences, ultimately, they are a “team” in support of the larger community. Are you able to work in this “team” despite disagreements and differences? That is something to consider.
Can you manage your time well? Nearly everyone has personal, family and professional responsibilities which should be taken into consideration. Everyone is “busy” but some more than others. Some homeowners manage their personal and professional situations better than others. It is something to consider.
What is listed is here is not meant to be a definitive or official guide to joining the Board. You are not limited to the ideas listed herein. It is only a starting point of discussion for those new to HOA’s, the community, and unfamiliar with procedures of getting on the Board.
If you a homeowner community member in good standing, you have a right to campaign to serve on the Board. Make yourself known, put your best foot forward, and make a positive difference.
Do yourself and the community a favor by make it easy to select and welcome you into the Board.
Good luck to you!
Written by Anonymous Wellington Resident.