Guest post by Cyndy “C.T.” Trivella, NAS Recruitment
Communications
I’ve seen some updates lately on Twitter that made me stop
and take pause. The updates to which I’m referring were targeted at SHRM, and
more specifically some of the pricing around the national conference being held
in San Diego
this year. It appears that SHRM is charging a fee similar to a concierge fee to
anyone needing a guide during the event. I’m not sure I see the point of this,
but it’s interesting. Some of the Twitter comments were harsh, but hey, we’re
all adults and we should be able to withstand a few hits. Of course the stream
of consciousness kicked in and brought me to thinking about SHRM, but in a
different way than the Twitter comments.
I, along with a few hundred people from across the country,
am a participant in a three-year initiative with SHRM to update, enhance,
re-evaluate, and recommend changes to the current HR Standards currently
advised by the Society of Human Resource Management. This is a big effort, and
one that requires diligent dedication, unwavering participation and a sincere
interest in the field of human resources. I admire and respect the effort that
key individuals at SHRM in D.C. are putting forth to make this initiative a
success. It’s a monumental task just to coordinate our meeting times, which
require a minimum number of people to make quorum. Nevertheless, our committee leader from SHRM
always seems to get it done.
It is an honor to be a part of this group and to serve on
one of the many committees (mine is the HR Standards Workforce Planning
Taskforce) which were formed last year. I am proud to be in the company
of some very impressive HR practitioners who are not afraid to defend a
position or state an opinion, even if they come up against opposition. And, by
the way, there are some very notable names involved in these committees. I
should also mention that our meetings are held during “standard” working hours,
so our employers are also supporting the initiative by providing us the time
for our involvement. It really is a team effort.
So what’s my point? SHRM gives us a backbone of knowledge to
forge ahead in our field. It serves as the Oracle for all that is HR and serves
as a point of reference that helps give our field credibility.
I have been in the field of human resources, in some
capacity, for over 17 years and have seen a lot of changes. Still, it “feels” different this year. Maybe
that’s because the past few years have dealt us an economic blow that has made
us re-think things. I’m not sure, and
won’t pontificate on that, but the one thing I am seeing more and more is this:
Human Resources is getting a seat at the table… and that’s a very new, but very
good, thing.
So for my soapbox… to those HR professionals who are members
of their local chapter, but not a member of the national chapter: you need to be a member of both to get the
most benefit. To those students majoring in human resources: join your local student SHRM chapter. You’ll advance your HR knowledge and
networking opportunities by doing so. If you don’t have a local student group,
start one. To anyone who has not attained a PHR, SPHR or GPHR, please consider
it. The rules on eligibility are
changing next year, and it will be increasingly difficult to qualify.
There is so much to be gained by being actively involved
with SHRM. My fervent hope is that all human resource professionals, regardless
of discipline, will remain, renew or elect to become both local and national
members in the pursuit of personal development and professional excellence.
About Cyndy
Cyndy is the Director of Business Development in Kansas City for NAS Recruitment
Communications and a Director on the Board for SHRM of Greater Kansas City.
Cyndy began her career in Human Resource Communications on Madison Avenue in New York City over 12
years ago. Prior to that, she worked in corporate human resources as a
recruiter and as a training and development coordinator.
