Community Associations Institute (CAI) unveiled its Rights and Responsibilities for Better Communities, a series of 42 principles and practices designed to help association-governed communities promote harmony and greater community involvement, enhance communication, build consensus and reduce the potential for conflict.

Outlining the privileges as well as the obligations of association residents and leaders, Rights and Responsibilities, is rooted in two notions: First, common-interest living means striking a reasonable, logical balance between the best interests of individual homeowners and those of the community as a whole. Second, it's the job of everyone in an association - homeowners, non-owner residents, board and committee members, and managers to help strike that balance.

CAI has launched a nationwide campaign urging associations to adopt these common-sense ideas and practices. Orten Hindman also urges associations to adopt these principles following a careful review of the document and implement all principles determined, by the board, to be appropriate for their community. Then put it to use - as a guidepost for residents and leaders, an additional tool for new community members, and a starting point for the kind of dialogue that raises awareness, builds consensus, and promotes involvement. How?

•  Make copies of the Rights and Responsibilities document. (For an easily photocopied, single-page version, visit www.caionline.org/rightsandresponsibilities [ http://www.caionline.org/rightsandresponsibilities ].)

•  Distribute Rights and Responsibilities throughout your community. Annouce and publicize the meeting at which you'll adopt it.

•   Explain why this is important to your community.

•   Solicit input from residents.

•   Have your board vote to adopt a resolution endorsing Rights and Responsibilities.

•   Tell CAI you've adopted Rights and Responsibilities by visiting www.caionline.org/rightsandresponsibilities [ http://www.caionline.org/rightsandresponsibilities ]. After you've submitted your information, CAI will send you a handsome certificate, suitable for framing, to commemorate your initiative.

Rights and Responsibilities for Better Communities was developed as an ideal standard to which communities could aspire, a goal-based statement of principles designed to foster harmonious, vibrant, responsive, and competent community associations. The principles were not designed to be in complete harmony with existing laws and regulations in the 50 states, and in no way are they intended to subsume existing statutes. Where there are inconsistencies, community associations should adhere to the spirit and letter of all applicable laws. If you have a question, consult with your association attorney. Visit www.caionline.org for additional information.