Benefits of Volunteering

Thank you for your interest in becoming involved in your local SHRM chapter. Each Board position has a specific position description. However, here are some general requirements that should be considered before deciding to run for office.

• Be an active Board member. This includes attending chapter meetings and board meetings. It also includes being prepared for Board meetings, asking critical questions, and helping the Board come to agreement in making decisions that affect chapter membership.
• Know or build your knowledge about your chapter, SHRM, and its governing bylaws. Learn about SHRM and its role with your chapter. The SHRM Leaders Guide is available online in the Volunteer Leaders’ Resource Center (VLRC) to assist you.
• Stay informed of trends in the field of human resources and timely issues affecting your chapter.
• Abstain from activities that may appear to create a conflict of interest. Follow the SHRM Code of Ethical and Professional Standards in Human Resource Management.
• Be willing to provide contacts and resources to help your chapter grow and develop as an organization.
• Maintain confidentiality, as appropriate, of chapter Board issues and membership data.
• Be a chapter member in good standing. SHRM membership is not required (except for chapter presidents), but is strongly encouraged.

Some benefits of becoming a chapter Board member include:

• The chance to make an impact and assist in the development of your chapter and the HR profession.
• An opportunity to be recognized as a leader in the field of human resources.
• Hours spent as a volunteer leader can be counted toward re-certification hours for HRCI.
• An SHRM volunteer leader in one of the following chapter volunteer leadership roles is eligible to take the certification exam under the Pay-if-You-Pass policy for a fee of $120:
• Chapter Presidents
• Chapter President-Elects
• Chapter Certification Chair/Director
• Faculty Advisors to Student Chapters

Please direct any questions concerning the Pay-If-You-Pass policy to HRCI at 1-800-283-7476.

• The opportunity to attend SHRM’s Annual Leadership Conference in November. Conference is FREE for Chapter President OR President-Elect. The conference registration fee for other chapter board members is only $200. Accommodations are FREE if you meet the requirements above.

If you have any questions regarding this information or you would like to get more information about a specific board position, please contact your chapter president.

Thanks again for considering the donation of your time and effort to assist your chapter become the best that it can be. We congratulate you on your interest in serving your chapter and your profession.