Every year in May the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association holds its annual general membership meeting. This meeting is a little different than the average meeting because neighbors vote for the SNA Board of Directors.
Any member of the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association can run for a board position and vote for board members. A “member” for this purpose is anyone 18+ in age who is either a legal resident of Sunnyside, owners of real property in Sunnyside, or one designated representative of a business, school, non-profit, or church in Sunnyside. Eligibility for membership is established by presentment of a drivers license or other state issued ID, voter registration, or utility or tax bill to establish residency. Representatives of organizations in Sunnyside may present a letter of designation as representative.
Each year we elect board members to two year terms. Board members are expected to stay informed of board businesses and attend the monthly SNA meetings. Additional duties vary but include chairing various committees (eg: Land Use and Transportation, Crime Prevention and Livability, Emergency Preparedness), coordinating or volunteering at neighborhood events (eg: Belmont Street Fair, Neighborhood Cleanup, Sunflower Painting), and assisting in the production and distribution of the neighborhood newsletter. Board members can expect to spend 8-10 hours a month, outside of meetings, on neighborhood activities.
Serving on the neighborhood association board can be rewarding and very educational. You will be among the first to know when things are changing in the neighborhood. You may become an expert in zoning and landscaping laws (which can be quite useful when purchasing a home). While it can be frustrating at times, generally you will receive thanks and appreciation from your neighbors for your service.
To run for the board, you simply need to show up to the election and self-nominate yourself. If you would like to post a personal statement and bio on this site (or just indicate your intention) email board (at) sunnysideportland.org. To vote, you must show up in person at the election meeting with one of the documents listed above.