Why I joined VSHRA - Tony Abraham, SPHR

Do you remember your first years in Human Resources?  Those first years were probably more than you anticipated when you made HR a career path, as you discovered the breath of your responsibilities.  With the help of on-the-job learning, formal training, SHRM certification, and perhaps a mentor at your side, your HR knowledge and decision-making grew through the years.

There is another source of continuing education that enhances not only your workplace job knowledge, but also develops your leadership presence and community involvement, while building a network of long-lasting HR colleagues and friends.  Your responsibility to give back to your profession is an important and often overlooked element of your HR career.  My experiences for the last 12 years as a participant in my professional organization, Valley of the Sun HR Association (VSHRA) and prior the Metropolitan Phoenix HR Association, have reaped personal and professional growth opportunities far beyond what can be gleaned from working in an HR environment, regardless of the size, scope, or business.  For me, what began from a helpful recommendation to join an association has evolved into many years of a mutually beneficial business and social experience. 

First, the opportunities to take leadership positions are plentiful and rewarding.  Back when the North Valley area was formed, an announcement was made asking for volunteers to help get it started.  I volunteered to help, and a few years later I was the Chair of the group and stayed on the Board for five years.  I am once again involved as North Valley Chair and Board member, and now have the opportunity to affect some very exciting organizational changes that will no doubt excite our membership.  More importantly, watching new and long-time members step up to voluntary leadership has been rewarding and reassuring, knowing that the organization representing my profession has a succession plan for the future. 

Secondly, VSHRA involvement provides networking and contact opportunities that are beneficial to your career in so many ways.  Over the years VSHRA has allowed me to create a "knowledge circle" of other HR professionals that I use frequently to share best practices.  Beyond HR practitioners, I have formed a network of member vendors in multiple disciplines of HR that I have used for consulting, in areas of recruiting, benefits, compensation, legal, and training.  Maintaining these relationships provides a readily available and trusted subject matter expert for whatever extraordinary need that requires more targeted expertise.