Building Connections Through Community

Building Connections Through Community

Through veteran Realtors® and new recruits, the Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS® endeavors to serve its members and local neighborhoods.

“Covid-19 was a transitional period for many people who were laid off or voluntarily left their old jobs for something else,” explained Jennifer Kovacich, SPAAR’s communications director. “Real estate was appealing for those who like to work with people, and they were able to take their skills and use them in a new way.”

Founded in 1886, SPAAR recently exceeded 8,000 members around the Twin Cities. Their jurisdiction spans 12 counties surrounding the metro area, representing a wide range of urban, suburban, and rural areas.

To stay on the pulse of their evolving membership, SPAAR launched its biennial survey at the beginning of November. Containing 30 questions, the survey assesses if the association’s services align with what members need. Since communication is a crucial component of SPAAR’s functions, the survey solicits feedback to make sure members are receiving the right types of content in the medium and frequency that they prefer. There has also been increased demand for virtual and hybrid options, which SPAAR has integrated into its educational courses and meetings.

Following completion of the survey, SPAAR will conduct focus groups in early 2022 to discuss the results and incorporate them into the association’s strategic plan. It’s a process that SPAAR has undertaken regularly for at least a decade to ensure that members’ voices align with the association’s goals.

In addition to supporting ongoing campaigns like the member survey, SPAAR has launched a new initiative known as #ThanksGivingBack. Through the month of November, SPAAR has been highlighting opportunities for community involvement on a calendar for members.

Examples include collecting new or gently used winter coats, donating to a local food shelf, recognizing veterans or SPAAR award winners, participating in the annual Dresser Build, sharing a photo or video on social media, and donating to Toys for Joy. There are also challenges to invite others to give back to the community and a simple reminder to complete the member survey, which means there are #ThanksGivingBack opportunities at any level.

“Community service is important to our members, with 72% of Realtors® nationwide volunteering in their local neighborhoods,” Kovacich said.

“We partner with other non-profits and community groups, so the #ThanksGivingBack initiative was a great idea for us.”

This past spring, SPAAR also hosted a four-part book discussion on The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein. The book offered a chance for the association to examine how segregation and redlining over several decades has shaped the neighborhoods they work in today. Members participated in Zoom calls to talk about the book and how segregation has affected their personal and professional lives.

The book discussion aligned with SPAAR’s partnership with Mapping Prejudice, which is based at the University of Minnesota and aims to expose how structural racism in the last century restricted where different races could live both in and around the Twin Cities. With a better understanding of how discrimination influenced the make-up of their neighborhoods in the past, SPAAR members can advocate for fair and equitable housing for all clients in the future.

In addition to being popular with new and veteran members alike, SPAAR’s initiatives have caught the attention of prospective Realtors® interested in learning more about the industry and how to get involved.

In a video created by SPAAR a few months ago, four members discussed their unique experiences as Realtors®. From the association’s current president, who received her license in 1986, to a new Realtor® who was licensed in 2021 and transitioned to the profession after earning degrees in healthcare and biology, there are exciting stories to share.

“We’re always seeking new members, and it’s fascinating to hear how these individuals are maneuvering in this era,” said Kovacich.

To learn more about SPAAR, visit www.spaar.com.