Collecting more nominations for open board seats at your Professional Association or Homeowners Association (HOA) can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can implement to encourage participation. Here are some effective tips:
- Effective Communication
- Clear Announcements: Send out detailed announcements well in advance of the nomination deadline through multiple channels (email, newsletter, community bulletin boards, social media)
- Informative Meetings: Host informational meetings or webinars to explain the roles and responsibilities of board members and the importance of serving the board.
- Highlight the Importance and Benefits
- Personal Impact: Emphasize how board members can positively impact the community.
- Skills Development: High board personal and professional skills once can gain from serving on the board.
- Community Influence: Show how board service allows individuals to have a say in important decisions affecting their neighborhood.
- Simplify the Nomination Process
- Easy access: Make nomination forms easily accessible online and in common areas. Link from your website and from you community newsletter so candidates can jump from self-nomination to site.
- User-friendly: Ensure the nomination process is straightforward and easy to understand.
- Targeted Outreach
- Personal invitations: Personally reach out to potential candidates, explaining why you think they would be a good fit for the board.
- Identify Potential Leaders: Look for active and engaged members of the community who may be interested in taking on a leadership role.
- Promote Success Stories
- Testimonials: Share stories and testimonials from current or past board members about their positive experiences and accomplishments.
- Highlight Achievements: Publicize the board’s achievements to show the impact and effectiveness or active board members.
- Create Incentives
- Recognition Programs: Offer recognition or awards for those who serve on the board.
- Community Events: Provide special community event invitations or other small perks to board members.
- Leverage Social Events
- Networking Opportunities: Use community events and social gatherings to network and encourage nominations
- Informal Discussions: Create informal settings where residents can discuss board service without pressure.
- Utilize Technology
- Online Platforms: Use community websites, social media groups, and email lists to reach a broader audience. Use a nominations software to collect the nominations prior to election.
- Virtual Meetings: Offer virtual meetings or Q&A sessions for those who cannot attend in person
- Mentorship Programs
- Pairing with Experienced Members: Implement a mentorship program where new board members can be paired with experienced ones for guidance and support.
- Regular Reminders
- Consistent Follow-Ups: Send regular reminders about the nomination deadline and the importance of participation.
- Count-Downs: Create a countdown to the nomination deadline to create a sense of urgency. Send this email through an email campaign via your nomination software like AssociationVoting.com so easy instructions and links can be included for fast access to the nomination process.
By employing these strategies, you can effectively increase the number of nominations for open board seats at your association and ensure a more engaged and active board.
