Why Get Organized?
The best thing that manufactured-home owners can do to help themselves is to get organized!
Many park residents will not be motivated to form any kind of organization unless the wolf is already at the door. However, in every park there are at least a few people who care – residents who are concerned about protection of homeowners’ rights, or who simply want to make the park a better place in which to live. In many cases, a residents’ organization has been successfully started by a small group such as this who meet together and work out ways to promote their group to the rest of the residents. So, the first thing to do: find the People Who Care!
Having an organized group means that no one person is a target. It allows people to pool their skills and interests for the good of all residents. It provides solidarity and People Power!
What kind of group should your residents try to form – a Residents Association, or a GSMOL Chapter? Each type of organization has its advantages over the other type. See the chart below for the differences between the two kinds of organizations.
| GSMOL Chapter | Residents Association | |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Status | Cannot function as legal entity | Can become mutual benefit nonprofit corporation, e.g. for court case or to purchase the park |
| Scope | Local branch of statewide organization | Independent organization |
| Membership | Only GSMOL members. Need at least 15 GSMOL members if 150 or more spaces; or 10% of spaces if fewer than 150. | All park residents eligible. Residents must join the organization if the RA intends to represent them. |
| Support | Backed by statewide GSMOL. Might also join with other Chapters and members to form a citywide or countywide group. | Independent, but might form or join a Coalition of RAs within city or county. |
AND OF COURSE YOU CAN HAVE BOTH, AND SHARE THE SAME OFFICERS!
Whatever kind of organization you form, the important thing is to get organized and stay organized, to be prepared for what’s coming down the road. Worst case scenario, it will be an earthquake or a court case. Best case scenario, it will be a plan for your residents to buy your park. With some help from your nearest GSMOL regional leader, it only takes a few committed residents to get the ball rolling.
