Dive In – My First SHRM VLS Experience

Today's Post is from Mike Spinale.  Mike currently is the IL SHRM Director of Diversity. Look for more posts from Mike as we move into 2016.  We thank Mike for his contribution and look forward to hearing more from him. 

I recently attended the Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) annual Volunteer Leaders Summit (VLS) in Washington.  This annual event brings together HR professionals from across the country that volunteer their time in dedication to our profession.  About 800 leaders, of Chapters and State Councils, came together to discuss best practices, share ideas, and celebrate the work we do through these roles.

The ILSHRM delegation at Sen. Kirks Office.

This was my first SHRM VLS, and while I was looking forward to the learning I’d get by attending sessions at the conference – I was even more excited for Advocacy Day, which brought delegations of HR people to Capitol Hill to meet with our respective Senator’s and Representative’s offices about important employment laws affecting the HR field and the businesses we serve.  

My excitement turned to anxiety, however, when I found out that I had been “nominated” (read: voluntold) to be the lead speaker on behalf of our ILSRHM delegation.  “What?  Me!??!  During my first VLS?!?!?  Nooooooo!!”  But with the encouragement and coaching of our leadership and my colleagues, I fought my discomfort and while I was obviously nervous, I was able to muster the courage and make our case.  I felt great and the positive feedback received from my colleagues made me feel proud.  I strolled off Capitol Hill with an extra bounce in my step.

After going through this experience, it reminded me of how important it is to push the envelope, to not be afraid of uncomfortable situations, and to put yourself out there.  I learned so much from the actual doing, much more than if I sat back and observed.  So don’t be afraid – do the talking and take the lead – and you’ll see how much you’ll learn!  

Mike Spinale  ISC SHRM Director of Diversity

The Cliff - The Hill And A Voice

The ILSHRM Crew posing before lobbying.

The end of the year has passed now, and the jury is still out on whether or not my efforts and the efforts of 380 of my SHRM peers will really pay dividends.   During the SHRM Leadership Conference, we were part of the largest contingent from any Leadership Conference to storm The Hill.   Our message had mostly to do with preserving existing tax code, for employee benefits.  We spoke about preserving benefits for college reimbursement, health care deductions, and the continuation of tax credits for retirement contributions. So with the Fiscal Cliff behind us it would appear that our efforts were effective, in as much as we did not hear about these benes  being whacked, in the 11th or maybe I should say 26th hour.  But this whole mess got me to wondering, did our efforts really matter? Was it worthwhile?

I have been involved in business and life long enough to know that you don't win all the battles, just ask Mr. Obama or Mr. Boehner.. Sometimes any small success is a victory. So even if our trip to The Hill does not result in the exact outcomes that we desired, we (all of us who participated) all made progress in the relationship building area.  This is largely what the whole effort  of going to Capitol Hill, is all about, the relationship thing,  I like many others am trying to build a relationship with our folks in Congress, so that if they ever have questions or need information about HR, they might contact me.  Remember, and the SHRM A Team tells  us this repeatedly, there are only two members on Capitol Hill who have any experience as an HR practitioner.  You can do the math 2 divided by 535 is 0.003,  three tenths of one percent, a very small minority.

These folks in Congress are busy every minute of the day and if you can make just a small in-road into getting their ear about an issue or two that is a success. While we did not get to speak to either one of my Illinois Senators, my group did get to speak with our Congressman Aaron Schock from Peoria, IL.  Rep. Schock listened to our issues as did his staffers.  As for the Illinois Senators, we did not see Sen. Kirk as he was still recovering from a stroke.  Regarding Senator Durbin, nothing was said regarding his whereabouts.  We did meet with one of his staffer, who was most gracious and attentive - but at my advanced age they all (All Congressional Staffer) make me feel like I am talking to my children.

While some of the HR folks who attend the Lobby Day are overwhelmed by the whole process, I find it exciting and invigorating to be that close to the process and to think that I actually do.... have a voice!

-Dave Ryan Director of Social Media ISC-SHRM

SHRM Leadership 2012

It is November.  In SHRM circles it is time for the annual pilgrimage - or at least that's what it seems like. Every year in November SHRM holds its annual SHRM Leadership Conference. Hundreds and sometime more that 1000 SHRM volunteers from all over the globe travel to the Washington D.C. area and hear what it's all about. I have been fortunate to attend this event a number of times, in my different roles as an active SHRM Volunteer.  So for me each year the conference always offers something old and something new.

This year, for the first time in a long time the event itself is going to be held in a different location.  For many years the event was held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Crystal City, VA. I always found the place to be very nice. You can board the Metro, shop underground or dine without going outside from the hotel. I always thought that was kind of neat.  Nonetheless, this year's event is going to be held at a new facility The Gaylord National Harbor Hotel and Convention Center, which looks like a pretty swanky place from what I can tell.

I used to thing the The Leadership Conference was really a single purpose event where SHRM Leaders welcomed and thanked their loyal volunteers for their work, and then showed them the way; by explaining in  a deep rich way who SHRM really is, what their mission is and how each person in their role as a volunteer is a vital link in the chain.  While this is still true, as a sage veteran I have also come to understand that there is something else equally important as a part of the conference. That part of the conference is SHRM Lobby Day.

Congressman Schock touring our production facility.

Last year was the first time that I had participated in this event. What is SHRM Lobby Day - in short it is a large contingent (2011 was 400+)of SHRM members descending on Capitol Hill, meeting and greeting with our elected representatives in our roles as HR Professionals.  We were well prepped at breakfast, by the SHRM Legislative Affairs team,   then given our mission,  We went to the hill and  met and spoke to the legislators and their staffs, on issues important to SHRM.   (If you want more detail you can read a post from last year.)

I am participating in SHRM Lobby Day again this year.  In fact, that one visit has lead to me developing a solid relationship, and a visit to my workplace with my Congressman Aaron Shock.  I strongly urge anyone who is planning on attending to participate in SHRM Lobby Day, it will be good for you, your employer and for SHRM.

Lastly as an "old dog" I really enjoy getting to the mothership (SHRM Headquarters) and seeing all of the people who have I become really good friends with over the years and who have helped me succeed in my volunteer SHRM roles. So watch out Mr. Midkiff and Ms. Hughes, I will be looking for you when I am in town.

- Dave Ryan Director of Social Media ISC SHRM

ILSHRM12 More than A Conference

I have been home from the Big Show in Atlanta for a couple weeks. I am working my small part of trying to ensure that our 13th ANNUAL ILLINOIS HR CONFERENCE AND EXPO is a success. One of the things I do, as the Director of Social Media is blog and tweet about SHRM events going on here in Illinois. For the State Council this is our biggest event.

Now, the State Council or any SHRM chapter is only as good as the people who run the Chapter or State Council; consequently we are like the Marines… looking for a few good men/people. So here is the pitch, attending the State Conference would be a really great way to meet many of the folks who make up the Board of the State Council. I would guess that many, if not all of our 20 Chapter Presidents from around Illinois will also be in attendance. This means you can meet or talk with them as well at the event. Then you can gauge if you would like to get more involved in the organization.

Needless to say, being a devout SHRMie (as my wife refers to us) I would like to see more people involved, because I think great work is done by SHRMies at all levels. Specifically, I would like to share one my recent successes which is because of SHRM and the opportunities I have been afforded as a Board Member of the Illinois State Council of SHRM.

Last year, I was fortunate enough to attend the SHRM Leadership Conference, which takes place every year in the Metro DC area. In my opinion, one of the main purposes of the conference is to re-evangelize older members like me, and pump-up and interest new members. This is done in a number of ways by many different folks at SHRM. I had attended several times before, but had never done what they call the Lobby Day. This is where SHRM members from all over the country head over to Capitol Hill and visit with their elected officials about SHRM’s position on some current issues. SHRM tells us this is very effective. So in 2011 I participated in Lobby Day, along with about 400 other members. This is part of SHRM Advocacy Team’s efforts, or what they call the A-Team. Their goal is to get members engaged with the elected officials.

Congressman Schock & Dave Ryan

The whole program is well put together, and quite enlightening. I did get a chance to actually talk to the Congressman Aaron Schock, who represents the district where my employer is located, and where I live as well. He’s my guy. While the visit was brief, we spoke and I kindly told my young Congressman that if he was ever in the neighborhood and would like to come by and see me, and the folks at my employer, I would be happy to show him around. The meeting ended, we went our separate ways.

Now, from November of 2011, let’s fast forward to July 2012. On Wednesday July 11, I got a call from someone in Congressman Schock’s Office asking me if 10:45 on August 8 would be ok instead of 10:15. I had to contemplate the voicemail. Hmm, it sounds like The Congressman is, or would like to come see me, my employer and our staff. I called back Congressman Schock’s advance person, and he admitted that someone was to have contacted me first. Elated, that Congressman Schock had taken up my passing offer I was thrilled. I called back and now we have a confirmed visit. How cool is that?

This came to fruition because of SHRM Lobby day. It would be my hope that I will get to know Congressman Schock a little better this time. That is how relationships are built – slowly. Heck, who knows, he might even call me if there is a significant piece of HR related legislation pending; I could tell him how it would affect me and other SHRMies out here in the hinterlands.

So, you see if you attend the 13th ANNUAL ILLINOIS HR CONFERENCE AND EXPO you may well become interested in becoming a part of it, and you too could be knee deep in politics, law, HR and not to mention all of the Conference frivolity.

We will let you know how the visit works out, hope to see you at the conference.

-Dave Ryan Director of Social Media ISC SHRM

Legislative Conference # 3

The Illinois SHRM Group attending ILSHRM Lobby Day 3-27-12

Have you ever attended The First Annual ... fill in the blank here.  I always wonder will there be a 3rd, 4th or 14th for that matter, annual event of the same name - or will it die a quick ugly death because those who started out were not committed enough to the cause to make the event continue.    Well it would appear that some committed folks at Illinois SHRM (Donna Rogers and Tammy Ireland primarily with an honorable mention to John Jorgensen)  have kept the Annual State Legislative Conference alive and moving forward.

Today I attended our third annual event in Springfield. While it did not have the number of attendees that the SHRM National Legislative Event does, we did have 30 people who were in attendance and committed to the cause of having SHRM have a larger legislative presence at the state level.  We started off our day by hearing from a triumvirate of lawyers from the Springfield Firm of Brown Hay & Stephens.  Thanks to Roland Cross, Stephanie Radliff and Kelly Greco for their informative presentations. We then heard from our own hired gun lobbyist Terry Stezco.  Terry spoke to the group and explained the need for and the how to develop a relationship with our legislative representatives.  Terry is going to lobby on our behalf as the needs present themselves, and he is also going to help us position our organization to better advocate for our causes.

David Lusk and Donna Rogers mugging for the camera.

And speaking of advocacy, after lunch we heard from the SHRM A-Team,  with "A" standing for Advocacy. The program is continuing to grow. David Lusk (pictured right) from SHRM National earned his lunch and provided the group with some great reasons to become more involved with the advocacy efforts.  David spoke for about 45 immediately prior to sending the gang off to the Illinois State House.

A group of about 20 walked several block down to the Illinois Capitol with a plan to at least meet and greet their elected representative. What we found out when we arrived was that the Capitol was a busy place.  This week was deadline for bills out of their house of origin.  Some of us met our representatives and senators, while other just took in the process. It is a beginning. We have a long ways to go, but we are on our way.

Thanks to all who attended.

-Dave Ryan Director of Social Media ISC SHRM

SHRM Lobby Day

Today was really an amazing day.  I am this guy from a relatively small town in the mid-west.  But today I had an impact on the way our country is governed. While my impact may not alter the events of history, it might.  I was one of 900 people who are in Alexandria, VA attending the SHRM Leadership Conference.  Of the 900 more than 400 of us went to Capitol Hill (The US Senate and House of Representative) as citizens but also as members of the Society of Human Resources Management.

We had been coached in what to do, what to say and how to say it. Still, it takes just a little cache to put yourself in front of your elected official (or one of their staffers) and suggest to them how they should vote on a particular piece of legislation and why they should vote that way.  For me part of that process included telling our elected officials how this bill was going to impact me and my employer.

So after preparing us as best they could the SHRM Legislative Affairs gang put their members on buses and hoped for the best.

Rep Schock with Sandra Donelson

My first stop was Representative Aaron Schock's Office.  My partner in crime for this was Sandra Donelson. She too is represented by Rep. Schock.   We were welcomed into the office and spoke to one of Rep. Schock's staffers, Margie Almanza.  She was most cordial and allowed us to present our case on the H.R. 3094 and S 1843.  We made our case - I am not sure how eloquent, but we did our best.  Then we were introduced to Rep Schock.  We got to speak briefly with him, and talk about our concerns and then were offered a photo op with him.  We were happy to accept.

It was the noon hour and Sandra and I split up.  I headed over to the Hart Building where  I was to have a 1 PM meeting wth Senator Durbin or someone from his staff.   I grabbed some lunch in the basement (with the $10 bill provided to me by SHRM - Yes they were handing out money).

I headed up to the seventh floor to Sen Durbin's Office and hooked up with 7 more of my fellow lobbyists. We were invited in right at 1PM as was scheduled.  We did not meet with Sen. Durbin, which was not really much of a surprise.  We met wtih Nathan Sandals, a Legislative Assistant.  He listened to our concerns and allowed us to make our points.  He was extremely non-commital on everything we talked about.  He did ask a couple questions.  He also said he did not know much about SHRM. We educated him about the organization, its mission, its size and strength.  Our meeting wrapped up after about 30 minutes.  I don' t know that we secured any votes on the two measures, but again we did our best.

I feel proud to have done what I did. I feel fortunate to have had the opprotunity to do what I did. And I hope that our visits changed some minds.

I would like to thank the entire SHRM Legislative Affairs Staff: David Lusk, Michael Aitken, Michael Layman and Lisa Horn.  Thank you for putting this together and giving each of us the chance to feel like we are participating in the democratic process.

-Dave Ryan Director of Social Media ISC SHRM

SHRM Lobby Day

This week I will be starring in my own version of Mr. Smith goes to Washington.  I have the good fortune to be attending the SHRM Leadership Conference. This year there will be over 900 volunteer leaders at the Crystal Gateway Marriott. We will be hearing about the SHRM agenda,  sitting through sessions on agenda items, seeing the Pinnacle Awards being handed out, and networking with one and other.

I will be arriving on Wednesday evening. On Thursday morning I am having breakfast with over 400 other SHMR members and volunteer leaders,  who will be descending onto Capitol Hill as pseudo lobbyists.  Mr.Michael Layman, one of SHRM's official lobbyists has done some cursory preparations with the group last week. He presented an hour long webinar for attendees to hear what our mission was going to be. I have accepted the mission and am most excited about it.

We will be meeting with members from our House Districts in the morning and then with Senators in the afternoon.  While they have prepared us to expect to meet with Staffers in many instances, I am sure a number of folks will actually have a chance to speak to their elected representatives.  SHRM does have an official agenda for each of us, either as groups or individual, to present to our legislators. It is important that we do this.  As it was explained to me earlier in the week of the 535 Senators and House Members - 2 yes Two of them actually have practical experience in Human Resources. Expressed as a percentage 0.4% of our elected representative have HR experience - shocking!

We will have more than 20 attendees from Illinois at the conference.  Of those there will be at least three making the trip over to Captiol Hill . We will share with you our fledgling lobbying efforts later in the week, as well other goodies coming from the conference.  Stay tuned!

- Dave Ryan Director of Social Media ISC SHRM