Innovation isn’t a word that typically comes to mind when people think about government. Yet the ability to think critically and creatively about how any organization adapts in a world that is changing at a dizzying pace can’t be underestimated. How do we make the abstract idea of innovation into a reality in our workplaces?

Through a series of quick-paced activities, our April seminar–featuring Wayne Scott–introduces participants to cutting-edge concepts about organizational innovation: what it is, how to create work environments that nurture it, and what leaders can do to make it happen.

The seminar will be held April 8 in Room 112 at Clackamas Community College Wilsonville Campus, 29353 Town Center Loop E, Wilsonville. Check-in and breakfast is 8:30 a.m., and the seminar will be 8-9:30 a.m.

Wayne Scott is the Manager of Training and Organizational Development in Multnomah County where he teaches classes on change management and innovation. Prior to moving into organizational development, Wayne worked for many years as a program manager in the juvenile justice field, introducing a number of innovations to front-line practices, and has taught in the graduate social work program at Portland State University. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago and earned his masters in Social Service Administration from the same school in 1989.

Please register by Friday, April 2, 2010.

Dear HR Colleague:

In another year of tight fiscal budgets and the continued need for good stewardship of training budgets, we encourage you to consider a prudent investment – joining your local Oregon IPMA-HR chapter!

Oregon IPMA-HR serves its members with up-to-date training opportunities that address the hottest topics facing Human Resource professionals.

Our theme for this year is Tools for Tough Times.

Upcoming Programs:

• June 17, 2010 –Dispute Resolution in the Workplace – Mike Neimeyer

Benefits to being a local Oregon IPMA-HR Chapter member are:

Discounts on IPMA-HR Events – Enjoy $5 discounts on bi-monthly lunch seminars, and additional discounts on other events such as conferences and the “Developing Competencies for HR Success” training.

Tuition and Profession Development Scholarships – Becoming a member of Oregon IPMA-HR provides you with an opportunity to apply for an Oregon IPMA-HR Scholarship towards college coursework or conference registration costs.

Unmatched Networking with Other Public Sector HR Professionals. Attending these informational programs not only gives you the tools to address these issues immediately in your entity, but also gives you the opportunity to get to know your colleagues who are some of your best resources to obtain support to enhance your career and continue your professional development.

Professional Resources IPMA-HR Oregon offers an informative website, www.ipmaoregon.org, the opportunity to give and receive professional expertise on issue facing public sector human resource professionals each day, and access to the chapter’s membership directory for possible mentoring opportunities.

Additional benefits:

As a chapter affiliated member of national IPMA-HR, you also receive these benefits:

• Weekly HR Bulletin delivered via email
• Member rate for all IPMA-HR professional development activities, IPMA-HR Western Region Conference and National Conferences, HR Competency Training Program, and monthly training webinar

We look forward to you joining our local chapter and sharing in our continued success and commitment to the Oregon Human Resource profession in the public sector!

Sincerely,

Your IPMA-HR Oregon Chapter Board

Membership Application Form for 2010 [PDF]

The next Oregon Chapter breakfast seminar will be held Thursday, March 4 at Clackamas Community College in Wilsonville.

The new Oregon Workplace Religious Freedom Act, and the increasing diversity of religious views in our society, has moved accommodating religion to the top of many employers’ focus lists for 2010.  In this breakfast seminar, attorney Lisa Umscheid of Ball Jankik LLP will discuss how to recognize and respond to requests for accommodation, ensure policies are in compliance with state law, and train managers and supervisors. A brief review of other legislative updates will also be provided.

Check in and breakfast are at 7:30 a.m., the seminar will be from 8-9:30 a.m.

Register by Friday, February 26

The Oregon Chapter IPMA-HR Board would like to say  Thank You for your continued support.

Drawing for all who sign up as members:

To do this we are extending our membership drive until February 28th and everyone who signs up for 2010 membership whether new or returning will be included in the drawing for one of four $25 gift certificates.  Don’t worry if you have already signed up your name will still be included in the drawing.  We hope if you haven’t signed up for 2010 membership that you will take advantage of this opportunity.

We had previously offered a chance to be entered into a drawing for 1 of 4 $25 gift certificates if you referred a new member.  What we have found is that we have many friends of IPMA that have already been members and no one has referenced a referral on their application.  We are glad  to see you returning and appreciate your continued support.

It is because of your membership that we are able to continue to bring you programs relevant to the public sector HR professional and your managers.

Some of the other advantages of membership:

Out of Town Members:

For those working 100 miles or more from the location of a breakfast seminar we recognize it can be difficult to attend as there is the added cost of staying at a hotel the night before.  In recognition of that the board has decided to offer 6 comped registrations to each breakfast seminar for active members who sign up for the seminar and are traveling from over 100 miles.

Scholarships for training, classes and certification:

The board has allotted $2,000 towards scholarships for 2010.  The scholarships can be used not only for college classes but also for IPMA sponsored certification and training.

Discounts on recruitment advertising:

For member agencies if you would like to have your job posting placed on the IPMA – HR Oregon chapter website and e-mailed to our distribution list you will receive $25 off of the $99 advertising rate.

Discounts of all chapter seminars:

Members receive $5 discount off of the price of each breakfast seminar.  Additional discounts on other chapter sponsored events.

Mary Rowe, President
IPMA-HR Oregon Chapter

Our January 14 breakfast chapter meeting will focus on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin, and how use of these social networks can create issues for HR professionals.

Join us for an informative session on ethics and the use of social networking technology in public sector.  Do you or your employees Facebook, Twitter, or get LinkedIn at work? How far can supervisors go in controlling employees’ use of technology and cell phones in the workplace without violating privacy and other related laws?  What limits are there on employers using social networking sites for information on applicants or employees?  Submit your questions to IPMA in advance and come here answers from noted local employment law attorney, Barb Bloom, from the Bullard Law firm.

Please see the attached form to learn more and register!  Forward your questions for Barb to dbullard@ci.tualatin.or.us prior to attending the session.

See attached registration form.  Also, don’t forget that you can join now and you’ll get $5.00 off the seminar rate in January.