January 2023

10 Tools for Better Communities Carol Shenk, EBP, Vantaca, LLC

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T he board member’s role in a community association is essential and certainly not for the faint of heart. Board members oversee the day-to-day operations, financial management, governance, resident communica tion, maintenance, long-term planning, and much more. Did I mention animal control? Conflict resolution? Most importantly, board members are the community cheerlead ers, encouraging resident involvement and making it a home for all to enjoy. Here are ten tools that every board member should have in their toolbox to facilitate fiduciary responsibility, navigate everyday tasks, and ensure community success. Good to Great is a must-read (and maybe frame) bro chure. It covers Community Association Fundamentals to Model Code of Ethics https://cainj.org/goodtogreat/ Board training is essential to thriving communities. CAI National offers Board Leadership Workshops online, and our chapter offers in-person workshops with engaging presenters.

Additionally, most property management companies train newly elected board members and new communities. Training is a must-do for every board member! Contact Robin Surgent, Director, Membership & Development, at robin@cainj.org or visit CAI National’s website for more information (see * link at the bottom of this page). Ongoing education for Boards and Committee members through CAI membership. CAI allows you to join between three and fifteen individuals per com munity. In addition to board members, you may have com mittee members, volunteer members, and residents who want to learn more about their community and our industry at no additional cost. The chapter can make changes at any time as boards change! For more information, contact Robin Surgent, at robin@cainj.org. Conflict resolution is a challenge for community boards. Do you know about Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)? The CAI-NJ ADR Mediation Program

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*https://cai.mycrowdwisdom.com/diweb/catalog/item/eid/e2565e63-d5fc-492c-87e7-e82d0fdad231

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