Human Resources Organizations

Human Resources organizations provide educational and networking opportunities for HR professionals
By Kelly Shetsky, Anchor/Reporter Professional organizations for Human Resources help you grow as an HR representative. You have the opportunity to network with others in your field, gain new skills, grow as a professional and learn more about HR issues. You'll succeed in your professional and personal lives because you have access to comprehensive resources.
 

HR associations link professionals to information in human resource focus areas such as consulting, outsourcing, technology, diversity, staffing management, business leadership, workplace law, measurement, employee relationships, benefits and compensation, safety and security. When looking at Human Resources associations:

1. Review the history and ethics of Human Resources organizations before making an informed decision.

2. Expect to pay dues to belong to a Human Resources association.

3. Take advantage of organization benefits to learn and grow as a HR professional.

Choose Human Resources professional organizations that fit your career path and focus

Human Resources professional associations range from national groups to local chapters. The purpose is to promote ethical HR management practices, facilitate the development of the profession and establish industry standards.
Try: Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world's largest professional Human Resources association devoted to management of human resources, with close to 600 affiliate chapters throughout the US. SHRM's website allows you to sign up for upcoming conferences and look at past conferences. National Human Resources Association (NHRA) supports HR professionals with programs and services around the country. The NHRA supports you from intern level to executive. Sign up for affiliate events online, such as a conference on maximizing the impact of employee development.

Pay an annual fee to join your peers in HR associations

Human Resources professional organizations charge a range of fees to become a member. The criteria to join HR organizations is relatively loose--you can become a member at any stage in your career, such as partner, Vice President of HR, President, Personnel Assistant, Director of HR, Supervisor, HR Generalist, Specialist or Representative.
Try: Join Cleveland Society for Human Resource Management (CSHRM) for a fee up to $200, depending on membership level. Northern California Human Resources Association's (NCHRA) goal is to advance the HR profession and build a strong community of members. NCHRA's annual membership fee activates a web account so members have access to all services. Receive a price break if you sign up for more than a year at a time. Sign up with Human Resources Association of New York (HRNY) and access a number of benefits for a minimal yearly fee.

Expect the benefits of HR professional organizations to be both professional and personal

HR organizations offer you the chance to build a network with diverse HR professionals. You'll exchange thoughts, ideas, experiences and information as you grow as an HR professional. Tangible benefits include the ability to attend workshops, seminars and conferences.
Try: Non-profit HR professional associations such as The Human Resource Planning Society (HRPS) represent a balanced membership of small firms, global HR consulting firms and prominent researchers. Join HRPS at the individual or enterprise level. Membership includes forums, workshops, conferences and teleconferences. The Northeast Human Resources Association (NEHRA) has 3,500 HR professional members. Membership benefits include meetings, conferences and publications. Select the workshops you're interested in on the membership form. Join Colorado Human Resource Association (CHRA) to access to monthly programs, the job center, leadership opportunities and professional development groups.

• Take advantage of associations for human resources by attending workshops regularly to network.