Cultivating Community: Turning Conflict into Connection
HOA boards today face a familiar challenge: a small but vocal group often dominates conversations, especially online, while the majority of homeowners stay silent. Left unchecked, this dynamic can fuel misinformation, frustration, and unnecessary conflict.
In our recent board training webinar, Cultivating Community: Stop the Facebook Firestorm and Build Community, Not Controversy, hosted by HOA Community Solutions, we explored how boards can shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive community building.
The key takeaway? Most communities aren’t facing widespread dissatisfaction—they’re facing concentrated visibility. Research shows that roughly 90% of members observe quietly, while only a small percentage drive most online commentary. When boards lead with transparency, empathy, and consistency, they build trust with the silent majority and reduce public escalation.
Practical strategies discussed included:
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Communicating early and often—before issues turn into complaints
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Using clear, human-centered messaging online and offline
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Hosting low-pressure community events to build relationships and goodwill
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Creating safe, respectful spaces for homeowner input
Strong communities don’t happen by accident. When boards focus on connection, recognition, and proactive communication, conflict loses its power—and community thrives.
