This document discusses community building and strengthening communities. It defines community building as a process where community members come together to address common problems. It notes that community building activities help people relax and get comfortable with one another. The document emphasizes the importance of communication in building a community, as it fosters bonds and helps people accept diversity. It then lists five key points for creating a strong community: having trustworthy leadership, clear communication, fostering connections through events, holding regular meetings, and avoiding apathy among community members.
2. COMMUNITY BUIILDING:
community development is a process where community members comes
together to take collective action and generate solution to common problem.
Community building activities are events and exercises that promote
fellowship and between like minded individuals.
They are group activities that help people relax, get comfortable, move
around and become at ease with each other.
They help break down psychological barriers between people.
These activities can even accelerate the forming process in a group.
3. IMPORTANCE:
Building up a community helps foster communication among people. When
building up a community, it is important that members communicate with
each other, so they can create bonds and relationships. In addition to this,
communication helps people accept the importance of diversity in society.
4. STRENGTHENING YOUR COMMUNITY:
The community in which we live has a great influence on our lives. Whether
that’s relaxing during the summer at the community pool. Or, on the other hand,
getting frustrated that our neighbor’s perennials don’t mesh well in the spring.
Comfortable, stable communities significantly improve the quality of our lives.
Strong communities often have accessible parks and recreation facilities, quality
education programs, safe housing, and all of the everyday comforts we so often
take for granted. But what does it take to create a strong community? Below we
will discuss five key points for creating a strong community.
5. POINTS FOR CREATING A STRONG
COMMUNITY:
1.TRUSTWORTHY LEADERSHIP:
Leadership is key in setting a collaborative tone to build trust between board members and
community members. Trust is built by listening, engaging in meaningful conversations, developing
mutual respect, and careful examination of competing agendas.
2. CLEAR COMMUNICATION:
A strong community cannot exist without clear communication.
To keep communication flowing, it’s important to be mindful of the following:-
-Listen carefully to the concerns of others.
-Express your position in a measured and unemotional manner when it comes to sensitive
subjects.
-Consider suggestions and follow through with plans.
Regular communication is paramount to your success, as miscommunication causes inefficient
meetings, alienation of homeowners, and discontent within the community. When communication
breaks down, it is hard to repair relationships.
6. CONTINUE…
3. CONNECTION:
One of our most basic human needs is to connect with other people. To build
relationships within your community, consider hosting interesting and fun events for
members of all ages.
Some examples may include:
-Organizing a community Game Night, Movie Night, or Sports Night.-Recruit
members as committee volunteers to take ownership in special events like
National Night Out.
-Have committees host regular seasonal events such as Dine
-In Movies, holiday dinners, or Spring beautification projects.
Consider all of the valuable resources your HOA has to offer, whether it be a
clubhouse, pool, park, or golf course. Utilize your resources! If your community
does not have amenities, consider using local recreation centers, schools,
churches, or parks for hosting events other than board meetings.
7. CONTINUE…
4. MEETINGS AND NECESSITIES:
Regular board meetings and annual meetings are not only a requirement, they’re
also a great way for the entire community to gather together to share ideas,
voice concerns, and make recommendations.
Meetings are also opportunities for board members to solve problems, take
action, address issues on a regular basis, and operate in a transparent manner to
build trust among community members.
5. AVOID APATHY:
As a member of your community, it’s generally up to you to discover the best
opportunities to motivate others and avoid indifference among homeowners. To
keep members involved, engage them! Utilize tools such as an HOA website,
social media, and opportunities for community events to keep members
interested
