By Shelley Garside

We are all aware of the value that volunteers bring to our communities and organizations. Fuelled by compassion and a desire to serve a larger purpose, volunteers contribute countless hours of hard work and caring that carry service agencies and not for profit organizations forward around the world.

With National Volunteer Recognition Week running April 21-17, 2013, we thought it timely to talk to a few of the 500+ volunteers whose efforts and energies have benefited the BC Human Resources Management Association (BC HRMA).  Specifically, we wanted to know:

“How has volunteering with BC HRMA rewarded you?”

Unsurprisingly, the CHRP points accrued for such volunteerism emerged as neither the driving force or greatest benefit. The truest advantages of volunteering, both personal and professional, are best captured in their own words.

Glenn Kelso, CHRP
manager of organizational development
Coastal Community Credit Union

Glenn Kelso brings more than 10 years leadership experience in the HR and career management fields.  His career has included people management, corporate consulting, developing client services for a major employment resource centre, writing proposals, providing one-to-one career counselling, developing curriculum and facilitating workshops.

“My role as the Mid-Island Learning Roundtable coordinator has helped me connect with considerably more HR professionals than I would have through being a regular member of the group. Besides making good connections and building relationships in this area, the coordinator role has introduced me to other volunteers across the island. The role has also forced me to learn more about the entire scope of human resources. My everyday job in OD keeps me busy. If I didn’t have the roundtable it would be easy to focus all my energies on that alone.”

Mickie Donley, CHRP
HR coordinator
City of Courtenay

Mickie Donley has been an active BC HRMA volunteer for the last four years including the coordination of the HR Connects (Mingles) and roundtables for the Comox Valley HR community.

“As a volunteer for BC HRMA I’ve had the opportunity to meet many HR professionals at varying levels and stages of their careers. Bringing the HR community together through monthly mingles and learning roundtables has made a significant difference for me not only because of the increased  learning opportunities it has provided but also the feeling of being more connected to both BC HRMA and my professional colleagues. And of course it always feels good to give back to the community.”

Kathy Obad, CHRP
Post Degree Business Program—HR

Kathy Obad has an extensive management background in the financial services sector.

“Volunteering for BC HRMA brought me together with wonderful people who are passionate about their chosen field and truly care about people.  Every Lunch Hour Connection was an incredible learning experience because those who attended, generously shared their experiences and insights about the topic being discussed.  I was able to witness many “aha” moments, see business cards change hands as professional connections were made.  Life is better when you volunteer!”

Shannon Kleibl, CHRP
manager, HR and OHS
City of Parksville

Shannon Kleibl is the manager of human resources and occupational health & safety for the City of Parksville. She has a BA in Sociology and Business Management, a diploma in Human Services and a Certificate in Social Services from Malaspina University-College (now Vancouver Island University).

“In 2012, I decided that I wanted to take more of an active role as a BC HRMA member.  I am very fortunate to have support from my employer to attend BC HRMA events, workshops, and webinars. However, I wanted to give back…I wanted to be part of the bigger HR community. I wanted to show my commitment to this great profession by volunteering with this remarkable organization—BC HRMA.  When the opportunity came across my ‘in-box’, I jumped at the chance, not knowing in what capacity I could help. Fortuitously the stars aligned and I was welcomed onto the Vancouver Island communications portfolio as a volunteer.  I wasn’t sure what to expect or what would be expected of me, but having such a supportive portfolio lead – Beth Harris, made all the difference.

Personally, this opportunity has fulfilled the start of one of my dreams – being a writer.  Professionally, it has allowed me to connect my passions – Human Resources and writing, and presented opportunities to connect with other wonderful and talented HR professionals.  I hope to be able to continue volunteering for BC HRMA…it has truly been a dream come true.”

Lyndsey Nelson, CHRP
emerging HR professional

Lyndsey Nelson is an emerging HR professional with experience in both private and public service organizations. Lindsey completed  her undergraduate degree at the University of Northern BC with a double major in Marketing and Human Resources Management, and relocated to Victoria in 2009. Having worked in a variety of administrative and coordination roles, Lyndsey is excited to continue her learning in the HR field and expand her evolving skill set.

“Through being a BC HRMA volunteer, I have had the opportunity to meet amazing HR professionals in the community, which has allowed me to further build my network. Being that it is a small HR community, I have found this network extremely useful when in need of professional advice or resources, and when I have been job searching.

Volunteering with BC HRMA has also been a great way to do something useful and interesting with my spare time, and in a field that I am passionate about.  I’ve learned more and more about what BC HRMA has to offer its members, including professional development courses, networking opportunities and roundtable discussions with other professionals to help solve key business problems. I am eager for more opportunities to get involved with the association and meet new members!”

How many of us would have imagined that volunteering could be an important step in an HR professional’s career development? As per the passion and commitment in the small sampling of comments above, the personal and professional advantages to volunteering are as abundant as they are diverse.

Those interested in volunteering with BC HRMA can connect with their regional member relations manager or visit bchrma.org.

To further acknowledge and thank our volunteers, BC HRMA is hosting “Grapes of Gratitude” Wednesday, April 24th at 5:00 PM at the Vancouver Island BC HRMA office (714 Discovery Street, Victoria BC).