Life as a new GRF director-It is consuming and life changing

GRF DIRECTOR'S COLUMN

by Linda Herman

GRF Director

It won’t be long and it will be election time again in Leisure World (in the odd-numbered Mutuals for GRF).

This seems like the time to talk about being a new GRF Board director. My two-year term began in June. I had not served on a Mutual Board, but I had been attending both committee meetings and board meetings.

I had done a lot of research by studying agendas, financials, rules, policies, etc., so I had a good idea of how GRF operated.

The best word I can find to describe being a director is consuming.

This is not bad. Here is a definition: It fills one’s mind and attention.

However, I still play music and golf. I still have a life. To do the job you have to be willing to put in the time. There is a lot of paperwork, and many meetings.

The last-minute meetings have surprised me. I’m a structured person with a structured life, and it can be difficult to juggle my time. I am managing.

Being a director can be fascinating, confusing, intimidating and frustrating, but it is an important job.

From day one I felt a deep sense of responsibility. I felt a few directors were in disbelief that I was elected. I needed to tread lightly. I did not go in with guns blazing but with an open mind willing to listen and learn all I could.

The GRF is committeegoverned, meaning things are discussed in a committee and then sent on to the full board. It is important to attend all committee meetings or watch on live stream at your convenience, so you are prepared at the board meeting. Again, consuming. Each director serves on a couple of committees.

This experience is life changing.

Yes, I have had many sleepless nights. It can be frustrating. It is difficult to have an 18-member board.

I am starting to feel a little more comfortable asking questions. My strength is researching. Each director brings something different to the table. I feel a bond with my fellow directors. However, there is still a feeling of uncertainty from some regarding us “newbies,” but overall relationships are respectful. No sugar coating, it is a job one needs to take seriously.

Do not expect to change the world. Progress is slow. You are one vote. I cannot emphasize enough how important this is. This is our home. I never imagined myself as a director but something compelled me to do this. I have no regrets. I will say I have never worked so hard in my life. It is a full-time job.

Now is the time for people in odd-numbered Mutuals to consider running for the GRF Board. I encourage you to run. You can make a difference.