HOUSTON, Texas – You’ve probably heard of civic clubs or associations if you’re a homeowner. If not, it’s probably a term you should familiarize yourself with.
What is a civic club?
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A civic club or association is a group whose primary goal is to improve neighborhoods through its members’ volunteer work. These organizations operate countywide, with many forming regionally. Individuals interested in participating can join voluntarily to engage in various activities, ranging from social events to political activism. Civic groups play a crucial role in giving communities a collective voice on important issues. Their leaders communicate with government officials and the media to influence decisions and policies. Government officials often consider the perspectives of civic group leaders as a reflection of public sentiment.
The goal of a civil group is to express the desires of the neighborhood, organize a to-do list, and then work to implement those projects in the neighborhood.
How is a civic club different from a Homeowner Association?
Homeowner associations are usually run by a board of directors who are resident homeowners elected by the community.
HOAs are governed by a set of bylaws that homeowners who live in the community follow. Depending on your neighborhood and the type of HOA you live in, you have control over what goes on inside your home, but the HOAD governs the exterior maintenance and changes.
There are different types of HOAs, which is the category a civic club will fall under. HOAs possess the legal authority to create guidelines, rules, and regulations, whereas civic associations do not, as they are formed voluntarily. This legal status also impacts the size of the HOA. Due to their legally recorded nature, the size of the community remains constant, with members unable to join or leave at will. In contrast, civic associations, established voluntarily and without legal powers, do not have a fixed size. Members of civic associations can freely join or leave at their discretion.
How to find out if your neighborhood has a civic club?
If you’re in the Houston area, you can visit the City of Houston website and check the Civic Club directory, which will give you a list of neighborhood associations, the officer, contact email, website (if there is one), meeting into, and meeting address. If you’re not in the city of Houston, check your city or county’s website for more information.
How to create a civic club in your neighborhood?
To create a civic club, you will first need to gather residents in your neighborhood who are willing to volunteer their time. Then, you will plan your first meeting, collect contact information on those who attend; create an organization file; Define geographical boundaries, if they apply; Select an organization name; Appoint a temporary chairperson and set a meeting to elect permanent officers; Decide an organization postal address or electronic mail address; Determine neighborhood needs that will be addressed by your organization. Then, Prepare Articles of Incorporation to obtain a Charter from the state of Texas; Prepare, adopt and maintain by-laws; Apply for a state franchise tax exemption; Apply for exemption from taxation with the Internal Revenue Service.