Strengthening Our Community Through Volunteerism

Our community thrives when its members come together with a shared goal of making a positive impact. Whether you’re passionate about supporting vulnerable animals, mentoring youth, or helping families in need, Hampton Roads offers countless opportunities to give back. Volunteering not only enriches the lives of those we serve but also fosters a stronger, more connected community. Every act of service, no matter how small, contributes to building a compassionate and thriving environment for all.

Hampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP):

In a world that sometimes feels disconnected, the importance of community cannot be overstated. Community associations play a vital role in creating and maintaining a sense of belonging and togetherness among residents. These associations have the power to transform neighborhoods into vibrant hubs of interaction, support, and shared experiences. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through organizing engaging activities that bring people together. Let's explore some activities that community associations can host to foster a sense of community:

Perhaps the greatest achievement for any association is creating and sustaining a sense of community among residents and leaders. This goal is best achieved when homeowners, non-owner residents and association leaders recognize and embrace their rights and responsibilities. It was with this goal in mind that CAI developed Rights and Responsibilities for Better Communities. These principles can serve as an important guidepost for board and committee members, community managers, homeowners and non-owner residents.

Homeowners have the right to:

Community Associations are wonderful organizations benefiting millions of US residents every day. There are countless benefits to living in community associations. One of the beautiful things about people is that we have figured out that banding together in communities is generally beneficial offering clean, cohesive neighborhoods oftentimes with amenities such as parks and pools, further encouraging the idea of community. These inherent benefits have association living on the rise, providing homes for nearly 1 in 5 Americans. But where did it all start?

Over the many years I have been practicing in the community association law field I have seen and dealt with many boards of directors.  In doing so I have seen considerable variation in the level of interest and commitment of community members to serve on the board of directors. Some communities have the assistance of professional management companies and others are self-managed.  While a community may have professional management, it is the board of directors that is given the power and responsibility in the governing documents to operate the community.  Regardless of the type of management, a group of homeowners actively participating on the board and on committees is essential for the successful functioning of the association.