CED's Desk WWW.CAINE.ORG MAINTAINING COMMUNITY W hile this issue offers a number of important articles on maintaining buildings and grounds, communities are not well maintained nor can they be truly successful if they lack volunteers who are informed about industry issues and committed to serve in the best interest of the association and its members. Maintaining community goes beyond brick and mortar and grass and pavement. Identifying prospective community volunteers to serve on committees and boards, supporting and motivating volunteers by providing them with a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, and recognizing as well as publicly acknowledging the time and resources volunteers contribute throughout the year are important "maintenance" considerations. CAI and the New England chapter can help communities understand why people volunteer and how to recruit volunteers to serve on your association board and committees; provide training for volunteer board and committee members at leadership workshops held around the chapter; and offer creative ideas to promote and recognize volunteer contributions on an ongoing basis. On March 24, the chapter will be recognizing the contributions of chapter leaders from around New England at the annual chapter dinner and awards presentations. I hope you will be among the many to applaud their selfless contributions on behalf of readers and members like you. And in your own communities, be sure to take some time and recognize your volunteers during National Volunteer Month in April. The importance of volunteerism cannot be overstated. Sincerely, Claudette Carini Chapter Executive Director 4 CONDOMEDIAhttp://WWW.CAINE.ORG