How to recruit good HOA board members

Five tips to ensure your board never runs out of good members.

Whether homeowners in your association are actively involved in your community or rarely show up for a meeting, it can be hard to find new board member volunteers. So it’s important for current HOA board members to seek out potential new members on an ongoing basis. Here are five tips for recruiting good board members for your HOA.

1. Run organized meetings. If meetings have no structure or agenda, accomplish little and continually run over their allotted time, homeowners will run screaming from the prospect of being part of the board. The saying ‘get your house in order’ applies here; then, you can reach out to potential board members.
2. Communicate the need for new board members. Homeowners won’t know why it’s important to rotate in new board members or that current members’ terms are up unless you tell them. Fresh members bring fresh ideas and perspectives, along with renewed energy. Publicize the need for board members in your community newsletter, Facebook page, bulletin board and at regular meetings.
3. Perhaps there’s a CPA or lawyer in your community—or someone adept at listening, mediating or communicating. Those with specific skills have a lot to offer. Or turn to a homeowner who is very involved in the community, or one who provides constructive feedback. These folks are invested in the community and its future.
4. Keep board operations transparent. If homeowners feel alienated from the board and its dealings, they’ll be less inclined to participate in any manner. Encourage homeowners to attend monthly meetings, send out newsletters highlighting meeting minutes, explain the rationale behind recent decisions and provide updates of ongoing projects.
5. Educate homeowners about board roles and responsibilities. Homeowners may be more likely to volunteer for the board if they understand what’s expected of them once they’re a member. Provide an overview of a board’s duties at the annual meeting and in other communications.

When recruiting board members it's important to have a structure in place to help new board members perform their duties successfully.

This article contains general information. Individual situations are unique.

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