Community Engagement in a COA

A hallmark of many condominium owner associations (COA) is their ability to draw members together for association meetings, activities, and other events. But sometimes, members may be less apt to participate for various reasons. This lack of involvement can reflect poorly on the association and potentially influence the commitment level of other condo members. A condo association must connect and engage with its members proactively. By doing so, the condo association demonstrates that it is a strong advocate for its members, making members feel valued.
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8 Tips for Boosting COA Community Engagement

Numerous methods of engagement can positively boost an association’s community engagement. These suggestions can easily be implemented and are worth implementing to prevent membership decline.

1. Use all your communication channels. Connect with members on platforms they’re likely to see. Share real-time announcements. Use your association’s website, email blasts, newsletters, signage, social media and other tools that association members use to post frequent updates.

2. Promote your community’s amenities. Your condo association has unique amenities that make your association special. Whether it’s a pool, walking trail, sports complex or fitness center, ensure they are well maintained and promote their use. Plan events and activities around these amenities. Doing so will help reiterate to members the value the association provides and serve as a way to connect with members.

3. Ask board members to speak at events. Association events are great opportunities to have a board member provide an update or exciting news on behalf of the association. Often condo owners don’t like to attend board meetings, but having an association event with a brief update by a board member helps condo owners see everyone is working hard to support the association.

4. Remain watchful. Pay attention to events and activities, and watch member engagement; if an event wasn’t well-attended, consider changing the scope of the event and perhaps its time. Continue to work on improving events and engaging condo owners to help do so.

5. Encourage volunteering. It takes all types of people to build association engagement. Sharing time and opinions helps to build a community and can help guide your association’s future.

6. Ask for feedback. Each condo owner should feel valued by an association, and communication can be vital in doing so. Associations should invite member feedback at every opportunity. Encourage their valuable input by giving them a portal to do so—whether it’s a form and dropbox or through your condo association’s website.

7. Provide ample resources. It can be challenging for owners to attend every condo association activity, meeting or event, so be sure to provide resources they can use to get information. Consider sending out emails to recap activities or important discussions that were had at member events.

8. Plan events ahead of time. People can’t attend events if they don’t know when said events are happening. Ensure you give advance notice of activities so that community members can add them to their calendars—and after events or activities, send recaps and photos.

Learn More About COA Insurance and Tips

The Geswein Insurance Agency can help provide your condo association with additional tips to guide your success, including mitigating the risks your COA may face. Let us know how we can help and if there may also be insurance solutions that can further protect your condo association.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.

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