GENERAL BOARD MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES &

BENEFITS OF BEING A VOLUNTEER

Thank you for your interest in becoming involved in your local SHRM chapter.  Each Board position has a specific position description (listed below.)  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.  An SHRM Leadership Guide will be provided to all Board members to assist you with this. 
• 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 Ethics.
• 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.
• The opportunity to apply for an SHRM Foundation Scholarship.  Each Region will award up to $2,500 to individuals who apply for a scholarship for either an academic (university education, classes, tuition, etc.) scholarship, or for a certification scholarship.
• An SHRM volunteer leader is eligible to take the certification exam under the Pay-if-You-Pass policy for a fee of $120, if in one of the following chapter volunteer leadership roles:

• 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 chance to attend SHRM’s Leadership Conference in November.  Conference is FREE for Chapter President OR President-Elect.  Other board members pay only $200 plus transportation and boarding.  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.

Board Job Descriptions

President

President-Elect / Vice President

Past President

Secretary

Treasurer

Certification

College Relations

Diversity

Governmental Affairs

Membership

PR / Marketing

Website

Workforce Readiness