Anthems and Opening Ceremony

Official IHRI Anthem and Invocation

Last modified: September 1, 2024

“Aim High with IHRI” and “Guiding Light” are two powerful tracks from the first all-English album dedicated to the HR profession, titled “HR with a Heart.” Released globally and available on all major streaming platforms, this album celebrates the dedication, passion, and impact of HR professionals around the world. “Aim High with IHRI” is the second track on the album, serving as the official anthem of the International HR Institute, while “Guiding Light,” the third track, symbolizes hope and leadership, often used as an invocation at IHRI events.

These songs encapsulate the core values of the International HR Institute, aiming to inspire, motivate, and unify HR practitioners as they lead and support their organizations. Each song has a distinct purpose, reinforcing the commitment to excellence and the guiding principles that define the HR profession.

Introduction

“Aim High with IHRI” and “Guiding Light” are more than just songs; they are representations of the International HR Institute’s mission to foster a community of forward-thinking HR professionals. “Aim High with IHRI” serves as a rallying cry, encouraging HR leaders to strive for excellence and leadership in their field. It promotes unity, pride, and the pursuit of the highest standards in human resources.

“Guiding Light,” on the other hand, offers a reflective and uplifting message, reminding HR professionals of their role as guides and mentors within their organizations. It embodies the values of empathy, integrity, and dedication, which are essential to effective leadership and the cultivation of positive workplace cultures.

Purpose

The primary purpose of these songs is to:

  1. Inspire and Motivate: “Aim High with IHRI” energizes and motivates HR professionals to achieve greatness, while “Guiding Light” provides a moment of reflection, reminding them of their purpose and values.
  2. Promote Unity and Pride: Both songs serve as unifying anthems for the HR community, representing the collective spirit and aspirations of IHRI members and HR practitioners worldwide.
  3. Celebrate and Reflect: “Aim High with IHRI” celebrates achievements and the pursuit of excellence, while “Guiding Light” invites reflection on the journey and the guiding principles that sustain HR professionals.

Policies for Use

  1. Official IHRI Events:
    • Aim High with IHRI: Must be played during the IHRI Opening Ceremony at all official IHRI events, including in-person conventions, online learning sessions, and ceremonial occasions. It may also be included in closing ceremonies to reinforce the message of striving for excellence.
    • Guiding Light: Should be used at the beginning of IHRI events as part of the IHRI Opening Ceremony to set a reflective and inspirational tone. It may also be played during award presentations or commemorative ceremonies to honor the contributions of HR professionals.
  2. Promotional and Marketing Activities:
    • Aim High with IHRI: Can be used in promotional videos, advertisements, and marketing campaigns with prior approval from the IHRI Marketing Department.
    • Guiding Light: May be featured in promotional or educational materials that emphasize IHRI’s values and mission.
  3. Training and Educational Programs:
    • Both songs may be played during IHRI training sessions, workshops, or webinars to inspire participants and create a positive atmosphere for learning.
  4. Restrictions:
    • General Use: Neither song may be used at events or settings not associated with IHRI without written permission. Modifications, remixes, or adaptations are prohibited without explicit consent from IHRI.
    • Invocation and National Anthem Exemptions: In countries where playing an invocation or the national anthem is restricted or inappropriate, only “Aim High with IHRI” and “We Are the Future” should be played, in that order.

Intellectual Property and Copyright

  • Ownership: Both “Aim High with IHRI” and “Guiding Light” are the intellectual property of the International HR Institute. All rights are reserved.
  • Usage Rights: Any public performance, broadcast, or distribution outside official IHRI contexts requires prior approval. Commercial use requires licensing agreements through IHRI’s Legal Department.
  • Licensing: For commercial purposes, licensing agreements must be arranged with IHRI’s Legal Department.
  • Copyright Infringement: Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of either song is strictly prohibited and may lead to legal action.

IHRI Official Opening Ceremony Policy

Last modified: September 1, 2024

Introduction

The International HR Institute (IHRI) is committed to fostering a culture of unity, respect, and inspiration across all its events and programs. The IHRI Opening Ceremony is an integral part of this commitment, serving as a formal introduction that sets the tone for the event and reflects the values and mission of IHRI. This policy provides comprehensive guidelines for conducting the IHRI Opening Ceremony, which includes the playing of the IHRI Invocation Song, the national anthem of the host country (where applicable), and the IHRI Anthem.

The purpose of this ceremony is to:

  1. Inspire and Motivate: The songs chosen for the IHRI Opening Ceremony are meant to inspire participants, instill a sense of purpose, and highlight the significance of the event.
  2. Promote Unity and Inclusivity: By including the national anthem of the host country, IHRI acknowledges and respects the cultural context of the event location, fostering a sense of unity and inclusivity among diverse participants.
  3. Enhance Professionalism and Respect: The ceremony underscores IHRI’s commitment to professionalism and respect for both its members and the global community, creating a respectful and engaging atmosphere for all events.
  4. Celebrate IHRI’s Vision and Mission: The IHRI Anthem, “Aim High with IHRI,” encapsulates the Institute’s mission and vision, encouraging all participants to strive for excellence in their professional and personal endeavors.

This policy applies to all IHRI-organized events, including in-person conventions, online learning sessions, and official ceremonies. It ensures that the IHRI Opening Ceremony is conducted consistently and appropriately, reflecting IHRI’s core values and standards of excellence. The following guidelines detail the implementation and conduct of the ceremony, providing clarity and structure for event coordinators, hosts, and participants.

1. Components of the IHRI Opening Ceremony

1.1. Sequence Order:

  • “Guiding Light” – IHRI Invocation Song (or alternative as outlined in Section 5)
  • National Anthem of the host country (if applicable, see Section 3)
  • “Aim High with IHRI” – IHRI Anthem
  • “We Are the Future” – IHRI Motivational Anthem (if applicable, see Section 4)

1.2. Placement in the Program:

  • The IHRI Opening Ceremony must be conducted before the welcome remarks at all events.

1.3. Duration:

  • The entire sequence should not exceed 12 minutes. Adjustments to individual song lengths may be made to accommodate this time frame.

2. Guidelines for Different Event Formats

2.1. In-Person Conventions and Events

2.1.1. Single-Day Events:

  • The IHRI Opening Ceremony must be played once at the start of the program, right after any preliminary activities (e.g., registration, housekeeping) and before the welcome remarks.

2.1.2. Multi-Day Events with the Same Audience:

  • Day 1: Play the full IHRI Opening Ceremony.
  • Subsequent Days: The IHRI Opening Ceremony is optional but recommended for consistency. If played, the national anthem and “Aim High with IHRI” should be included, while “Guiding Light” is optional.

2.1.3. Multi-Day Events with Different Audience Each Day:

  • Play the complete IHRI Opening Ceremony at the start of each day to ensure all attendees experience the full sequence.

2.2. Online Learning Programs and Webinars

2.2.1. Single-Day Programs:

  • The full IHRI Opening Ceremony must be integrated at the beginning of the session. This should be coordinated with the platform’s opening screen and audio setup to ensure visibility and audibility.

2.2.2. Multi-Day Programs with the Same Participants:

  • Day 1: Play the complete IHRI Opening Ceremony.
  • Subsequent Days: The IHRI Opening Ceremony is optional but recommended. If played, it should include the national anthem and “Aim High with IHRI.” “Guiding Light” is optional.

2.2.3. Multi-Day Programs with Different Participants Each Day:

  • The full IHRI Opening Ceremony should be played each day at the beginning to welcome new participants.

2.2.4. Technical Considerations:

  • Ensure participants are informed to be in a conducive environment during the ceremony. Test audio and video settings to avoid disruptions.

2.3. Official Events and Ceremonies

2.3.1. IHRI-Sponsored Awards, Ceremonial Events, and Launches:

  • The IHRI Opening Ceremony must be played at the start of the event, after any initial formalities, and before the welcome or opening remarks.

2.3.2. Public Appearances and Guest Events:

  • When IHRI is a guest organizer or co-organizer, include the IHRI Opening Ceremony wherever possible, aligning with the event protocol.

2.3.3. Multi-Day Ceremonial Events:

  • Follow the same protocol as for multi-day conventions, adapting for audience changes as described in Sections 2.1.2 and 2.1.3.

3. Countries Where National Anthem is Not Applicable or Restricted

In some countries, playing the national anthem in non-official settings or during private events may be inappropriate or illegal. For such countries, the IHRI Opening Ceremony should be adjusted as follows:

3.1. Countries with Restrictions on National Anthem:

The following countries have specific restrictions or cultural sensitivities regarding the use of national anthems in non-official or private settings: North Korea, China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Russia, Thailand, Germany, Japan, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Afghanistan, Myanmar, Qatar

3.2. Modified Sequence:

  • “Guiding Light” – IHRI Invocation Song
  • “Aim High with IHRI” – IHRI Anthem
  • “We Are the Future” – IHRI Motivational Anthem (International version)

3.3. Implementation:

  • For events held in these countries or involving participants from these countries, the national anthem segment should be omitted. The event host must confirm local regulations and adjust the ceremony accordingly.

4. Countries Where Invocation or Prayer May Be Inappropriate or Illegal

In certain countries, the playing of an invocation or prayer before an event may be deemed inappropriate or illegal due to cultural or legal constraints. For these cases, the IHRI Opening Ceremony should be adjusted as follows:

4.1. Countries with Restrictions on Invocation or Prayer:

The following countries have restrictions on the use of invocations, prayers, or religious content in public or official settings: France (Strict Secularism – Laïcité), China, North Korea, Saudi Arabia (Specific to non-Islamic invocations), Turkey (Specific to non-Islamic invocations), Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia (Specific to non-Islamic invocations), Brunei, Maldives (Specific to non-Islamic invocations)

4.2. Modified Sequence:

  • National Anthem of the host country (if applicable, see Section 3)
  • “Aim High with IHRI” – IHRI Anthem
  • “We Are the Future” – IHRI Motivational Anthem (US version for US-based events, International version for all other events)

4.3. Implementation:

  • When an invocation or prayer must be omitted, the IHRI Opening Ceremony should conclude with “We Are the Future” to maintain the spirit of motivation and inclusivity. The version of the anthem to be played (US or International) should be selected based on the location of the event.

4.4. Compliance and Coordination:

  • The event host must verify local regulations and ensure the modified sequence is followed. Any adjustments must be approved by IHRI leadership.

5. General Instructions for Ceremony Conduct

5.1. Audience Participation:

  • Attendees should be requested to stand during the national anthem as a sign of respect. For the other songs, standing is optional but encouraged for full engagement.

5.2. Host and Organizer Responsibilities:

  • Ensure the IHRI Opening Ceremony is included in the program agenda and all stakeholders are informed.
  • For in-person events, ensure proper audio-visual setup and conduct a rehearsal to confirm all elements are working.

5.3. Announcements and Communications:

  • Prior to the ceremony, the host should make a brief announcement explaining the sequence and encouraging participants to participate respectfully.

5.4. Documentation and Reporting:

  • Document any deviations from this policy and report to the IHRI Events Committee for review and future adjustments.

6. Compliance and Exceptions

6.1. Compliance Monitoring:

  • The IHRI Events Committee will monitor compliance with this policy and provide feedback or recommendations as needed.

6.2. Request for Exceptions:

  • Any requests for exceptions to this policy must be submitted in writing to the IHRI leadership at least two weeks before the event date.

7. Policy Review and Updates

This policy is subject to annual review and may be updated based on feedback, changes in regulations, or organizational needs. Any updates will be communicated to all IHRI event coordinators and stakeholders.

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