September was a very busy month for REHL and quite encouraging. I usually try to get at least one blog post out per month along with the monthly newsletter, but between the academic semester heading swiftly into mid-terms and some more pressing priorities with REHL, the month just slipped away.
I am, however, very happy to share that there was incredibly encouraging action on the part of Georgia legislators this month. On Sept. 24, there was a special meeting held by the Senate Rules Sub-Committee on Homeowners Associations at the capitol. I was deeply honored to have been an invited speaker at the meeting. As always, one hopes in such situations that they are able to address all of the most important points that need to be presented without getting bogged down in details or veering into a long-winded complaint session. I feel, however, that my address did strike that balance for the most part; although, every writer can pick at their work forever and never be truly satisfied, I have learned how to step back and realize when something has accomplished its purpose.
You will see on the REHL website that I’ve added a new page with the recording of the meeting as well as press coverage and any related materials. I do plan to post the written version of my address as well. For the past week, any time I have for advocacy has been updating the website and adding to it and also reaching out to legislators and fellow presenters at the meeting to reinforce the importance of what is happening and to make connections. I am currently in the process of re-viewing the recording to extract quotes and to note the times of highlights so that others can find that material more easily. It will also give a good outline of the meeting so that its structure will be determinable as well.
My next blog will likely be reflections on that meeting. I have found that I often say that the stories I constantly hear are always shocking, but they are never surprising. Over and over and over I hear the same themes of abuse and flat-out evil behavior from people who are supposed to be our neighbors and fellow citizens—or at least civilized human beings. How they can justify their actions is beyond me, even after the work I have done on Lecture Three on the psychology of assHOAles and the power-driven personality type. I do plan to tackle the upheaval in Florida in another blog post, which to give you a taste, I feel that rather than a disaster created by legislation, it is a disaster created by the HOA industry itself. The decades of abuse and neglect were a powder keg just waiting for the spark of accountability to blow the whole thing wide open. And so it has.
This month, I added a page to my website with a collection of media coverage and other materials on that subject if you want a one-stop shop for that information. Feel free to send me links to what I’ve missed, and I’ll post it.
On other fronts, the rally at the capitol steps in Denver happened, and it was an empowering event for all those involved. I cannot say enough how much I admire the work of Wendy Vernon-Dzaman, Holly Crystal, and all the others who made it happen. The best part is that it gave everyone momentum, so rather than the rally be the end point, it’s just another beginning for the next one and for more action. Way to go, Colorado!
I was also able to record and post the first of the lectures, Lecture Four, so that viewers can watch at their convenience and also pause or rewind, if needed. I do plan to continue live presentations, and as I’ve always said, I’m glad to present to you or your group. I don’t charge homeowners for my work, so all you need to do is reach out via my contact page to make the arrangements. I do hope to get the others posted in the next few months. This will also allow me to branch into workshops and other informational sessions when I do have live presentations.
I am moving forward with research and am currently developing a survey which I will open to the public, but I also plan to invite specific neighborhoods to complete it. This will allow me to acquire data on specific groups to see what the overall numbers are with regard to how many in an area, county, or state are problematic and which ones are healthy. It will also allow me to compile the data to share with those neighborhoods. Information is empowering, and I hope that it gives those residents who are being abused the courage and ability to say, “Enough!” And for those that have healthy associations, to be proud of it and to take actions to protect it.
REHL is steadily growing, which is deeply encouraging. It lets me know that yes, there is a problem, and yes, people are in real distress and need help. I’m not sure how much I can do, but I want to do anything I can to help. No one deserves to live like this.
Before I do fall into a blog, I will end with a note of confidence and encouragement. The wheels of actual law and legislation turn slowly, but when they do turn, it is definitely. I know it can be frustrating when you’re suffering now, but this is like treating a cancer. You can’t just take a pill and get over it in a few days. You must hammer at it again and again and again. And the treatment can be just as torturous as the disease. It is an absolute battle, but if you keep going, keep doing small things every day, if you put self-care first, time accumulates, and you will see healing. Legislation is the surgical procedure to remove the tumor. But to schedule the surgery, you need to tell the “doctors” that there is a problem. The doctors being your legislators. Keep writing, friends. If you need help with letters, information, or anything, please reach out.
I was recently told by a legislator that if ten people contact them with regard to an issue that it’s the equivalent of the signal for a five-alarm fire. We need to let them know about the hellacious inferno we’re suffering in!
My heart goes out to all of you who were affected by Hurricane Helene. I have been through a number of storms, and they are horrific. I wish you comfort and quick recovery.
Keep the faith, my friends. Together, we can fix this!
All the best,
Amanda
