If everyone understand the fundamentals of how community is organized and how it operates, we will know how the communication system works and what to do if we have a question or concern. Also, from this informed position, we can ponder - together - the more intangible "bigger picture" issues such as long range planning, transition, quality of life, safety, enhancement, beautification, property values and how to create a sense of community.

Perhaps by reviewing the basics in the article ahead and considering the possibilities, we will understand why it is important that individual residents become involved and then, let us be motivated to do so.

Homeowner associations are often portrayed as the detached governed by thankless volunteers. It's the blind leading the blind....the clueless in charge of those that could care less. So how should this union of the unwilling go about acquiring the wisdom it needs?