Why to Belong to a Chapter and Why Volunteer

It is important to understand that AHRMA is almost entirely run by volunteers - the only paid position is the association management company, led by Ms. Dena Culpepper, who oversees the payments, receipts, taxes, and so much more.

I joined the Austin HR Management Association approximately 12 years ago because I felt like I was constantly trying to recreate the wheel. Surely I was not the first HR professional to hold difficult conversations with employees/managers, or develop and implement an effective performance management system. I joined AHRMA because I hoped to learn from my HR colleagues who had already been there and done that (and more). I gained much more than I could have anticipated.

At first, I attended the monthly meetings a few times each year, but my learning and growth didn’t really begin until I started volunteering. My first volunteer role was as a "One-Shot" annual conference volunteer, where I provided speaker introductions and assisted at the registration table. As an introvert, this was a small stretch for me, but I managed, and actually enjoyed the experience. Soon after, I joined AHRMA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and my networking and project management skills took flight - I had no idea how much thought, planning, and volunteer help goes into monthly meetings like "Diversity Day!" Serving on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, I learned about diversity and inclusion, public speaking, project management, networking, logistics, session curriculum, securing speakers/presenters, and formed many friendships that are active many years later.

After two years on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, I humbly accepted the nomination to serve as President-Elect, President, and Immediate Past President. Serving in these Board-level volunteer positions, I had to think more about membership and the value the AHRMA Board and I endeavored to provide in the way of educational programs, events, toolkits, resources, and opportunities. I learned more about servant leadership, public speaking and presenting, technology (website migrations - yes, plural), recruiting volunteers, curriculum design (Stepping Stones), staying on top of HR trends/pressing issues and providing relevant and timely educational programs (presentations, articles, resources, etc.). All of these experiences benefited me professionally, as well as my employer.

Someone once said "you get out of it what you put into it." I would have to agree. I would never have developed the friendships or learned many of these skills had I not volunteered. Serving the various positions on the AHRMA Board has been the toughest jobs I have ever loved, and I wouldn’t trade most of the experiences for anything. I only hope that other AHRMA members and volunteers and the HR community have benefited from our efforts, and will consider sharing their strengths to help others in the HR profession.

A life is not truly extinguished until all lives that were touched by it have ended too. How long will you live on?

Lori Rohre, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
AHRMA President 2012