In keeping with the spirit of creative risk taking that we’re trying to promote here on Project: Social HR, I am posting my 1st ever video blog (vlog) post. I’m excited (and a little nauseous). Listen to what I have to say and then read more about the PSHR program below. Thanks!

Started in the Fall of 2010 through a Twitter conversation between Human Resource and business professionals, Project: Social HR (sometimes referred to as Project: Social, or PSHR) is a community in-the-making for Human Resource professionals interested in social media.

The purpose of PSHR will be twofold. One will be to encourage and support Human Resource practitioners growth in the use of social media (SM) tools and strategies. The second purpose is to provide a forum for diverse points of view on HR and business related topics. We believe that the right forum and community will create the conditions by which HR practitioners can demonstrate their personal and professional value.

This blog will be a multi-contributor site. Whether a seasoned professional or someone just starting out, the PSHR blog allows for people’s voices to be heard. Part of what will make this site unique is what goes on behind the scenes. HR professionals who may want to dive into social media may be reluctant to do so for several reasons. To overcome these obstacles we’ve tied into the site a SM focused mentorship model called Project: Social. Having already been in existence for a year, this informal mentoring program can and will allow those who need personal support in their SM needs to receive it. We’re here to support your growth, whether it’s by helping you write a blog post for this site, debating whether or not your organization should have a social media policy, or helping you find someone who shares your zeal for quality organizational design.

What we’re looking for are Human Resource professionals who have opinions about what they do, how they do it and, through their content and connections, want to contribute to the advancement of the profession. You can do this by being a contributor, creating content to post on the site. Or you can be a part of the mentoring program, either as a mentor or mentee.

We believe that exposure to the program will be a benefit even if participants walk away not wanting to say, be a blogger. Social media is not going away. It is an increasing important part of an organization’s strategy–for talent management, brand awareness, and customer service, among other things. Human Resources professionals who have a deeper understanding of this medium will be better able to assist their organization’s use and interaction with it.

If you’re interested in learning more about Project: Social HR check out these blog posts by some of the project’s earlier and/or ongoing participants:

• Ben Eubanks: Project: Social

• William Gould: #ProjectSocial – The Beginning

• Laura Schroeder: Project: Social – Let’s Clique

• Dave Ryan: Project: Social

So if you’re interested in being a part of Project: Social HR here’s your chance!

• Take the survey to become a mentor or mentee.

• Follow the #ProjectSocial hashtag on Twitter

• Email me at projectsocialhr@gmail.com

• If you don’t want to participate then help spread the word!

Thanks for stopping by!