The Helena Homeowners Association Alliance is holding a membership drive open to Helena homeowners association board members.

HHAA president and charter member, Andy Hare, said the group is intended to serve as a network for board members to talk, share ideas and discuss legal issues.

“The primary goal of the organization is to provide a regular forum for Helena homeowners association board members to come together to discuss the successes and challenges associated with sustaining and improving the quality of life in our respective neighborhoods,” he said.

Hare, who is the treasurer for the Fieldstone Park homeowners association, said the group’s primary goal right now is to recruit new members.

“The more members we have, the broader knowledge base we have,” he said. “At this point, we’re just basically learning from each other.”

The organization, which started in December 2007, has 15 members. However, with at least 25 Helena neighborhoods that have active homeowners associations, HHAA expects membership to grow.

The group also hopes to change negative perceptions about homeowners associations.

“Some people are under the opinion that homeowners association groups are there to tell you what you’re doing wrong or what you have to do differently,” Hare said. “We want to make it more of a group that promotes communication around the neighborhood, and it really makes people more a part of the homeowners association.”

The most important function of a homeowners association is to help maintain property values within a subdivision, Hare said.

“We don’t look at it like, ‘Here’s a group of people who are here to enforce rules,’” he said. “We’re here to enhance quality of life.”

The next meeting for HHAA is on Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. at Helena United Methodist Church. There are no dues to join.

For more information, e-mail Andy Hare at hare1@vzw.blackberry.net.