Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is SHRM?

SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) is the world’s largest professional association devoted to human resource management. SHRM's mission is to serve the needs of HR professionals by providing the most current and comprehensive resources, and to advance the profession by promoting HR’s essential, strategic role. SHRM was founded in 1948, they represent more than 285,000 individual members in over 165 countries, and their network includes more than 575 affiliated chapters in the United States and subsidiary offices in China, India and United Arab Emirates. www.shrm.org

Q: What is the relationship between VSHRM and SHRM?

While affiliated with SHRM, our chapter operates independently to provide a wide variety of professional development and networking opportunities for area HR professionals. Our Chapter's diverse membership represents large and small corporations and organizations in the area, ranges in experience from entry level to senior level individuals.  All SHRM chapter policies, practices, activities and actions are free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Membership in SHRM is separate from our chapter. While membership in national SHRM is highly recommended, it is not required to join our chapter. SHRM is the leading voice of the human resource profession. SHRM membership benefits are abundant and include subscriptions to several publications, access to the SHRM Information Center and the Legislative Hotline, just to name a few. For further information regarding SHRM membership, visit the SHRM website, www.shrm.org.

Q:  What is the SHRM Foundation?

The SHRM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable, not-for-profit organization that operates as the research and development arm of the HR profession.  It advances the profession and enhances the knowledge and competency of HR professionals through its funding of research, publications and educational programs. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors from the HR profession. It includes academics, practitioners and representatives from the Society for Human Resource Management.

The Foundation is supported by tax deductible contributions from individuals, companies and organizations. The Foundation funds major research projects that have a direct and practical impact in advancing the profession. It also funds practical publications on specific issues (such as Issues on Employee Leave). And supports scholarships, SHRM chapter educational matching grants and other educational initiatives.

For more information on the Foundation, please see www.shrm.org/foundation.

Q: Who can join SHRM?

Individuals who have responsibility for performing a variety of human resource functions such as: human resource administration, employee and labor relations, benefits, compensation, training and development, safety and environment, recruitment, and employment and students pursuing a degree in human resources and are a member of their college or university's student SHRM.

Q: How do I join SHRM?

SHRM annual dues are on an anniversary basis and it costs $185 for an annual membership with NO maximum amount for additional company associates.  Additional information is available at www.shrm.org.

Q: How do I join VSHRM?

You may contact our membership chair by emailing membership@vshrm.org, or submit a registration request through our Membership Form link on our website.

Q: How does one join the Board?

To join the board, please contact one of the board members and make your interest known to them.  If a position is available, the Board will recommend your name to membership. Elections for open positions take place annually at our June monthly meeting.

Q: What do you do at VSHRM membership meetings?

VSHRM meets the second Tuesday every month from September through June. Check the "Meetings" page for meeting times, locations and meeting topics.

Following a delicious meal, which allows attendees to network with other HR professionals, we have a brief update from the President on chapter business.  We then devote a minimum of one hour to a speaker regarding a designated topic relevant to the human resource profession.

Each speaker and topic is picked based upon the membership survey, which is conducted each May. Meetings usually last approximately one and one-half hours.  Most meetings qualify for PHR/SPHR recertification credit through HRCI.