We’ve talked about the importance of community involvement within an HOA- most notably, the benefits and value of participation in committees. Today we wanted to address the slightly less formal, yet similarly valuable tool in the HOA toolbelt: clubs! Clubs provide favorable benefits, in that club activities help owners and members to get to know their neighbors in a less formal, more relaxed setting. Clubs can be established at no cost to the Association, and any common interest can form a hub of socialization. Some of the most successful clubs formed within homeowner’s associations that we have seen include:
Book Club
Where a group of people meet to discuss a book or books that they have read and express their opinions, likes, dislikes, and make other reading recommendations. They meet on a recurring basis and sometimes even coordinate reading a particular book chapter-by-chapter or section-by-section in conjunction with their scheduled gatherings.
Bridge or Gaming Club
Where members meet at individual homes or other locations to play Bridge, card games, board games, etc. There’s nothing like gathering a group of kindred, competitive spirits for dominoes, spades, or a Monopoly marathon to get to know your neighbors and build lasting friendships!
Dinner Club
Where those involved select a restaurant (normally once a month) for members to gather together to have dinner. Dinner clubs can be a great way to help acquaint owners and members to restaurants that they otherwise might not have known about. Alternatively, some dinner clubs might opt for more of a potluck or rotate hosting meals at participant’s homes, where they can showcase and share their love of cooking with neighbors who similarly enjoy culinary arts and a good meal.
Explorers Club
Where members get to revisit the “field trips” of their school days. Almost any excursion is livened by the presence of a group eager to get to better know one another. Any nearby zoo, lake, bowling alley, driving range, or batting cage provides an opportunity for entertainment, education, and comradeship. Activities do not need to be expensive to be rewarding, and the more reasonable the cost of participation the more inclusive the group can be. This type of group is often appreciated by newer members of the neighborhood who are eager to meet and get to know their neighbors.
Whether forming a committee, task force, or club the most important thing is that the members are eager and active participants. Those that are consistently committed and dependable usually get the most fulfillment from their club participation with other members. We love the way that clubs bring communities together through common interests and hobbies!
