The task of running a community association is rewarding, but it can also be difficult.

There are many laws that are changing, passing or being modified in federal, state, and local jurisdictions. Buildings age; interest rates are as stable as a two-celebrity wedding; budgets, insurance companies, and community elections all present challenges.

You might consider becoming a member of a condominium or homeowners association board if you are one of the 66 million Americans living in such a community. Educating yourself and your neighbor is vital for you, your community, as well as your neighbors.

This is why Community Associations InstituteCAI, a national advocacy and education group, offers a comprehensive education course to help community association board members understand the operations, management, and governance of their association.

“We know from national surveys that association board members are dedicated volunteers doing their very best to serve their communities and neighbors,” says CAI Chief Executive Officer Thomas Skiba, CAE. “But that doesn’t mean they know everything they need to know. Many boards get in trouble because they don’t know what they don’t know. That’s why this course can be helpful.”

A big commitment

Skiba says that board members arrive with open eyes about how much time they will volunteer and contribute to the association. However, Skiba also points out that understanding the legal, leadership, and operational obligations of their position is essential.

“The information and insights conveyed in the workshop can save association leaders time, money and unnecessary headaches, perhaps even help them avoid costly, divisive lawsuits,”Skiba. “Even with a skilled community manager or attorney, board members can find themselves facing the unanticipated surprises and traps that association boards inevitably encounter.”

CAI has brought in experts from the community association industry to help develop a workshop. This workshop is available online and can be delivered by CAI chapters. Skiba states that the curriculum is available for both self-managed communities as well as those associations boards that rely upon a professional manager or company to manage their association.

Highlights of the Workshop

The Board Leadership Development Workshop gives board members insight and perspective on key elements of community association operations. No matter if you are a first-time or tenured board member, there is something for all. Here’s a sample of the program:

* The functions of president, secretary and treasurer.

* Governing documents.

* Finances and reserve funding.

* Board and annual meetings.

* Rules compliance and enforcement.

Visit www.caionline.orgCall 888-224-4321 for more information.