By Maureen Campbell

For the most part people live pretty routine lives – going to work, raising families, enjoying life, and through it all, many aspire to achieve goals. Living day-to-day, the majority don’t often think of the impact they have on those around them. Stop and think about it. Can you think back to at least one person who helped to set the course that you’re on today, even if inadvertently? To take this thought one step further: whose path have you helped to shape either directly or indirectly?

Our lives and interactions are in this way akin to the popular butterfly effect in chaos theory. In simplest terms, the butterfly effect states that a small change at one place can result in large differences to a later state. So, when thinking back to that person (or persons) who have helped to set your course, what was the catalyst that moved you towards where you are now? It could have been a large, grandiose action, perhaps it was something more subtle – a seemingly non-consequential interaction where we, as individuals aspire to achieve your career goals. And as this happens day in and day out, really, everyone has a hand in shaping those individuals around us, and have in shaping our future.

One could argue that HR professionals have a greater hand in shaping the future as they guide organizations in setting the culture, standards and ethics. And this in turn provides a guide and a standard for employees to adhere to. HR professionals cover off everything from labour law to conflict resolution, employee retention and management, and setting the employee standards in technological advancements. All of these practices work in the here and now, but they set a precedent in shaping the future as well. And you, an HR professional, are an integral part of this process.

Your efforts help to shape your provincial association. Your vote elects your provincial Board members. And those same members voice your opinions at the national table with CCHRA. Rather than a ‘trickle-down’ effect, CCHRA works on a ‘trickle up’ effect. Our best practices, our ethics, and our standards are all based on what works for each provincial member association.

The national assessments work much the same way. Item writing panels are created to allow volunteers from across the country to share their expertise and experience in developing engaging, thought-provoking and most importantly topical questions for each exam. The dedication that these individuals possess to ensure both the validity and integrity of these assessments really is a testament to their passion for their career.

When I left my last position to come to CCHRA, I had an exit interview with HR. The organization had a very pro-active, friendly, professional HR team. When I told them about my new job, they seemed to be more excited than I was about the opportunity – that was when I discovered that this was a team of CHRPs, all of which are quite active in the local chapter of their association. The entire team are supporters of the CHRP; in fact, the term I would use for them would be advocates. And that is how I would describe many of the volunteers that I have met. Each and every one of them are advocates for the HR profession. Their enthusiasm for the work they do is infectious.

People volunteer for various reasons, most often because they feel they have something to give, or can receive something either tangible or intangible, fulfill a need, or simply because they believe in a particular cause. Almost always though, volunteers do so because they gain some personal and professional return. HR professionals involved in their MA, chapter activities, and committees can network, enhance their professional development and gain CHRP points. MAs gain a lot from volunteer efforts, it becomes stronger, the designation gains even more value and the profession as a whole gains integrity. BCHRMA is flourishing even after 50 years, and it is looking forward to 50 more. The volunteer efforts that have been put forth really are a part of history in the making!

Time and time again, volunteers have said how much they have gained from volunteering, both as a professional and a person, and how happy and proud they are to represent the CHRP and the HR profession as a whole. At the end of the day, it’s their efforts and successes that provide value to the CHRP designation and the profession, which in turn makes CCHRA a vibrant, successful association. It’s through their advocacy, and yours, that the HR profession is building a solid foundation and reputation of integrity in Canada and abroad. And for that, professionals – HR and otherwise – should all say thank you!

(PeopleTalk: Spring 2012)