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| LIFE IN SOLERA | APRIL 2022 | 5 Fundamentals of a Community Association By Pat King Each HOA has its own history, personality, attributes, and challenges, but all associations share common characteristics and core principles. An organization that our Board Members belong to, Community Associations Institute (CAI), has developed the following list of community association fundamentals, meant to foster a better understanding of how associations function and the roles of residents and association leaders. The principles at the heart of the community association model are intended to inspire effective, enlightened leadership, as well as a responsible, engaged citizenship. 1. Associations ensure that the collective rights and interests of homeowners are respected and preserved. 2. Associations are the most local form of representative democracy, with leaders elected by members to govern in the best interests of all residents. 3. Associations provide services and amenities to residents, protect property values, and meet the established expectations of homeowners. 4. Associations succeed when they cultivate a true sense of community, active homeowner involvement, and a culture of building consensus. 5. Association homeowners have the right to elect their community leaders and to use the democratic process to influence the policies that will protect their investments6. 6. Association homeowners choose where to live and accept a contractual and ethical responsibility to abide by established policies and meet their financial obligations to the association. 7. Association leaders protect the community's financial health by using effective management practices and sound business principles. 8. Association leaders have a legal and ethical obligation to enforce the association's governing documents and abide by all applicable laws. 9. Association leaders seek an effective balance between the preferences of individual residents and the collective rights of homeowners. 10. Association leaders and residents should be reasonable, flexible, and open to the possibility — and benefits — of compromise, especially when faced with divergent views from residents.