How to help your community: A guide to community volunteerism

What is community volunteerism?

In South Carolina, community volunteerism often includes helping neighbors, assisting local nonprofits, or improving shared spaces such as parks and clubhouses. These efforts can take place through organized programs or simply by showing up when help is needed.

Community volunteerism is not limited to large-scale initiatives. It can be as simple as delivering groceries to a senior resident or picking up litter during a morning walk. The key is consistent, willing participation in ways that directly or indirectly improve the quality of life for others. As a concept, community volunteerism centers on building relationships, encouraging local pride, and offering support where resources may be limited.

This article is not intended to and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Board members should consult their association’s attorney to discuss the legal implications of their decisions or actions prior to proceeding.
 

Types of community volunteerism

There are several types of community volunteerism available in South Carolina, each offering different ideas for how to help your community:

• Direct service volunteerism involves working face-to-face with others in need. This might include distributing food at a pantry, mentoring youth, or organizing events in a community clubhouse. These roles allow volunteers to see the immediate impact of their contributions.
   
• Indirect service volunteerism includes behind-the-scenes work like managing a neighborhood newsletter, updating the community website, or preparing financial summaries for a board. These everyday tasks can be great examples of how to help your community by keeping it running smoothly.
   
• Advocacy-based volunteerism includes raising awareness for causes such as environmental conservation, accessibility for residents with disabilities, or neighborhood safety. In South Carolina, volunteers might speak at homeowners association (HOA) meetings or organize letter-writing campaigns to local representatives.
   
• Skills-based volunteerism refers to the donation of professional expertise. A retired electrician might help inspect lighting for shared facilities, or a bookkeeper might assist with dues reconciliation. This type of community volunteerism can bring unique value to homeowners associations and neighborhoods.
   
• Event-based community volunteerism can be a great entry point for residents. Helping out at a spring clean-up day, holiday decorating committee, or pool reopening event allows people to contribute in short, defined timeframes.

How to get residents to volunteer

Regardless of your community’s size or location, every association board and committee needs resident volunteers. It can be challenging, however, to get enough homeowners to participate.

What stops homeowners from joining the board or volunteer committees? Some of the most common culprits are a lack of time or not feeling like their participation will truly make a difference. While those concerns are real, there are practical ways to inspire involvement and show residents that their time and effort can truly matter.

1. Communicate often.

   Are your homeowners receiving the right information? Homeowners should have all the information they need to get involved, including when and how to help your community. You can improve communication with residents by being persistent and using different methods to reach them. One example is to create a community newsletter to highlight important information and then distribute it among your residents. Asking for homeowner feedback and suggestions can also inspire them to take action. The goal is to communicate frequently and openly with residents. Your community association management company can prove invaluable in setting up communication processes for your residents.
    

2. Praise them.

   Though volunteers are motivated to give their time because they feel strongly about a cause or their community, it’s not all about being selfless. Volunteers appreciate recognition for the time and effort they are putting in. Provide praise during meetings, in your newsletters, and wherever you find an opportunity to do so. This will keep volunteers engaged and happy while working to advance your community’s goals.
    

3. Make it personal.

   Homeowners are more likely to help if they have camaraderie with other volunteers. Encourage this by holding special events that will bring people together like community clean-ups, pool parties, ice cream socials, and potluck meals to create a sense of engagement with the board and community as a whole. Your community association management company can help you think of new ways to bring people closer and create a true sense of community.
    

4. Make it valuable.

   Volunteers are giving you their time, one of the most valuable assets they have. Put it to good use by assigning tasks that have real value. No one likes to feel like they are wasting their time, so volunteers should have clear roles and a defined set of tasks to complete. Timelines and budgets should also be reasonable and realistic. If you need assistance figuring out how to help your community, your association management company should have insights from their experience putting these kinds of events together.
    

5. Be a cheerleader.

   If you are a leader on your board or with a volunteer committee, consider yourself the cheerleader of the group. Motivate others through your words and actions and create a team environment by focusing on the good of the community. You’ll find that keeping spirits high will help volunteers stay involved for a long time to come.

Benefits of community volunteerism

Community volunteerism benefits both the individual and the community as a whole. For individuals, it builds confidence, provides a sense of purpose, and creates opportunities to learn new skills. Volunteers may also build new friendships or deepen existing connections.

For communities, especially HOA-managed ones in South Carolina, the benefits of community volunteerism include better upkeep of shared spaces, stronger compliance with guidelines, and potentially reduced operating costs when tasks are handled in-house.

Volunteer efforts also increase trust in board leadership. When residents see that the board values input and relies on community volunteerism to solve shared challenges, they may become more likely to support policies and initiatives.
 

Where to find community volunteerism opportunities

Board members can find community volunteerism opportunities by partnering with local organizations, or by exploring platforms like VolunteerMatch or United Way which offer practical ideas for how to help your community. Your HOA management company may also provide tools or newsletters to help coordinate volunteer efforts internally. If no formal system exists, consider creating a simple interest form or calendar of upcoming needs. This can make it easier for residents to raise their hand and help the community in meaningful, manageable ways.

If your board is looking for expert guidance on navigating operational challenges, improving resident engagement, or streamlining community initiatives, we’re here to help. With the right support and tools, you can focus on what matters most. Contact FirstService Residential today to learn more.