OSTA often hears stories of tension between tenants in the same park or even within the same committee. While this can feel distressing, there is hope—and even a potential benefit—to what may look like a “divided house.”
On the surface, infighting can stem from many sources:
  • Power struggles
  • Ideological differences
  • Conflicting goals
  • Disagreement on how to take action
  • Long‑time residents vs. newcomers
  • And more…
But beneath all of that lies a simple truth: whenever groups of people gather, opposing factions naturally form. It’s part of human nature, not a sign that your community is broken.
Our own government is built on this reality. Republicans and Democrats often appear locked in endless conflict, yet behind the scenes they work toward a shared purpose—crafting laws that are fair, balanced, and beneficial to as many people as possible. It’s difficult work, but year after year they manage it through respectful rules, structured deliberation, and careful consideration of evidence and testimony.
Every law passed in our nation and our state is the result of two opposing sides finding enough common ground to move forward. Imagine the alternative: a single party making unilateral decisions. Many voices would be ignored, and many needs overlooked.
Opposition, when handled well, is not a threat—it’s a safeguard. It forces dialogue, balance, and accountability. It ensures that no one group dominates at the expense of another.
How Your Park Can Turn Division Into Progress
Here are 5 practical steps your association or committee can take to create peace within disagreement:
  1. Accept the reality of two sides. Opposition is normal, healthy, and inevitable.
  1. Clarify what your “party” stands for. Have each member list their values and non‑negotiables, then define them together as a group.
  1. Identify one shared goal. Ideally, this is improving the lives of residents. It may also be ensuring lawful management or guaranteeing no resident faces injustice alone.
  1. Establish firm rules of conduct. Robert’s Rules of Order is an excellent foundation. Disagreement should never devolve into disrespect or hostility.
  1. Agree to disagree. Total consensus is rare. When discussion is exhausted, take a vote, accept the outcome, and move forward.
Division doesn’t have to be destructive. With structure, respect, and a shared mission, two sides can become the engine that drives your community toward fairness, stability, and real progress.