Membership
Connecting the Dots : Making the Most of NSNA
Sarah McCloskey Director and Chair , Membership Committee directore @ nsnainc . org
Membership Committee started off with our first meeting in May where we met via Zoom to discuss goals for the year and choose a new theme . Speaking of themes , my fellow committee members , Megan Johnston and Sabrina Roney , and I came up with “ Connecting the Dots : Making the Most of NSNA ” for this brand new and exciting year . We felt this choice really reflected what we would like to achieve during our time as a committee : clarifying the various opportunities , benefits , and experiences that are afforded to and waiting for each and every NSNA member . Ultimately , we want to focus on what it means to be a member and how to make sure you are reaping as much as possible from your time with NSNA . So far , we have presented at the NSNA Leadership U Summer Summit and held a membership webinar ! We hope to offer many more interactive opportunities where members can ask questions , share thoughts and ideas , learn new ways to gain new members and maintain current ones , and see new perspectives on popular nursing topics and discussions . Whether you are at the school , state , or national level , I want to ensure two-way , open communication is occurring and accessible for everyone .
My committee members and I are students just like you ! So please do not hesitate to reach out , regardless of whether the concern is big or small . I like to think of NSNA and its members as a community — one that I am so happy to be a part of because it never feels like you are alone in your struggles or challenges . But our community would not be what it is without members like you ! You ’ re crucial to the foundation of what NSNA is and what we represent .
Membership Recruitment Ideas NSNA recognizes that recruiting members is not an easy task , especially with the past year ’ s virtual atmosphere . Not to mention that things are still not completely back to the normal we know . So what can you do to grab students ’ attention ? Show potential members the student membership website page that answers the question , “ Why join NSNA as a Student ?” The top 10 reasons are a great introduction to why students value their membership and some of the opportunities or experiences that will provide the most benefit and enjoyment . Highlight NSNA benefits you think your potential members would be interested in . For example , Imprint magazine , NSNA memberspecific scholarship opportunities , partnership programs , discounts on products and services , and NSNA Leadership University — to name a few . Don ’ t forget to mention our brand new NSNA Leadership University Honor Society as well !
Explain your personal history with NSNA . Hearing a personal story can help encourage other students who are interested and is an easy and effective recruitment tool ! Being personal and sharing a relatable memory or benefit can also stimulate a sense of community or belonging . Was it a great experience at the MidYear Conference or Annual Convention that got you hooked ? How about an informative focus session you enjoyed , an article in Imprint , or a connection you made ? Sharing the reasons that you got involved can help get prospective members excited to become a part of the NSNA .
Order membership brochures and download the
Guidelines for Membership Recruitment from the NSNA website . Provide membership brochures at orientation . Membership brochures are excellent hands-on tools for encouraging potential members to join NSNA . Order early so that you receive them in time for your orientation , access the
membership brochure order form . Keep these on hand as well in case you have students who become interested throughout the year or semester .
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