Effective boards utilize committees to help shoulder the burden of association operations. Oregon law allows the board of directors to create committees for any proper purpose:

(1) Unless the articles or bylaws provide otherwise, a board of directors may create one or more committees of the board of directors which exercise the authority of the board of directors and appoint members of the board to serve on them or designate the method of selecting committee members. (ORS 65.354)

Washington law contains a similar statute authorizing the use of committees. (RCW 24.03.115)

Here are 10 tips for putting committees to use:

1. Write and adopt a policy or resolution describing the purpose and duties of the committee.

2. State the committee’s objectives in clear, measurable terms.

3. Remember that committees make recommendations. The board of directors makes decisions based on the recommendations.

4. Communicate! Typically, the head of the committee offers a report at regularly scheduled board meetings. Between meetings, check in on progress.

5. If board members serve on the same committee, makes sure it’s not a majority of the board. Otherwise, you may violate open meeting requirements.

6. If there are no board members on the committee, consider appointing a board liaison.

7. If members of the association have particular skills, seek them out. If a member has expertise in newsletters or marketing, appoint that member to a communications committee. If a member has experience with landscaping, put the member on the landscape committee.

8. Always be grateful toward committee members and make sure they feel appreciated.

9. Be certain committee members are aware of governing document provisions or other association policies which may impact the committee’s work and objectives.

10. Provide resources to committees when needed. This includes records, previous committee reports, space to hold meetings, and access to 3rd party professionals.