The rise and fall of civic and neighborhood associations

Our association, the Arrowhead Neighborhood Association (ANA), a volunteer organization, has been in existence since 1999. It was started by myself and another resident within the Arrowhead community. I believe that the group has been successful in many ways throughout the years. We have an executive committee, operating committees (safety, recreation, public works, etc). We provide general membership meetings (spring and fall), we have had communications with many of our township officials and directors of various departments. We have sponsored yard/bake sales, represented the community through planning board issues, provided a National Night Out event for the last 6 years and the list goes on. We have had participation by many members of community whether it was passing out flyers, working on path clean-ups, welcoming new neighbors, etc. All in all, it has been a successful endeavor and will continue onward.

http://www.geocities.com/arrowassoc01

We have seen one aspect, general meetings, that has been a point of contention because of low attendance. In a community with approximately 225 homes, we average ~18 people (including association officers) at our meetings.

I would value some opinions from others involved in such types of organizations as to their meeting attendance and how to increase and/or maintain interest.

Am I correct in assuming that if there is no "catastrophic" events that are ongoing, that the residents are just content with how we are proceeding?

Let us know what you think!!