A Message for the NHRMA Community
A Message for the NHRMA Community
We recognize that the recent announcements from SHRM and the news surrounding the legal decision involving SHRM’s recent lawsuit, which SHRM has stated it intends to appeal, have prompted many conversations within the HR community in the Pacific Northwest. This statement clarifies NHRMA’s role and commitments. It does not comment on or represent any position regarding SHRM’s legal matters. We want to clarify what this situation means for NHRMA.
NHRMA is a separate, independent non-profit.
We operate with our own bylaws, elected board, financial oversight, and strategic direction. Our role is to support HR professionals across the states of Alaska, Oregon, and Washington. While we are an affiliate of SHRM and we partner with the State Councils in Alaska, Oregon, and Washington to support the SHRM chapters and HR communities in those states, neither NHRMA nor the State Councils and chapters were involved in this case.
We are committed to upholding the values of equity, respect, and accountability.
As HR and people-operations professionals, we understand that discrimination is more than a legal issue. It harms individuals, communities, and organizations as well as erode trust. Any allegation of discrimination or retaliation deserves to be taken seriously, investigated thoroughly, and addressed thoughtfully and with integrity.
Our focus remains on serving the HR communities in Alaska, Oregon, and Washington.
NHRMA provides learning opportunities, community building, and volunteer leadership development. The strength of our communities comes from the dedication of HR practitioners across the Northwest who work every day to improve workplaces and advance inclusive, ethical people practices.
This moment invites all of us — including NHRMA — to reflect on how we live out our values. With that in mind, NHRMA remains committed to:
- Ensuring our programs and events are welcoming and safe for all participants;
- Providing clear, accessible ways to voice concerns about conduct at our events and within our communities; and
- Continually reviewing our internal policies, practices, and expectations to ensure they align with the standards we champion in our programming and the HR profession.
If you have questions or concerns about NHRMA’s practices, please reach out to the NHRMA Board at nhrma@nhrma.co. By talking with one another, we can continue building a community grounded in trust and transparency.
Thank you for being part of the HR communities in Alaska, Oregon, and Washington - communities that believe our work must be grounded not only in policy and compliance, but in humanity, fairness, and ethical leadership.
