HOA parties/get togethers/events

I am in a subdivision in FL with about 230 homes. I am relatively new to the BOD but am trying to make some positive changes. There are residents interested in dissolving the HOA because of the negative attitude of some past AND present BOD. I have started a newletter that can address certain aspects from the CCR that are violated every month for a friendlier approach, announcements and community news and activities that we are going to start, to push a better sense of community. We have started a yard of the month with a gift card prize, we are going to suggest an annual yard sale for everyone to participate in and we are going to try and have a pot-luck get together so that not a lot of money is coming out of the funds. We have, however, approved of a function at our pool for a "dive-in" movie that is being paid for with assoc. money. Certain BOD were not thrilled because they said we could not use that money for "parties". Our assoc. management company says this is not a problem! Our CCR does not mention anything about this for finances. Does anyone know if there is anything that says that this is not a "legal" way to spend assoc. money? (btw so far-with the residents that know what we are trying to do, we have gotton a lot of positive feedback!)

Not an expert, but it is only common sense to try and bring the community together in whatever format is feesable. Having gatherings will usually have a postive response by the homeowners, as it allows an opportunity for members and new members to meet their neighbors. Especially those that have children, as it provides an opportunity for the neighborhood children to meet each other along with their parents. A benefit to all who are willing to participate. And I also find that the more positive and community minded your board is the community members soon follow. In my opinion it is imparitive that boards conduct themselves in a reasonable fashion keeping the focus on representing their community to the best of their ability and not where the community is answering to them.

A suggestion might also be for the BOD to appoint a Social Committee, perhaps made up of the residents who understand the goals you are trying to achieve, and have given you positive feedback this far. You may want to open the committee to all residents, and create an open forum within the committee to decide what events can be held. We do this at our HOA (we are so far 330 homes and growing). Just keep in mind you will never please everyone and the complainers are usually the ones who participate the least but have the most to say. If you keep the decision to the committee, it will take the heat off the BOD a little, and sine the committee can always welcome volunteers, which you can never have too many, you can always ask those opposed to get involved and make suggestions and hlp facilitate them.