Articles

Looking Toward 2022 (and Beyond)

The rest of 2021 will be an exciting time for SHRM STL as we return to in-person programming and networking. But what do we have to look forward to in 2022?

Our Chapter’s offerings sprouted and swelled during the pandemic. Today, we offer more to members than we have at any time in recent history in terms of programming, webinars, education, networking, and inclusion initiatives.

We have so much to look forward to in the second half of 2021 as we hope to approach the tail end of the pandemic.

How do our events materialize?

If you haven’t volunteered with the Chapter before, you might wonder how our events come to fruition.

We are an organic, Member-fueled institution. The interests of Members drive what we do. A member will have an idea. Leaders confer about it. Then we implement it, together as volunteers, under the direction of our Board and committee leaders.

Put another way, this SHRM Chapter is whatever we want to make it, together.

Logistics of those events are important and aren’t always easy. To make our ideas a success, it takes no small amount of work from teams of HR volunteers, business partners, and our longtime Chapter Administrators at Q&A Business Solutions.

Because our programs take careful planning and work overtime, in my view, it is never too early to think about what we might do in the future.

I’ll be Chapter President next year. As we gear up to organize Chapter operations for the second half of 2021, next year already has been on my mind. These are some questions I’ve been asking:

How can we enhance the value of our memberships?

How can we foster networking and connections between members?

How can we continue to grow in numbers?

How can we use our talents to give back philanthropically?

How can we promote the diversity of our profession?

How can we support SHRM and promote certification?

People say there are “no dumb questions.” I can’t think of wrong answers to these particular questions, either.

I hope you, as one of our members, will think about how you would answer them. What do you want this chapter to be next year? Two years from now? Ten?

How do you want to contribute so the Chapter can accomplish those goals?

Please reach out to me and tell me your answers to those questions. Email me at [email protected].

It’s not too early to brainstorm what we want to accomplish tomorrow, because reaching those goals will take time, advanced planning, and work. I can’t wait to talk to you about your ideas.

I look forward to hearing from you soon, to seeing you soon, and to everything we will accomplish together as a Chapter in the months and years to come.

Yours in Service,
Andrew Metcalf
Andrew L. Metcalf | Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.

P.S., Please Join Team Empower.