What a Cool Opportunity, Volunteering with AHRMA

This is an excerpt about being an AHRMA Volunteer from Monica Ross, HR Manager with Athena Manufacturing.  As you make your 2011 New Years Resolutions, consider what you could accomplish with a few hours of time as an  AHRMA Volunteer in 2011.  Thanks again Monica,  for sharing your thoughts, time and talents.

I have been an AHRMA member for some time.  Let’s say I joined b.c. (before children) and they are now Juniors in High School.  When I joined, we held our luncheons at the Austin Opera House.  I always thought it humorous, to be at the Opera House on the weekend jamming to Bonnie Ratt, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Van Wilks, etc. and then be in attendance at a luncheon for our association.

Through the years of membership, I have developed friendships with many like-minded individuals.  Having a network of professional friends, available to provide perspective and advice on a variety of personnel issues has been a great benefit.  People who care about others and who share a similar philosophy as mine; one I have tailored from my Daddy: “I like employees to be treated fairly and for employees to treat the company fairly.” 

Another benefit of being an AHRMA member is having the opportunity to give back and volunteer.  In the past, I served on the compensation committee which increased my knowledge base.  I also served on a out-reach committee supporting a local school, meeting weekly with students to increase reading skills.  As AHRMA has grown so have the many opportunities for volunteering.   The beauty of a large organization is it only takes a little from everyone to make a huge difference.   Maybe you don’t have the time to commit to a committee.  However, maybe a committee only needs you for 1 hour.  Could you be free to pick up our guest speaker from the airport?  Are you able to arrive early for a luncheon and ensure each place setting has all the appropriate paperwork?  Maybe you could spend a few minutes and call other members and inform them of the upcoming meeting and offer a personal invitation.

Meeting good people, sharing your gifts, giving a few minutes of your time:

AHRMA – – what a cool opportunity.

Monica Ross