Imprint 2025 September/October | Page 26

MEMBERSHIP

Megan Le, Vice President and Chair, Membership Committee vicepresident @ nsna. org

Strength in Community

Happy Fall! I would like to officially welcome everyone to the 2025-2026 academic year! Over the summer, the Membership Committee met to discuss our goals for the year. Committee members Lauren Tickner, Shermaine Lambkin, and I chose to continue the theme of“ Strength in Community” for this year. We wanted to focus on“ why” students are part of NSNA and how NSNA can support them during their time as members. At NSNA, our mission is to bring together and mentor students who are preparing for initial licensure as registered nurses, as well as those enrolled in baccalaureate completion programs. Whether you are at the school, state, or national level, we want to ensure that two-way, open communication is accessible for everyone. My committee members and I are excited for you to get the best experience possible out of NSNA. So please do not hesitate to reach out, regardless of whether your 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 the association represents.
Membership Recruitment Ideas
NSNA recognizes that recruiting members is not an easy task. There can be many challenges trying to involve and engage fellow students. There is not a better time to be involved in an organization like NSNA to further your career. So, what can you do to grab students’ attention?
First, 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 membership and feature opportunities or experiences that can provide the most benefit and enjoyment.
Also, highlight NSNA benefits you think would interest potential members. For example, point out Imprint magazine, NSNA member-specific scholarship opportunities, partnership programs, discounts on products and services, and NSNA Leadership University Honor Society.
Explain your personal history with NSNA. Hearing a personal story can help encourage other students 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 excite prospective members to become part of the NSNA.
Download the Guidelines for Membership Recruitment and membership brochure.
Get faculty involved! Ask them to announce when and where you are having local chapter meetings via email or by announcements in class. Faculty members are some of your best resources— use them wisely!
Here are some other tips: Hold a watch party during one of the NSNA membership webinars scheduled throughout the year. Spread awareness about NSNA awards and benefits. Send emails to incoming students welcoming them to the school / program and offering to answer any questions they may have. Record meetings or have a live Zoom link when hosting in-person SNA meetings so that those who are unable to attend in person yet can stay involved. Contact me to brainstorm ideas together – each school is different!
NSNA Benefits Program
NSNA’ s Alliance Partners are our biggest supporters. Take advantage of the discounts and special services Alliance Partners offer exclusively to NSNA members, www. nsna. org / membership-benefits. When you use these fabulous discounts, you are also supporting NSNA.
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