Election-Year Etiquette: Tips for Keeping Board Meetings Civil
As we are living through an election year, we can expect heightened passion around political views, some of which may surface at our Community Association Board meetings. The energy and enthusiasm that come with election season can sometimes lead to heated debates and discussions.
While Board meetings are an excellent opportunity to address important community issues, they are not intended as platforms for political debate regarding local, state or federal issues. Nevertheless, avoiding political discussions entirely during this period might be challenging due to the current political climate. Open and respectful dialogue is valuable, but it is best conducted in appropriate settings designed for such discussions.
In addition to Robert’s Rules of Order and CAI National’s Civility Pledge, here are four (4) strategies for homeowners and board members to maintain civility at Board meetings, now and always:
1. Maintain Professional and Positive Decorum: Avoid discussing political preferences during Board meetings. This practice will help to ensure that meetings remain productive for everyone involved. Remember that Directors are volunteers who donate their time, and this time should be used efficiently. Association members’ time in attending the meeting is equally valuable, and keeping agenda topic discussions focused on community issues benefits everyone.
2. Avoid Profanity and Obscene Language: Board meetings are not the place for racial, ethnic, gender, religious, disability or age-based slurs; shouting or yelling; physical threats (including intimidating gestures or body language); interruptions; pounding on tables; throwing objects; or any other disruptive behavior. Such actions impede the Board’s ability to conduct its business and should not be tolerated under any circumstances.
3. Lower the Temperature: The Board should assert its authority to adjourn meetings if any individual’s behavior disrupts the proceedings. The President of the Board should also reserve the right to close the homeowner forum if order is not maintained. I suggest that the Board reserve this right in the Association’s Rules and Regulations to avoid homeowner pushback that the Board is restricting their right to speak during homeowner forum. This approach will help maintain a respectful and focused environment.
4. Adopt Speaker Guidelines: Implement a policy where homeowners who do not adhere to civility standards at Board meetings may be asked to leave if attending in person. If they are warned and remain non-compliant, they may forfeit their remaining time in the homeowner forum and could be muted on Zoom, Webex, or other virtual platforms. Having clear guidelines helps manage behavior and ensure everyone’s voice can be heard respectfully. By following these guidelines, Board meetings can remain respectful and effective. A little civility goes a long way in ensuring everyone’s time is well spent and that discussions stay productive. If your Association is interested in adopting formal Speaker Guidelines, the Board of Directors should consider reaching out to the Association’s legal counsel for assistance.
Leena Danpour, Esq. is an Attorney with the law firm of SwedelsonGottlieb and exclusively represents homeowners’ associations in both litigation and transactional matters, providing corporate governance advice to boards of directors who serve associations throughout California. Leena also serves as the Chair of the CLAC-LSC Committee (California Legislative Action Committee and Legislative Support Committee). You may reach Leena at (800) 372-2207 Ext. 206 or by email at ld@sghoalaw.com.