Like all blogs, I tend to spend a lot of time talking about various problems that Shared Ownership Community (condo, co-op and HOA) owners may have, and various ways of fixing them. But we all tend to forget that, for all the trials and tribulations of shared ownership, one of the biggest benefits of any SOC is the increased social interaction that we have with our neighbors. In fact, social events can often make or break a community, healing wounds and helping us to put aside neighborly differences. Here, then, are some ideas of things you can do with your community that will help everyone have a happy new year.
Have a Party! You don’t need a social budget to have social events. We have BYOB cocktail hours in our condominium every few weeks where owners can meet and simply enjoy each other’s company. Sometimes the condo will use a few dollars to buy some appies, but mostly people just bring what they’re in the mood to eat and drink. If we drink enough, we may even play some games (Jenga being a popular option). Nothing too brainy, just having fun with your neighbors. Now, if your association can afford it, a social budget may allow you to plan at least 2 or 3 large social events per year, complete with music, catering and drinks. We generally supplement those events with a modest entry fee, and they are always well attended. Pot-luck desserts are also a lot of fun, and if you get your children involved, you can even turn it into a pajama party. And while it may not be an obvious effect, well-planned and well-attended social events almost always have a positive effect on property values (really, who doesn’t want to live in a happy, friendly neighborhood?)
Play with your pets! Do you live in a pet friendly building or community? A great idea is to create a pet committee that is responsible for events where people can get together and have fun with their dogs (and perhaps very outgoing cats). Play dates in the dog run, Halloween costume parties, training sessions and more can all be sponsored by various local businesses. For example, many dog trainers or doggy day care centers would be happy to bring some treats and present a training seminar for even a handful of new potential clients. Pet people tend to be among the most outgoing in any community, so pet-themed events are often among the most popular and well-attended.
Play with your kids! Many of our favorite holidays throughout the year are best enjoyed with our children, and it’s easy to get people together for fun, well planned events with the kids. Halloween is a perfect opportunity for a neighborhood costume party or even a parent/child pumpkin carving contest. Even communities for older persons can enjoy and occasional planned event with the grandkids. Trim the community Christmas tree (and light the Menorah), have an Easter egg hunt or supervise sparklers and loud patriotic music on the 4th. Getting the kids involved is a great way to get the community together.
Get educated! Depending on the age and style of your community, educational events might be quite popular with residents. Authors are especially willing to visit communities to give speeches and presentations (and sell their books, which is only fair), but lots of others might be willing to speak at your community, including local politicians, or even professors. Or, consider bringing in an art fair where art students are able to display and sell their artwork at a significant discount from gallery prices (though, with any consumer event, make sure you get the pulse of the community first–some love these types of events, and some, not so much).
If you’re a board member, I hope these ideas stimulate you to brainstorm ways that you can get your community together and have fun. The goodwill you build throughout the year will result a lot less stress when contentious issues come up at meetings later on. As always, everything comes back to the same basic idea–just be neighborly!