Publications
Surveying the Membership
Published September 14, 2002 as
A survey might increase participation
“What if they gave a war and nobody came”
An old aphorism from the ‘60s applies to association living; what if you have an association and nobody participates? No committees, no one comes to meetings, no one runs for the board, etc. Not exactly the type of participation contemplated when the concept of an association was first defined!
Apathy is a common topic for focus groups, but what about outright resistance to participation? Is it possible that the current or previous board(s) are out of touch with the needs and wants of the membership?
If all association activities and services are funded by owner assessments, perhaps if membership input was solicited and that information was acted on, it could energize a complacent association. People may not want to come and speak at a meeting, call the president or write a letter, but maybe they might answer a survey.
A carefully worded homeowner survey (keep it short) can provide a board input before it drafts a long range plan, prepares a budget or adopts a reserve program. Further, by taking the time to answer a survey, it may empower an owner who felt the board was indifferent or that one person could not make a difference.
Here is a sample of questions in different areas that can be expanded upon to “energize” your community:
1. Architectural Standards
a. Should the association permit fences?
yes_____ no_____
b. Are the current rules governing the exterior too restrictive?
too restrictive_____
not tough enough_____
fine as is_____
c. Should the association hire an architect to review applications for additions and modifications?
yes_____ no_____
2. Recreation and Social
a. Should the association sponsor social programs?
annually_____ 2-4 times a year_____
monthly_____ no_____
b. Should the association hire a consultant to plan social programs?
yes_____ no_____
c. Should a social program include outings to concerts, plays, athletic contests, etc.?
yes_____ no_____
d. Do you have any suggestions for adding to or expanding social programs?
3. Financial
a. Do you review the budget and financial statements prepared by the association?
yes_____ no_____
b. If you have questions, do you contact management
yes_____ no_____
c. Do you feel that association revenues are spent carefully?
yes_____ no_____
d. Do you have any suggestions on how the association could reduce costs?
4. Board Operations
a. Board meetings you have attended.
monthly_____
occasionally_____ never_____
b. Annual meetings of members attended.
every year_____
occasionally_____ never_____
c. Would you ever be interested in serving on the board?
yes_____ no_____
d. Would you ever be interested in serving on a committee?
yes_____ no_____
e. Do you feel that the board is responsive to the needs of the members of the community?
yes_____ no_____
f. If your answer is no, what could the board do better to serve the needs of the owners?
5. Management
a. Are you satisfied with the current property manager?
they do an excellent job_____
they are okay_____
they could improve in the following areas: _________________
they should be replaced_____
If you do take the time to solicit owner input, it is important to communicate the results and utilize these responses as a tool to assist the board with future planning. This may then accomplish your ultimate goal, which like the Lost City of Eldorado, seems so illusory; MEMBER PARTICIPATION!