Summer Sun and Community Fun

S u mmer Sun and Community F u n After a year of masking up and hunkering down, our need for human connection is at an all-time high. The HOA industry has been hit hard with ever changing meeting standards and etiquette, new sanitation practices, and events in the virtual world vs. in person gatherings. It’s safe to say that people are exhausted from decision fatigue and burnout. Priya Parker writes in her book “The Art of Gathering” that being intentional about gathering, and finding life in artful places, is the key to successful events and human connection. How does all of this play into what we do in the HOA world? It’s simple. People are craving human connection, and adventure again. When we After a year of masking up and hunkering down, our need for human connection is at an all-time high. The HOA industry has been hit hard with ever changing meeting standards and etiquette, new sanitation practices, and events in the virtual world vs. in person gatherings. It’s safe to say that people are exhausted from decision fatigue and burnout. Priya Parker writes in her book “The Art of Gathering” that being intentional about gathering, and finding life in artful places, is the key to successful events and human connection. How does all of this play into what we do in the HOA world? It’s simple. People are craving human connection, and adventure again. When we work with our teams about on reintroducing programming with a work with our teams about on reintroducing programming with a mindful approach, we encourage them to facilitate platforms for mindful approach, we encourage them to facilitate platforms for residents to PLAY, and play a lot. We are encouraging open dialogues that foster progress and connection as we emerge and navigate the new normal. I hope that these simple tools will provide you with resources to approach programming with a new twist, for your teams and residents alike. residents to PLAY, and play a lot. We are encouraging open dialogues that foster progress and connection as we emerge and navigate the new normal. I hope that these simple tools will provide you with resources to approach programming with a new twist, for your teams and residents alike. THE SECRETS BEHIND BUILDING PURPOSEFUL PROXIMITY

PLAN AND PODCAST • Have your Plan A in place, but always have plan B in your back pocket. We’ve spent a lot of time pivoting in the last year. As we come on the flip side of the pandemic, we are consciously choosing to lean in.

Consider events with a socially distanced or sensory hour, where you provide an option for residents to participate in the event experience to go as a “grab and go,” based on their comfort level. • With many of us returning to the office, your morning commute is a great opportunity to carve out podcast time to deep dive into subjects that help set the tone for the day. • Action: Pick a podcast that brings you fulfillment.

Here are a few of my defaults: “Dare to Lead” by

Brené Brown, “Work Life” by Adam Grant, and

“Armchair Expert” by Dax Shepard

LAUGH, LEARN AND UNLEARN • Laughter is the best medicine. As we acclimate to new service standards, resident requests and special accommodations, along with the needs of each team member we work with, we must keep it light hearted. By listening to the issue at hand first, and then taking a second to laugh, (after the person or scenario isn’t looking at you) your body naturally produces endorphins that help you respond with a sense of positivity. • Action: Read the Book “Think Again” by Adam

Grant. This book will challenge you to learn and unlearn everything you thought you knew. It is both terrifying and invigorating. Now is the time to try something new, challenging, and exciting.

ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING • This next year won’t be easy but you are in control of your attitude, and it is easy for others to pick up on the energy that you put out there. Kindness always wins. • Action: Practice gratitude. Spend 5 minutes each morning in reflection: 1.) Write down your intentions, 2.) Write down three things you are grateful for, 3.) Write down three things you want to accomplish that day. At the end of the day, practice reflection by sitting down to write what you have accomplished. YOLO - (YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE) • With a new appreciation for living life to the absolute fullest, let’s make it our goal to plan community programs and experiences that encourage and embrace this. We have the ability to plan outdoor adventures with a new and daring approach. We can craft more intimate maker’s classes, and learn alongside our communities in historical and peacemaking events. • Mental Health- with speakers and leaders pumping valuable content out right now, it is an epic time to engage in mental health programs and resources. • Action: Take a minute to reflect and write down three things you want to do this summer. Take those three adventures and bring them to life in the communities we serve.

EVENT CONCEPTS TO ENGAGE • Block Party Kit • Pop up Party in the Park • Plan a series of events in your park amenities on the same day and time each week to get people outside. It can be as simple as popsicles or as detailed as a pop up supper club. • Dive-In or Drive-In. Outdoor movies are Stayin Alive • Bring the cinematic adventure to your community, whether in a truck, boat, lawn or pool. Families are excited to spend the quiet time they found last year together, by making it a ritual.

Personal Attention. Proven Results for HOAs.

For over two decades, Henry, Oddo, Austin & Fletcher, P.C. has provided clients throughout Texas with trusted counsel. Their experience related to homeowners associations is unmatched – providing guidance, leadership and oversight to community associations. Their attorneys have experience resolving disputes and advising homeowners associations on legal issues.

Assist developers with drafting governing documents Advise boards on governance and collection issues Assist boards in enforcing bylaws and covenants Attend association meetings to provide explanations of the association’s rights and responsibilities, to help maintain rules of order, and to address issues of concern to members and directors Assist boards in interpreting governing documents Draft revisions to association governing documents to clarify issues of governance Work with boards and management companies in dealing with property owners Cost effective and creative debt collection methods leading to revenue recovery Active participation and support of Texas Community Association Advocates (TCAA) and Community Associations Institute (CAI)

Judd A. Austin, Jr. - Shareholder

jaamex@hoaf.com

Vinay B. Patel - Shareholder

vpatel@hoaf.com

1700 Paci c Avenue, Suite 2700, Dallas, Texas 75201 | (214) 658-1900 | www.hoaf.com