Community Association Volunteer Opportunities

Thursday, January 4, 2024

If your new year’s resolution is to volunteer more, you may not have to look far from home. Your community association likely has ample volunteer opportunities that range in time commitment, frequency, and skills required. This article will help identify which may be the best for you and how to get started.
 
Board Member: Serving on the Board of Directors is by far the most time-consuming volunteer position in the neighborhood. Many communities have monthly meetings while some opt for bi-monthly or quarterly. Depending on how many volunteer committees the community has helping the board complete tasks, the board members probably spend several hours each week on association business items. Crest Management’s innovative Board Portal improves productivity and efficiency by maintaining everything a board member needs in one organized, relevant location.
 
Architectural Committee: Most communities have a dedicated group of volunteers that review exterior modification requests submitted by homeowners and determine whether they comply with the association’s governing documents. Crest Management uses the proprietary Board Decision Assistant to streamline the electronic processing of such applications. Some communities may still hold in-person architectural meetings and some boards may request that the architectural members attend board meetings on occasion. The time commitment of this position could vary significantly depending on the size of your community and the number of applications processed on a monthly basis. Your community manager should be able to help you identify this information.
 
Event Planning: Your community may already have events lined up for the year that you can help with. On the other hand, they may have funds sitting around unused because they lack event volunteers. Whether you have fresh ideas for events you think would be a hit in your community or a knack for bringing other people’s ideas to life, attend a board meeting to find out what opportunities may be available this year.
 
Yard of the Month: Many communities have yard of the month committees to promote lawn maintenance and beautification throughout the community. Some communities even combine yard of the month with holiday decorating contests. If such a committee already exists in your community, they likely already have guidelines and a budget in place. If this would be a new committee, you may have to put in some legwork to help get things set up. Your community manager would be a great resource to provide sample guidelines and suggestions.
 
Start a Community Clean Up Crew: Yes, your community probably already pays the landscaper to pick up trash in the esplanades and parks, but the landscapers are likely only there once a week in the summer and even less often in the winter. Walking and collecting trash from the streets, entrances, and parks would be a great way to keep your exercise resolution at the same time as volunteering!
 
If you didn’t see the exact volunteer position you were hoping for on the list, don’t be discouraged! Talk to your board of directors about your ideas, skills, and talents, and there is surely a way to get your volunteer time in right there in the community.