More on HR profession’s Katrina response

Last week, I passed along the SHRM President’s letter encouraging the HR community to participate in the hurricane relief efforts.

Today, I got an e-mail from her about a very specific and important volunteer opportunity for HR professionals:

In my e-mail to SHRM members last Friday, I encouraged you to contribute in some way to the overall Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. An opportunity has arisen that we think is an ideal way for our members to contribute their expertise and energy to the relief efforts.

The American Red Cross has an immediate need for groups of 50 Staff Relations Associates to work in two-week cycles at their disaster center, at this time primarily in Baton Rouge. These are VOLUNTEER positions, which require basic employee relations skills. Associates will act as liaisons and ombudsmen for the paid and volunteer Red Cross staff who are directly providing services to those displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

Associates will be called upon to intervene, investigate, and resolve complaints and allegations that arise among the staff of the disaster center. To be effective, Associates will help develop a positive, supportive, and productive work environment, demonstrating sound human resource management practices at all levels.

This position will require long hours and be physically and psychologically demanding. It is not likely that there will be air conditioning or other amenities. Each volunteer is expected to give a minimum of two consecutive weeks of time on assignment at the site. Training and orientation will be provided for Associates, who are needed immediately and for the next few months. Travel expenses will be paid, and accommodations and meals will be provided while on assignment. The accommodations will most likely be in a staff shelter/dormitory type arrangement.
We have highlighted this opportunity on the Hurricane Katrina Resource Page of the SHRM Web site, where you can find further details and a link to submit your application through our HR Jobs link. I am pleased to say that 40 SHRM members have already submitted applications, and I commend them for stepping up to help alleviate the suffering caused by America’s worst natural disaster.

As the largest HR association in the world, we are uniquely positioned to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of displaced victims. In the meantime, I encourage you to employ the same passion and creativity that you bring to your HR tasks in reaching out to help the victims of this unprecedented catastrophe.

Sue Meisinger, President & CEO

Note that the Hurricane Katrina Resource Page includes a column of important Katrina-and-employment news.

One item of particular interest: “Homeland Security Eases I-9 Documentation Requirements for Hiring Hurricane Victims”

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