Invest in your professional future for pennies a day!

Thank you for your interest in joining the Montgomery County MD Chapter of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR). The Montgomery County MD Chapter consists of members in all aspects of human resources including recruitment, employee and labor relations, benefits administration, classification, staffing and recruitment, equal employment, organizational development and training, as well as other areas of public administration.

The Chapter provides public service professionals with a forum for discussing new concerns and issues impacting this dynamic field and provides a medium for gaining knowledge and competencies through programs and interaction with colleagues.

Membership in the Chapter offers a number of advantages including:

• Provides an affiliated membership in IPMA-HR International with voting privileges at the chapter and regional levels

• Expands contacts and relationships with other HR and public service professionals

• Enhances your capabilities and competencies in the field of HR

• Helps you stay current on the latest trends in human resources and public administration

• Increases your value to current and future employers

• Provides a resource for exploring new career opportunities

• Enables you to be a part of a renowned international organization respected around the world

• Expands your own development opportunities while giving your profession greater recognition and credibility

We have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about IPMA-HR Montgomery County MD Chapter membership benefits for your information.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Do I have to belong to the International Public Management Association to become a member of this Chapter?  
   
   No. While we encourage you to join the International Public Management Association, you need not join to be a member of the Montgomery County MD Chapter.
    

2. Who can be a member of the Montgomery County MD Chapter?  
   
   Anyone who supports the objectives and programs of the Chapter and the International Public Management Association is eligible to join. A copy of the Chapter bylaws, which specifies the Chapter objectives, is available on the website (http://www.ipmamc.org).
    

3. Why should I join?  
   
   We strive to provide you with up-to-date information on important issues in the personnel arena and public administration community; Offer numerous opportunities to network with professionals in the public sector at the State, Local and Federal government levels; Support a forum to discuss human resource practices; and offer a chance to help set the agenda for the Chapter. As a member, you have a voice in deciding what topics are of interest to you and which ones are important enough to receive more information about. This is a great opportunity to learn and share your knowledge and experience with other professionals in the HR field.
    

4. How much time do I have to commit?  
   
   We will have a minimum of 4 program meetings each year lasting from 1 to 2 hours, an annual spring forum for training and development, and an annual business meeting. We schedule events at a variety of times so the maximum number of people can attend. There is no requirement that you attend any specific event, however we encourage your active participation as often as possible.  It is fun to get involved and learn more about how you can shape our activities. We will need officers to serve on the Board of Directors, and we encourage you to volunteer to help with the planning for the spring forum, as well as to participate in any way you can.
    

5. Are there social or network events? 
   
   Yes. Several times a year, the chapter invites all members to attend social events planned at a variety of local restaurants to provide a venue for socializing and discussing topics of interest in a casual setting.
    

6. Is there education or training opportunities?  
   
   Yes, each spring the Montgomery County MD Chapter sponsors a one-day training and development forum.  We invite engaging and knowledgeable speakers to present on a variety of relevant topics for the public sector human resource professional and our members. The Eastern Region Chapter of IPMA-HR also sponsors an annual training event, lasting 2-3 days in one of the local chapter areas. Again, the topics are current and of interest to the membership.
    

7. Are there any other benefits to being a member of the local chapter?  
   
   Yes, as a member of IPMA-MCC you receive an affiliated membership with IPMA-HR offering access to an electronic newsletter and the latest research on HR topics. You also receive a discount on conference registrations.  This is a limited membership category with the national organization and does not carry the benefits of a full membership -- a full membership is available through IPMA-HR (http://www.ipma-hr.org) directly for a fee.
    

8. Can I come to the program meetings if I decide not to join the Chapter?  
   
   Yes. The Montgomery County Chapter of IPMA-HR invites and encourages individuals to attend and participate in our events.  We hope you will decide to join our chapter and get involved to share your knowledge and expertise.
    

9. OK, you have convinced me to join, how much are dues?  
   
   The program year begins on July 1 and runs through June 30 of each year.  If you join or renew your membership by June 30, the fee is $50.  Student Memberships are $20 for the year, along with a copy of the student ID.  If you are a member of the International organization, you receive a discounted rate of $30 for the year.