Building a community where everyone feels welcome is not always easy, but there are several steps your association can take to create a community that goes beyond the appearance of homes and further enhances the lives of your members.
Here are four helpful ways to create a sense of community among the members of your community association!
Host Regular Events
Providing plenty of opportunities for residents to get to know one another and enjoy spending time together is one of the most effective ways to create a strong sense of community, and there is no limit to the number of creative options your board can plan to fit every interest.
From holiday parties and summer picnics to canvas painting and yoga classes, hosting a variety of seasonal and ongoing events provides plenty of options for bringing your members together.
Your residents can take advantage of these events to dig deeper into something they already love without going far from home or to try out a new interest before signing up for more expensive classes, and your most community-minded residents may even suggest their own ideas.
Welcome New Residents
Moving across town or across the country can be challenging, and chances are most of your new members feel a bit stressed and unsettled throughout the moving process.
Sending a few residents to welcome new residents shortly after their arrival can be an easy way to introduce them to friendly faces and help them start to feel like part of a community from the beginning. Your volunteers can bring homemade baked goods or meals, share information about upcoming events or important things to know about your neighborhood, or even assist with the carrying and unpacking process if your new residents want a few extra hands.
Creating a positive first impression of who your members are and what they do can go a long way toward getting new members excited about participating themselves. However, it is also important to read their reactions carefully to avoid overwhelming them, especially if you visit especially early in their moving process.
Create a Newsletter
A printed or electronic newsletter can be a valuable tool for keeping members informed about everything that is happening within your association. Circulating this information each week, month, or quarter can help you share details about upcoming events, provide shout-outs to specific members that have recently made significant contributions to your community, make sure everyone is on the same page about upcoming policy changes, and provide other pertinent information about the most important things to know about your community.
Your residents may appreciate having a colorful printed copy of each edition of your newsletter mailed to them, but you can also send it by email or place a single copy in a central location if you need to keep costs down.
Stay Focused on the Benefits of Your Community
Not every member may agree with every policy your community association board approves, but providing gentle reminders of why they chose to move into a home in your community can go a long way toward alleviating potential frustration.
Adhering to a highly specific policy may annoy a small group of residents from time to time, but staying focused on the increased beauty and sense of belongingness your street or neighborhood provides can be an important step in minimizing conflicts and emphasizing the perks of being part of a community that cares about enhancing as much of your living space as possible.
Final Thoughts
At GrandManors, we are here to help your association find creative ways to build community and create a shared living space that appeals to your members. Contact us today to learn more.
