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Self-governance

All Board Members are elected by peers, rule on policy, and affect change right where they live. While the majority of the Board is required to be composed of Terwilliger Plaza Members, the Board also includes local professionals with particular specialties or business expertise. From committees to councils to the Board itself, there is a wide range of opportunities for our residents to participate and make a difference. Get involved!

Floor Representatives

  • One per floor

  • Regularly scheduled meetings to stay informed

  • Member ideas come here first

Resident Council

  • Consists of the floor representatives

  • Meets once per month

  • Meetings broadcast on in-house TV

  • Agreed-upon issues go directly to the Board

Finance Committee

  • Includes Board Members and other Plaza Members

  • Manages the investment portfolio

  • Monitors the Plaza’s financial activities

Board of Directors

  • Chair and Vice Chair are Members

  • The majority are Plaza Members

  • Everyone gets a vote

  • Meets monthly

  • Determines policy

 
 

Self representation sets Terwilliger Plaza apart

 

Learn about representative self-governance

 

Why is self-governance so important to all of us? You.

Communities set up to benefit everyone over a certain age are either self-governed or resident-run. The vast majority are resident-run, but it’s nice to know the differences.

 

Are all continuing care facilities self-governed?

No. Only a handful of U.S. facilities are self-governed.

What’s the difference between self-governance and resident-run?

Terwilliger Plaza’s self-governance bylaws require that the Board consists of nine to eleven people with a majority being Members who live at Terwilliger Plaza. Other self-governed communities may have different requirements. But with resident-run, there are no by-laws requiring Member participation on the Board.

Who owns and manages Terwilliger Plaza?

Terwilliger Plaza is a stand-alone, independent, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, which means there is no owner. The organization of our community is managed by a local Board of Directors, and the majority of the Board are Terwilliger Plaza Members.

Do I get to vote on all decisions made at Terwilliger Plaza?

Terwilliger Plaza Members are encouraged to vote to elect Board Members; they’re the people who make key policy and financial decisions for the organization.

What about the minutes from the Board meeting?

We are a full-disclosure community and our Board meeting minutes and financials are accessible and available for viewing. This level of transparency is unique.

Is there any other kind of transparency?

Yes. An up-to-date copy of the community’s financial statement is available for review in the community library. Community Members participate in quarterly Town Hall Meetings, and elections coincide with the Annual Meeting.

What topics does the Board address?

From strategic planning to renovations and more, the Board focuses on the governance, and financial management as well as the health and safety of its Members and the community.

What’s the downside of being a self-governed community?

It can be challenging to make difficult or unpopular decisions and then have to answer to your neighbors at the next social gathering. But it’s real life, and a small price to pay for having a voice—and a vote.

 

Meet the Board Members