Strata Corporation Committee Spotlight: Welcome Committee
Committees play a key role in the success of all Strata Corporations. Comprised of volunteers, Strata committees support the work of the Council members so they can focus their efforts on fulfilling operational duties and achieving goals.
For most homeowners, the first committee they encounter is the welcome committee. Just as its name suggests, this committee welcomes new Strata residents into a community and ensures they feel comfortable in the neighbourhood. Here’s a complete breakdown of the standard Strata welcome committee.
What’s an Strata Welcome Committee?
In a Strata building, a welcome committee is a dedicated group of volunteers entrusted with giving
new homeowners a warm and hospitable welcome to the community. Their mission revolves around easing the transition process and integrating newcomers seamlessly into the fabric of the community. That involves greeting residents, introducing them to the community,
providing welcome packages, and distributing any other important information needed to
acclimate to their new building.
Strata Welcome Committee Responsibilities
Welcome committee responsibilities include various tasks to build an engaging
environment. It varies by community, but common Stratas’ welcome committee responsibilities include:
- Greeting new residents upon move-in
- Organizing orientation sessions for new residents
- Providing information about Strata bylaws, rules, and amenities
- Introducing new homeowners to the Council members and the strata’s other committees
- Assisting with the creation and distribution of the Strata welcome package
- Assisting with the completion of important forms
- Providing contact information, like that of the management company or local services
- Facilitating introductions and fostering connections among new and existing residents
- Offering support and assistance to homeowners as they navigate their new surroundings
- Soliciting feedback and suggestions to enhance the welcoming process for the future.
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You’ve joined a Strata community, now it’s time to learn all about the lifestyle. Check out our handbook for new Strata Corporation residents for a complete breakdown! |
Who is on the Strata Welcome Committee?
The welcome committee typically consists of three to five passionate volunteers who embody a spirit of hospitality and engagement and any interested council members. No
specific experience is required to join the committee, but volunteers should share a common goal of fostering camaraderie and belonging with newcomers.
What Are the Benefits of a Strata Welcome Committee?
Managed communities offer homeowners an instant sense of togetherness that’s often
fueled by the work of the welcome committee. As a cornerstone of community cohesion,
welcome committees deliver numerous benefits including:
- Cultivating belonging and inclusivity among residents. Welcome committees should always be focused on bringing new homeowners into the fold. Whether it’s inviting new homeowners to a community event or introducing them to council members, volunteers should deliver a welcome that puts people at ease.
- Enhancing community engagement and participation in Strata activities. By immediately introducing new homeowners to the concept of committees and volunteer work in the community, welcome committees encourage participation from new community members once they’re moved in.
- Facilitating smoother integration for new homeowners, reducing feelings of isolation. Without a transition process, integrating yourself into a new community can be a daunting task. The welcome committee should reduce the stress and make joining activities and operations easy.
- Strengthening social bonds and fostering a supportive network among neighbours. Welcome committees also benefit existing homeowners are given a network to connect with one another.
How to Start a Welcome Committee
Initiating your welcome committee requires careful planning and organization. Follow these steps to form an effective welcome committee:
1. Check your governing documents.
Your governing documents will specify the kinds of committees your Strata can start, how to get them approved, and other requirements. Review them carefully and refer to your community manager, member of the council, or Strata attorney for clarification, if needed.
2. Create a charter.
Once you’re approved to start your welcome committee, you’ll need to set expectations and build the framework of the committee in a charter, a written document that establishes the
committee’s foundation. In it, identify the committee’s scope of authority and define its purpose and function. You should also determine:
- Mission statement
- Budget allocations
- How decisions are made.
- How the committee works with the Council
- Leadership and voting structures.
- Term limits
- Committee lifespan
- Meeting regulations
3. Organize the team.
Detail the responsibilities and activities of the welcome committee and its members. Decide how many members the committee needs, land on an organizational structure, write job
descriptions, and recruit volunteers.
4. Get to work!
With the welcome committee now formally in place, you can get to work. Set projects and
timelines, have meetings, assign tasks, and remember to have fun! Your enjoyment in
creating a warm welcome should make homeowners feel especially comfortable in their new environment.
Strata Welcome Committee Ideas
Injecting creativity and enthusiasm into welcome committee activities can elevate the
experience for new residents. Here are a few welcome committee ideas to help keep things fresh:
- Meet the team right (management company, council members, committee members)
- Educational Sessions
- Welcome Packages walkthrough
- Welcome party
- Services/local business meet and greet
What Are the Other Strata Committees?
Welcome committees aren’t the only committees that can boost the quality of living and resident satisfaction. Other popular Strata Committees include:
- Budget Committee
- Architectural Review Committee
- Social Committee
- Landscape Committee
- Education Committee
- Neighbourhood Watch Committee
- Contract Review Committee
Preparing Your Welcome Package
By being part of a welcome committee, Strata volunteers lay the foundation for lasting connections and vibrant community. A tool that facilitates the work of a committee, a welcome package is a comprehensive guide for the first time strata homeowners. It includes all the information, resources and tips needed to ease new residents into community living.