Community Communication Corner
by Bob Gourley, MyEZCondo Founder, Member of CAI CT Board of Directors

Communications and Volunteerism
One of the greatest challenges faced by community associations is involving their members in the activities of the association. Finding volunteers to serve on Boards and Committees can be a full-time job in and of itself. Creating effective communications can help ease the burden by turning the "Informed" into the "Involved". Informed and involved community members make better neighbors, which creates a more satisfying community living experience for all involved.

WIIFM
Have you heard about the latest radio station that has climbed to the top of the charts? It is called WIIFM and it has such universal appeal that everyone you know is listening to it. WIIFM is not a new radio station. It is an acronym for "What's In It For Me?" Using the power of WIIFM when planning your community's communication efforts makes it easier to get your message across to your target audience. Here's what you can do to promote volunteerism in your community using the WIIFM concept.

Keep residents informed.
Your community newsletter, notices, website postings, etc. are all vital links to keeping residents informed. Uninformed residents will remain uninvolved in your projects. They simply don't know what you know and you need to tell them what's in it for them. Here is a gem that CAI recently offered for publication in any community newsletter. Notice the WIIFM concept at work.

Ten Reasons to Volunteer for the Association

1. Protect your self-interests. Protect your property values and maintain the quality of life in your community.
2. Correct a problem. Has your car been towed, or do you think maybe maintenance has been neglected?
3. Be sociable. Meet your neighbors, make friends, and exchange opinions.
4. Give back. Repay a little of what’s been done for you.
5. Advance your career. Build your personal resume by including your community volunteer service.
6. Have some fun. Association work isn’t drudgery. It’s fun accomplishing good things with your neighbors.
7. Get educated. Learn how it’s done—we’ll train you.
8. Express yourself. Help with creative projects like community beautification.
9. Earn recognition. If you would like a little attention or validation, your contributions will be recognized and celebrated.
10. Try some altruism. Improve society by helping others.
    [Editor's Note - this list is available for download on the CAI website under the Copy Service section for members. Source: Community Associations Institute.]

Get residents involved.
The volunteers that serve on the BOD at most associations didn't start there. They helped plant a garden or they pitched in on a clean-up project or they coordinated a block party. Make sure there are enough events to get the community members involved at some level. Current BOD members need to be encouraged to be on the lookout for potential future BOD members. Unless they plan on serving forever, current BOD members can tune into WIIFM be realizing that more BOD members means they may have less work to do for themselves. You'd be surprised how many people will volunteer if they are just asked properly.

Celebrate the accomplishments.
A pat on the back can go a long way to encouraging volunteer behavior. Since volunteerism usually involves a great deal of unpaid labor, be sure that rewards are bestowed in other ways. Praise individual efforts publicly via the community newsletter and/or website. Don't be afraid to tell the story of how an individual or group of individuals have saved money for the community or made the property safer or cleaner. These are interesting stories to all community members.

Everyone you know, including you, is listening to WIIFM. Tap into its power and start enjoying the rewards of a happy and healthy community where information is freely exchanged.

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