When I am not at SHRM working with our members to marshal our grassroots resources, once a month I meet with my classmates at the University of Virginia's (UVA) Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership. The Sorenson Institute's purpose is to improve political leadership in Virginia and embody the vision of UVA founder Thomas Jefferson. Given that this article's topic is "Advocacy and You -- A Little Goes a Long Way," I thought it fitting to share a quote from Jefferson, who aptly noted over 200 years ago that, "America is not governed by the majority, but by the majority of those who participate." That statement rings true today, especially in regard to volunteer leaders who participate and contribute to the advancement of the HR profession -- volunteers like you.
As a volunteer leader and HR expert, you play a crucial role in providing a real-world perspective on how public policy impacts both employers and employees. This hard work has more than paid off this year with over 49,000 letters communicated to state and federal legislators on HR issues using HRVoice. It has been a tremendous time for member advocacy and, looking ahead, we are well on our way to another groundbreaking year. With the letter writing well underway, it's time to maximize efforts and engage elected officials in a more direct fashion -- relationship building.
A relationship is defined as "a connection, association or involvement," and, in this instance, you're building a lasting channel of communication with your legislator and his or her staff. You essentially become a resource, expert and trusted HR authority. Simply stated, relationship building is the most powerful instrument you have in your member advocacy toolbox.
What You Can Do
As a leader, you might be asking yourself, "what can I do?" Well, it's the perfect time to reach out to your elected officials, especially with the U.S. Congress now in its August recess and federal legislators at home in their districts. As a SHRM leader, you are well aware that relationship building is the cornerstone of effective member advocacy and a great way to bring about change. The relationships you build are not only effective for your organization but are also mutually beneficial to both the HR profession and the legislator with whom the bond has been fostered.
The relationship building process does not have to be difficult and can be as easy as hosting a Day Inside the District (DITD) or Day Inside the Beltway (DITB), inviting a state or federal representative to your chapter and state events, or attending town hall meetings. These activities are the ideal forum for you and fellow HR professionals to share your expertise and ultimately advance the HR profession!
Tools of the Trade
As a Core Leader, you have access to a variety of resources to aid in conducting a successful DITD. The SHRM Governmental Affairs (GA) staff is happy to announce a new service titled "Town Hall Meet Up," which will assist you in determining when your federal legislators are holding town hall events and is available upon request. In addition, the GA staff recently produced a webcast presentation now available in the Volunteer Leader Webcast Information and Archives area called "The Blueprint for Success: Rhode Island Day Inside the District" (PPT Only or Webcast with Sound). This informative presentation provides a step-by-step tutorial that all SHRM leaders can successfully apply in their respective state efforts.
HR professionals are the experts that your state and federal policymakers need to hear from and rely upon. So, it is incumbent upon us all to stay educated and inform others. In using the many GA publications such as the HR Issues Update, the HR Congressional Monitor and Washington, DC & State Insider, you are directly helping and impacting policy makers to formulate the most well-informed decisions.
As you can see, relationship building isn't as hard as it may seem. When equipped with SHRM resources, it is a rather easy undertaking.
Let the Results Speak for Themselves
This year alone, SHRM membership levels have grown from 210,000 members to 225,000 members and counting. Letter writing is at an all-time high and HR professionals across the country are weighing in on the issues integral to the profession. With every new HR professional who joins SHRM's 225,000-plus members, so too grows our united voice in impacting our state and federal policy makers. As a result, I thank you for all that you do and I encourage you to keep up the great work!
Remember the GA team is only a call or e-mail away, so if you ever have any questions regarding the SHRM Member Advocacy Program or want to know how you can take a greater role in the process, please feel free to contact Bob Carragher, Kathleen Coulombe or Bernard Coleman.
I will leave you with these parting words by an English statesman famous for his oratory, political analysis and strong support for the American Revolution, Edmund Burke, "In all forms of government the people is the true legislator."
Truer words were never spoken.
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