Diversity. The mention of the word makes all HR Professionals take notice. Is my workforce Diverse? Are my employees aware of how important it is to recognize that other's can be unique but still effective? How does this all benefit us to be better leaders? How, as HR Professionals, can we help employees work as a team even though we come from different walks of life?

We will meet again for a lunch date on Wednesday, October 10th, from 11:45 am- 1:45 pm, as Sonia Aranza, keynote speaker and master facilitator, will join us to discuss how to manage Diversity into a competitive advantage. Our attendees will receive 1.25 recertification credit hours toward PHR, SPHR, and GPHR through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). Please come join us for this outstanding presentation that promises to be thought provoking and entertaining.

Please come join us for breakfast on Wednesday, November 14th from 8 am to 10:15 am for our first Professional Development series for our new program season! Do you ever have to train the managers in your organization on HR Topics? Are you tired of the blank stares, disinterested looks, or outright resistance that you encounter when you stand up in front of a group?

Over the past 13 years, presenters Deanna Banks and Alice Buchanan have designed and delivered training for a variety of clients on topics such as HIPAA, FLSA, compensation guidelines, the interview process, and performance management. The comment they pride themselves most on hearing from participants is "I came here as a prisoner and I am leaving a learner." Alice and Deanna will share with you their secrets for turning prisoners into learners by making mandatory HR training interesting, fun, and effective.

Our attendees will receive 2 recertification credit hours toward PHR, SPHR, and GPHR through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI).

Last month, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented new rules on safe harbor procedures for employers who receive a no-match letter from the Social Security Administration or written notice from DHS.

In an effort to clarify the regulations, and provide guidance to its members, SHRM conducted a Web cast last week consisting of a panel of experts in the field. The panel addressed the new regulations, providing an understanding the current enforcement climate, the ramifications of a current Law Suit filed to stop the implementation of the enforcement rule, and procedures companies should implement to establish a no-match compliance program.

Slides from the presentation can be viewed on Legislative section of the HRA website, or through the following link on the SHRM website. http://www.shrm.org/webcast/07septemb er/immigration.asp

For further information, please feel free to contact Eric H. Oppenheim or Kimberly Fischer.

Over the past ten years, the SHRM Foundation has funded more than $1 million in research grants for 79 research projects. The SHRM Foundation promotes the use of "research-based knowledge". What does that mean for you? It means enhanced credibility. Imagine proposing a new program to senior management and being able to cite solid research to demonstrate the benefits of your proposed change. The Foundation is funding practical research every year to help you do just that. Current research projects focus on critical areas such as Technology & HR, HR Measurement, Global HR, and The Changing Role of the HR Professional. Research results will help provide research-based answers to questions such as: How should a mentoring program be structured for maximum effectiveness? How do HR leaders make a strategic impact on their organizations? To review the results of recently completed SHRM Foundation research, visit htt p://www.shrm.org/foundation/findings.asp.

The SHRM Foundation: 40 Years of Advancing the HR Profession

Many of the nonprofits across the National Capital Area do not have the resources to hire a human resources professional to manage the needs of their employees. Often various human resource-related tasks are divided up between employees of the organization or are handled by members of their boards. HRA-NCA volunteers will help fill this void by agreeing to be assigned to a nonprofit organization and lend support to their staff for a mutually agreed period of time. If you are interested in learning more, please contact David Remick, Chair, Community Relations, at (703) 769-3712 or remick@worconline.org.

Would you like to hone your public speaking skills and at the same time train social workers on how to teach resume writing and interview preparation to the people they serve? For complete details, please contact David Remick, Chair, Community Relations, at (703) 769-3712 or remick@worconline.org.

You may look up these and other members' information in the HRA-NCA online membership directory, using various search categories. Log in through the "Member Login" on the HRA-NCA website home page. Keep your membership record up-to-date so we don't lose touch!

HRA-NCA Welcomes These New Members

HRA-NCA invites organizations to sponsor our newsletter - or any of the following: monthly speaker presentations, our website, special events, etc. Interested? Contact Chris Cramer, HRA-NCA's PR & Sponsorship Chair, or access our information on the website. For this issue, sincere thanks to the following sponsor.

2007 WORCforce Roundtable

What is the health of Greater Washington’s workforce today?
What are the future trends and challenges in workforce training and education?

Find out at the 2007 WORCforce Roundtable

Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC
December 7, 2007

Panelists:

• Steven Pearlstein, Business Columnist, The Washington Post (Moderator)
• Hugh Bailey, Interim Manager & WIB Director, Montgomery County Department of Economic Development
• Jim Dinegar, President & CEO, Greater Washington Board of Trade
• Gordon Ellis, Human Resources Director, Sodexho
• David Hunn, President & CEO, The SkillSource Group, Inc.
• Margaret Singleton, Vice President, DC Chamber of Commerce

To learn more, please go to http://www.worconline.org/2007WORCF orceRoundtable.php