Social Committee Ideas for HOA Communities, Part I

How a social committee is started and what it is responsible for

A sense of community does not build itself. Most board members are busy with budgets, maintenance, and meetings, and social life in the neighborhood tends to fall to the bottom of the list. A social committee is the simplest way for that work to be shared. The reasons for a committee, its responsibilities, and the steps for starting one are covered below.

Why Socializing Matters in a Community

Much of today's neighbor contact takes place online, in community groups and message threads. Those tools are useful, but they do not replace face-to-face contact, and disagreements tend to grow faster online than in person.

When neighbors know one another, complaints are more often settled with a conversation. Board members who know the residents are able to make better-informed decisions, and volunteers for the board and committees are easier to find. A community that feels connected is also more attractive to buyers.

What a Social Committee Is Responsible For

• Planning community events for the year
• Preparing an event budget for the board's approval
• Reporting costs and attendance after each event
• Publishing an events calendar for residents
• Recruiting volunteers
• Welcoming new owners and residents

A chairperson is appointed by the board or chosen by the committee. Committee meetings are run by the chair, and the committee's plans are reported to the board. Spending and contracts are approved by the board, not by the committee. If the association has a finance committee, help with the event budget can be requested from it.

How the Committee Works With the Board

A social committee is advisory. Its role, its budget, and its limits should be written down in a short charter adopted by the board. A board liaison is often named so that questions can be answered between meetings.

Insurance and liability should be considered for each event. Before a vendor is hired, alcohol is served, or the pool or clubhouse is reserved, the manager should be asked to confirm what is allowed under the rules and the association's insurance policy.

How a Social Committee Is Started

1. The governing documents are checked. The bylaws usually state how committees are created and whether members are appointed by the board.
2. The idea is proposed. The proposal can be raised at a board meeting or the annual meeting, and interested volunteers can be invited to come forward.
3. A charter is adopted. The committee's purpose, size, budget, and reporting schedule are set by the board.
4. A budget line is approved. Even a small amount in the annual budget lets events be planned with confidence.
5. A chair and members are appointed. Three to seven volunteers is a workable size for most communities.
6. The community is told. The new committee and its first event are announced by email, on the website, and on the community bulletin board.

Event Ideas to Begin With

• A welcome reception for new neighbors
• A holiday decorating contest
• Food truck night
• A community yard sale
• A poolside social
• National Night Out with local law enforcement
• A volunteer cleanup day followed by lunch

Small, low-cost events held on a regular schedule tend to work better than one large event a year.

More Ideas

Holiday-themed ideas can be found in our post Beyond BBQs.

For help with committee charters, amenity reservations, and event planning in your community, contact Condominium Associates.