This week is National Volunteer Week (April 25-29), a time to celebrate, honour and thank all the incredible volunteers who support over 23,000 HRPA members throughout the year.
Our volunteers bring heart to the Association — and this year’s theme Empathy in Action reminds us of that. Time and time again, we’ve seen the wonderful impact they’ve had on the HR community and HR profession. HRPA volunteers have consistently stepped up and worked together to help advance the Association’s mandate, while ensuring our members feel connected, supported and inspired.
Whether you’re serving on a Board or Committee or working with one of our local Chapters, we see you, we appreciate you and we sincerely thank you for all your contributions.
800+ Volunteers
We are proud to have over 800 HRPA volunteers across Ontario.
23 Local Chapters and Committees
Our volunteers serve HRPA and the public interest in many different ways.
3000+ Hours
Last year, our volunteers collectively dedicated more than 3,000 hours to HRPA.
Join our Exclusive Volunteer Event
As a thank you for all your contributions, HRPA has put together an exciting event, which we are offering exclusively to our volunteers. We've invited award-winning documentarian, Chris Temple, for a special virtual keynote called: Living on $1 a Day: Innovation and Inspiration from the Forgotten Billion.
Through engaging videos and personal stories, Temple will help you build empathy for others around the world and equip you with the tools needed to create change. You'll also get a sneak peek of his unreleased feature documentary, Five Years North. (His previous documentary was featured on Netflix!)
This event is happening on Thursday, April 28 at 6:30 pm ET.
Gratitude Wall
There's no better time to shine a spotlight on you, our volunteers, than during National Volunteer Week. Check out all the thank you messages from HRPA staff:
| From | Volunteer(s) | Message |
|---|---|---|
| John Hannah, Interim CEO | All Volunteers | As a long time volunteer I know firsthand how rewarding the volunteer experience can be. I hope you find that your volunteer work with HRPA is rewarding and meaningful too. Our staff team has pulled together a wonderful event, on April 28th, as a thank you for all that you do. I hope to see you there! |
| Abigail Brown | All Volunteers | Thank you for your time and commitment to HRPA – and for demonstrating you care about the HR profession in Ontario and so many people – all of us – who are impacted by the work of HR professionals. HR impacts people’s lives and it is important to have your support in creating and supporting the best workplaces for people. Thank you. |
| Ashley Kernohan | Communications Chairs and Committees | Thank you to all the Communications Chairs and Committees. I appreciate your dedication and effort you put into Chapter Communications ensuring our members are kept up to date with upcoming events and important information. It is a pleasure to work with you! |
| Bobbi-Lyn Smith | Chatham-Kent Chapter Board | You work so well together with great empathy for the needs of the members while delivering important programming. Your leadership in working jointly with other Chapters is valued. Love your mutual respect and appreciation for one another. Thanks for being awesome! |
| Bobbi-Lyn Smith | Grand Valley Chapter Board | This experienced team delivers with quality programming, effective communications, and enthusiastic student community outreach. Thank you for embracing my assistance and always expressing your gratitude. Your passion for your roles shines through! |
| Bobbi-Lyn Smith | Guelph and District Chapter Board | Recognizing the demands on HR practitioners this year we thank you for stepping up to ensure messages are shared, programs are hosted, and student sessions are delivered. We know you are busy, and we appreciate your time volunteering for HRPA. Well done! |
| Bobbi-Lyn Smith | London and District Chapter Board | I couldn’t be more grateful for this terrific Board. During a difficult year, I truly appreciate the empathy you showed and how you rallied together to not miss a beat in delivering for members and students. Thank you for being a fantastic team. You make it easy! |
| Bobbi-Lyn Smith | Sarnia and District Chapter Board | Thank you for delivering helpful communications and educational programs. Love that this small but mighty Board asks questions, is open to suggestions and has a great rapport with one another. I appreciate your support. You are a pleasure to work with! |
| Bobbi-Lyn Smith | Windsor and District Chapter Board | This Board does great work offering informative programming, providing clear communications, and proactively building strong relationships with the local schools. You are all wonderful and your contributions matter. Thanks for all that you do! |
| Elise Newell | Chapter Event Discussion Group | Thank you so much to the Chapter Event Discussion Group for taking the time to share your valuable opinions on Chapter event offerings and processes. As a group, we had many meaningful discussions which have shaped the program planning process for Chapters, moving forward. Thank you, Karley, Sarah, Amanda, Joanne and Sherri! |
| Elise Newell | Chapter Leaders | Thank you to all of our Chapter Board Members! Your ongoing support is so appreciated. Please know that we could not do this without your hard work. We are forever thankful for the time you given to supporting HRPA and helping to advance the profession of HR! |
| Jenny Eum | Complaints Committee | A special shoutout to all members of the Complaints Committee for their dedication and hard work! The Complaints process is key to the regulation and governance of the conduct for HRPA’s members. Their expertise with the complaints process have been very helpful protecting the public, and we are so grateful to have you! |
| Justin Manuel | Chapter Mentorship Chairs | A big thank you for the incredible support and work of all of our Chapter Mentorship Chairs. 2021 was a big year as we launched the new provincial mentoring program. This was no small undertaking, and required a lot of effort from a lot of folks. My thanks to each of you for the successful launch in September, and for your continued efforts with your Chapter’s communications team promoting the program! Looking forward to seeing how far we’ve come when September 2022 comes around. |
| Justin Manuel | HRPA Board Nominating Committee | I wanted to recognize the incredible level of commitment from our Board Nominating Committee. The amount of time they donate every year to help the Association seamlessly manage its annual Board Nomination and Election process is both appreciated and something to be admired! Thank you for all that you do! |
| Kelly Morris | The CHRP and CHRL Exam Validation Committees | The members of the Exam Validation Committees contribute about 50-60 hours per year to support the exam development and scoring process for HRPA’s Certification Exams. I would like to thank each member of the committee for their contribution and for their time. As a result, HRPA’s examinations are of high quality and meet all technical requirements and standards. The workload is heavy, but we could not do this work without the support of the CHRP and CHRL Exam Validation Committees. Thank you! |
| Kris Tierney | Annette van’t Spyker | Thank you Annette for your leadership as the Chair of the HRCC committee of the Board of Directors. Your time, attention and dedication to leading the committee through several special projects has been tremendous, and I am so appreciative of your support. Thank you! |
| Kris Tierney | Board of Directors | Thank you to all of our volunteers on the HRPA Board of Directors. Your dedication to the HRPA mission is ever present, and your time and focus throughout the recent strategic planning has proven so valuable, and resulted in an inspiring and meaningful strategy for the next 2-years. Thank you. |
| Kris Tierney | Seasonal Conference Steering Committee | A special thank you to all of the volunteers on our newly formed Seasonal Conference Steering Committee! Your time, energy and enthusiasm are so very much appreciated. On behalf of the Learning Team and our event planners, we are so grateful for your contributions. |
| Lata Viseu | Joanne Melanson | A shout out to you, Joanne, for generously volunteering your time and expertise and, providing input/feedback on quality programming for our members. Your knowledge, passion and dedication to enhancing the capabilities of our members is invaluable. Thank you for all that you do and for always being willing to assist whenever needed! |
| Lata Viseu | Chapter Event Discussion Group | A shout out and thank you to the CEDG volunteers – Joanne Melanson, Sherri Rossi, Sarah Ryckman, Amanda Payne & Karley Paulin, for sharing their expertise, providing feedback and collaborating with the Learning Team to offer quality programming for all Members! |
| Louise Tagliacozzo | Board Nomination Committee | A HUGE thank you to Jill Birch and our Board Nominating Committee, who successfully recruited enough directors to carry out an election this year. We know COVID-19 has made it tough to recruit volunteers and your dedication and commitment to bringing forward exceptional Board candidates is greatly appreciated! |
| Louise Tagliacozzo | HRPA Board | Our Board Directors are some of the most dedicated people on the planet! Whether its setting a new direction with HRPA’s new strategy or establishing a working group to address a timely issue, they do it all with care for the profession they serve and primarily, with the public interest in mind. A sincere thank you for your time and care in ensuring we are always striving to improve! |
| Mara Berger | Professional Standards Committee | The biggest thank you to the Professional Standards Committee for your patience, support and your invaluable input. I am continuously grateful for your dedication and your commitment, especially during times when the committee workload is heavier than expected. All of you have been incredibly generous with your time, whether it is to attend meetings, provide written feedback, or participate in smaller working groups. Thank you and I look forward to continuing working with you. |
| Margaret Wilson | Review Committee | Thank you for all the hard work and time you dedicate to HRPA to protect the public. It is a pleasure to work with you all. I look forward to learning from your valuable input at every meeting. |
| Margaret Wilson | CHRE Review Committee | Thank you to the CHRE Review Committee for all the hard work and time you dedicate to HRPA and the CHRE Designation. You continue to amaze me with your insight and knowledge. To say your appreciated is an understatement. |
| Margaret Wilson | Discipline/Capacity Meeting | Thank you Discipline/Capacity Committee members for all the time you devote to HRPA. I am continually amazed at how you distill hard information and make tough decisions that help HRPA uphold our mandate. You make a tough job look effortless. |
| Melissa Gouveia | Registration Committee | On behalf of the Office of the Registrar team. I would like to personally thank you for your time and dedication you provide to the Registration Committee. Your passion for the HR profession truly shines through the work you do on our Committee. My sincere gratitude for your commitment to volunteer with HRPA, you are appreciated. |
| Rebecca Lauzon | Durham Chapter | It’s hard to come up with the right words to describe my gratitude for the Durham Chapter. You are a hard-working Board of Directors that is full of innovative ideas and dedicated to the growth of the HRPA Chapter and the prosperity of Durham Region. I continue to value my long-standing affiliation with you all. Simply, thank you. |
| Rebecca Lauzon | Grey Bruce Chapter | Although our time together has been brief, thank you for your support. Your commitment as volunteer leaders over the years has been much appreciated. |
| Rebecca Lauzon | Peterborough Chapter | A cohesive well-oiled machine! If you can do something, anything, to help your team – that’s your motto. A joy to work with, bringing positive energy at every turn. Peterborough Chapter will continue to thrive with this leadership team. Thanks again for your outstanding efforts. |
| Rebecca Lauzon | Quinte Chapter | The Board of Directors continue to bring excellent professional development and networking opportunities to the membership. This chapter pushes on without a hiccup! Your efforts are always appreciated. |
| Rebecca Lauzon | Thousand Islands | Thousand Islands Chapter has built a strong Board of Directors and future leadership team to build on Chapter excellence. “For every ten that watch, one comes forward to help”. Thank you for stepping forward and contributing to the success of the Chapter! |
| Rebecca Lauzon | York Region Chapter | Thank you so much for your continued dedication to excellence. York Region volunteers continue to be pioneers in best practices. With your continued hard work, the Chapter continues to flourish. HRPA are forever thankful for the time you have given. You have made an unforgettable difference! |
| Rina Truong | Experience Assessment Committee | Dear Experience Assessment Committee Volunteers, I am writing to thank you all for your hard work and commitment. We appreciate your willingness to be part of an important community that helps to shape the HR profession. Your passion and co-operation has shone strongly since I began my transition, and I appreciate your patience and understanding. Thank you for volunteering with us! |
| Sacha Williams | Steering Committee | Dear Steering Committee: On behalf of the Learning Team, we would like to thank you for volunteering and collaborating on the Seasonal Conferences. You truly make a difference to our team and we are so grateful to have you. |
| Stephanie Jung | Appeal Committee | Major applause to the Appeal Committee! Thank you for your diligence, commitment, professionalism, and your wonderful attitudes. Thank you for your open communication. Even with complex cases, you all have grace under pressure. I am grateful to be the staff support to such a stellar group of people. |
| Stephanie Jung | Regulatory Discussion Group Committee | Thank you to the Regulatory Discussion Group Committee for your leadership and planning in every discussion group and meeting! Your contribution and dedication in gathering feedback on regulatory matters is so valuable. Thank you for your time, your thoughts, and commitment. |
| Su-Min Teh | Chapter Event Discussion Group | A special thank you to the Chapter Event Discussion Group for your continued work and dedication to improve chapter programming. Your contributions will make a great impact on future chapter events! |
| Tammy Williams | Algoma Chapter Board of Directors | The changes and challenges faced over the past year have been many. I am grateful for your time, knowledge and leadership! Looking forward to what’s ahead! Thank you. |
| Tammy Williams | North Bay Chapter Board of Directors | You are such a pleasure to work with. Your team works collaboratively and with good humour. Your time and contributions are appreciated. You set the bar on webinar co-hosting and facilitation. I look forward to continuing to work with you and participating in person soon! Thank you for all you do! |
| Tammy Williams | Northern ON Chapter Board of Directors and Committee Volunteers | You have finished your first year as Northern ON Chapter! Thank you for your leadership and support to members and HRPA. Your selfless commitment to continue as a volunteer is truly incredible. You inspire! |
| Tammy Williams | Ottawa and District Chapter Board of Directors and Committee Volunteers | Where would HRPA be without the commitment of volunteers like Ottawa and District! Selfless contributions are the best and greatest assets of our association. You make my work easy. I thank you so very much. |
| Tammy Williams | Toronto Chapter Board of Directors and Committee Volunteers | As volunteers you are our secret power, and we have achieved so much with your support. You have donated your most precious, your time, your talent and your energy. You are indeed the reason to the Toronto Chapter’s success in programming and support to its members. Thank you very much for all you have done. |
| Tammy Williams | Sudbury Chapter Board of Directors | Thank you for your leadership and support. Your selfless commitment to continue to bring excellent programming to members as a volunteer leader is truly incredible. You are appreciated. |
| Tracey Gallacher | Barrie Chapter Board of Directors | It has been such a pleasure getting to know you and working with you over the past 7 months. You have a dedicated team that works hard to support your chapter by offering amazing events. Looking forward to continued success as we get back to in-person events in the fall. |
| Tracey Gallacher | Halton Chapter Board of Directors and Chapter Volunteers | It’s fun working with you! Your chapter works together to run amazing events, including starting up the CDG’s and supporting your upcoming Mentorship event. And also your work to participate in the Regulatory Groups has been amazing. Keep up the great work! |
| Tracey Gallacher | Hamilton Chapter Board of Directors and Committee Members | I have enjoyed getting to know all of you this year and supporting your great programming. Your contributions matter! Thanks for all you do! |
| Tracey Gallacher | Niagara Chapter Board of Directors and Mentorship Committee | You have a tight knit team and it shows! I love how you support each other on events, not just leaving it up to one person to run the show. I know you are itching to get back to in-person events and I know your team will do great things once we are able to. Looking forward to working with you on your 2023 Program Plan! |
| Tracey Gallacher | Peel Chapter Board of Directors and all of the Chapter Volunteers | There were a lot of challenges this year but everyone pivoted to embrace and support the changes while remaining committed to quality programming and support for Peel Chapter members. Thank you for being a great team! |
| Tracey Gallacher | West Toronto Chapter Board of Directors and Volunteers | You are a very committed team that does a great job delivering quality events and programming to your local members. I look forward to what’s ahead! Thank you for all you do! |
"HRPA’s volunteers are the heart of the Association — whether it’s charting the direction of the organization through Board work, assessing their HR peers through our regulatory committees, or establishing a sense of community and building members skills and proficiency through our Chapters across the Province.
Louise Tagliacozzo, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, HRPA
Thank you to each of you, who dedicate your time and energy to the Association and the Profession's success!"
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering is a win-win opportunity: HRPA volunteers get to help others while being positively impacted too. In the video below, four of our members explain why they choose to volunteer at HRPA.