Determine Future Meetings and Action(s) - How frequently would members like to meet? What is a convenient time and location for members to attend meetings? Tips: Serve refreshments only if it will enhance a friendly atmosphere and not interfere with the meeting; stick to the agenda; meet only when necessary, and try to limit meetings to an hour.
Determine Organizational Structure/Create Bylaws - This can be as loose or as formal as the group decides. The idea is to identify offices of the organization, and outline procedures for elections, terms of office, membership, etc. - for example, “How will members be determined?”; “Are dues needed?”
Discuss Goals, Projects and Concerns - It is very important that the initial goals of the group be small and easily achievable. Nothing breeds success like success. If the group has reached a stumbling block and does not seem to want to move forward, the cause is often attributed to goals that are too large and too difficult to achieve. Begin discussions on ways to achieve goals.
Identify and Recruit Additional Leaders - Identify other potential leaders in the neighborhood. The importance of a pool of qualified leadership is often overlooked as a neighborhood association develops. Strong leadership gives an organization guidance, stability, and continuity from year to year, motivation to take action, and unity of purpose. The task of recruiting and developing leaders has to be an ongoing activity through the lifetime of any neighborhood association.
Determine Special Skills, Talents, and Willingness to Participate - Identify any special talents, expertise, skills, helpful resources and/or any special areas of interest any member might possess. Some group members might not be able to attend meetings, but possess a special skill that can be of use to the group. Be flexible, and afford members a variety of ways to participate (phone trees, preparing refreshments, making copies). Be creative.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate! - Neighbors should be kept informed of the association’s meetings, activities and actions. The actual meetings should not be the only way to hear information.
