How can you assess HR associations and their resources?

I know that being part of a human resources association or group is invaluable. They are an open door to a wealth of information and expertise that you can tap on at any time. I always suggest to folks, don't just simply attend their regular meetings. Show up early. Network. Leave late. Volunteer for their boards or simply to set up tables and chairs if necessary. Make connections with other professionals and make yourself available to help them too. Simply put, you will get out of it whatever you put into it. Do more than just sign up and attend. Be a contributing member and help bring others to the group.

HR is no longer simply a compliance watchdog. Workforce development, managing benefits, onboarding, training ensuring the company has an environment that maximizes opportunity for everyone resulting in lower attrition and higher efficiency.

HR Associations are the best way for those that are looking to enter HR or new to HR to begin to expand their network and start to build their professional brand. It is the premier way to "show up" as what you want to be! -#datHRguy

Create a compelling business case to secure employer support for HR Association membership. Align it with professional growth goals, fostering team knowledge-sharing, and accessing mentorship beyond the organization. Emphasize the value in networking, staying updated on industry trends, and gaining insights to enhance HR practices. Receiving an answer of NO is better than NOT KNOWING. -#datHRguy

When evaluating HR associations, weigh the benefits against costs. Consider access to learning materials, discounts on certifications, networking opportunities, career support, advocacy, and research participation. Factor in membership fees and time commitment to determine the associations that offer the best value and return on investment.

Opt for those with a track record of delivering valuable resources and advancing the HR profession. Evaluate current and former member satisfaction through reviews, testimonials, ratings, and feedback. Assess the relevance of their resources, networking events, publications, and educational offerings. Engage with trial memberships, attend events, and leverage online platforms to gauge the association's value before committing. Look for transparency in their offerings, ensuring alignment with your career goals and expectations.

Absolutely, taking advantage of trial offerings is a smart approach to evaluating HR associations. Many associations provide free or low-cost trials for their resources, allowing you to assess courses, webinars, podcasts, and more. This hands-on experience helps you gauge how well they align with your objectives and preferences. It's an opportunity to interact with other HR professionals, ask questions, and receive feedback. Trying HR associations before committing ensures you make an informed decision and a valuable investment in your HR career.

A commitment to staying at the forefront of HR trends. Look for associations actively contributing to innovative research or thought leadership. Consider associations with a global reach, connecting professionals beyond regional boundaries. This fosters diverse perspectives and insights, enriching your professional development. Check if they have platforms or mechanisms for members to provide feedback. Associations valuing member input and suggestions are likely to be responsive and continually improving.

Start with networking with the friendly folks here on LinkedIn. Thankfully mankind still genuinely likes helping people and you being vulnerable by asking for their time and help will get you closers to finding the right group for you! What you are looking to gain? Where you are looking to grow? What kind of learning do you prefer? Who is your tribe? I believe networking to be a necessity to learn more about the groups and associations to understand the culture, learning opportunities, and topics?