Chapter 07 – Organizational Structure
Organization Name
As a group, agree on a name for your neighborhood association. Names usually come from the subdivision name or a local park.
Leadership Team
Ask the general members to approve the current core group as the steering committee or to choose new leaders.
Roles usually include a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Define each role and document this. Select several from this group to be the point people and have all neighbors send information to them so they can keep communications flowing. As the Association evolves and grows, the structure may be changed to better suit the growing needs and abilities of its members.
Leaders can become burned out. Nurture new leaders, so they are able to step in when necessary.
Identify people who have the time to devote to the work of the neighborhood association.
Bylaws and Elections
The structure should be kept simple at the beginning. Specific rules for operation and elections can be held when the organization has more experience and members know one another. The following chapter goes into how to develop your bylaws.
Meeting Frequency, Time and Date
Agree on these before adjourning. Once a regular meeting day and time is decided on RNeighbors can provide yard signs that can aid in getting the word out about your Association’s meetings.
Register your Neighborhood Association with RNeighbors, Rochester’s Neighborhood Resource Center, by visiting our office and obtaining the Neighborhood Association Registration Form.
Secrets to Forming Successful Committees
In addition to the core officers, the formation of committees is a useful way to share the workload with the general membership. Committees can be formed around core issues such as membership, social event coordination, or neighborhood improvements.
Appoint only those enthusiastic about the project. Otherwise, this can lead to negativity and resentfulness when productive committee members have to take on other peoples’ chores.
Match committee members with the type of work they enjoy. Try to match talents.
Choose a committee Chair that is a self-starter and a person that can be relied upon to get the job done. The Chair should have the ability to delegate tasks without seeming abrasive or overbearing.
Set realistic goals. Don’t over work volunteers. Remember you want your volunteers to participate again in the future.
Committee members need plenty of praise and encouragement for their work (as does the Committee Chair). Let everyone know that what they are doing is important to the entire neighborhood.
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