Eta Sigma Gamma

Promoting Your Chapter & Recruiting New Members

For ESG chapters to thrive, attracting new members is key. Think of it like marketing a brand; your chapter is the brand, and your audience is students majoring or minoring in public health, health education, or health promotion. Recruitment may take effort, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to be creative and build your community.

Finding Future Members

Start by identifying students who are eligible to join. Your department chair or academic advisor can usually provide a list of majors and minors in your field. From there, screen for students who meet your chapter’s specific membership requirements, which may be GPA thresholds (e.g., a 2.7 GPA one term followed by a 2.5 the next), course completion in the major/minor, or other academic criteria.

Once you’ve got your list of potential members, try the following outreach strategies:

• Send Personalized Invites: Make it official. A well-crafted invitation letter or email reflects your chapter’s professionalism and enthusiasm.

• Visit Classes: Have chapter officers briefly speak to classes that are required for majors and minors. Highlight the chapter’s mission, current projects, and benefits of joining.

• Partner with Professors: Ask faculty to mention the chapter in class and share how it can help students prepare for their careers.

• Set Up a Display: Create an eye-catching table or bulletin board in a high-traffic area of your department with photos, flyers, and details about the chapter.

• Peer-to-Peer Recruiting: Encourage members to personally invite a friend or classmate. Word-of-mouth is powerful!

• Create a Chapter Brochure or Flyer: Include quotes from current members about what ESG means to them and how it’s helped them grow.

• Host a Social Event: A casual recruitment event is a great way to meet potential members and introduce them to your chapter community.

• Involve Alumni: Invite alumni to share how being part of the chapter helped them in their careers.

• Celebrate Successes: Highlight awards, recognitions, and impactful projects on bulletin boards, in social media posts, and during presentations.

Why Join ESG?

When promoting the chapter, emphasize the value and real-world benefits of joining. Here are some common reasons students choose to get involved:

• Build your resume with real experience in health education, research, service and advocacy.

• Connect with professionals and peers in your field.

• Gain leadership experience and professional skills.

• Make a positive impact on your campus and community.

• Feel confident and empowered as a future health professional.

• Get involved in meaningful service and outreach opportunities.

Gather testimonials from current members to include in presentations, displays, or handouts. Help students see the chapter as a valuable part of their personal and professional journey.

Boosting Your Chapter’s Campus Visibility

Chapters become well-known when they’re active, visible, and making an impact. Students want to be part of something meaningful, so show them what you’re doing! Here are ways to raise your chapter’s profile:

• Use Social Media and Digital Tools: Promote events, projects, and member achievements on platforms like Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook. Don’t forget your university's digital bulletin boards, student portals, and campus media.

• Present on Campus: Offer presentations in residence halls, general education courses, and student org meetings.

• Highlight Achievements: Use bulletin boards, digital displays, or showcases to spotlight your events, honors, and ongoing projects.

• Feature Members: Celebrate a “Member of the Month” or similar recognition. Include photos and a short write-up.

• Volunteer On Campus: Provide peer health coaching, help at wellness centers, or support campus-wide health events.

• Recognize Others: Celebrate outstanding students, faculty, or staff with chapter awards.

• Collaborate With Other Orgs: Partner with other student groups on shared health campaigns or events.

• Fundraise for a Cause: Organize a campus-wide fundraiser that supports a health-related issue or nonprofit.

• Join Committees: Encourage members to serve on university or department committees as student representatives.

Connecting With Campus and Community Organizations

Partnering with other groups isn’t just about helping them—it’s a great way to boost your chapter’s visibility, find meaningful projects, and build professional connections. Start with organizations that share your passion for health promotion.

Examples:

• Campus wellness programs

• Local chapters of the American Red Cross, Heart Association, Cancer Society, or Lung Association

• Public or private schools looking for mentors or health education speakers

• Community-based nonprofits with a focus on health

Steps to Collaborate:

1. Find the Right Contact: Look for the person who handles programming, health education, or volunteer coordination.

2. Reach Out: Call or email them. Introduce yourself, share what ESG is all about, and offer your chapter’s services (e.g., health education workshops, volunteering, fundraising).

3. Set Up a Meeting: If they’re interested, arrange a time to talk in person or virtually. Bring other members or your faculty advisor if possible.

4. Create a Professional Brochure: Design a clean, eye-catching brochure that includes your mission, past partnerships, services you can offer, and contact info. Include any testimonials or success stories if available.

Final Thought...
Marketing your chapter isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building a community, increasing your impact, and helping others grow as professionals. Whether you're hosting events, making social media posts, or connecting with your local community, your efforts make a difference.

Let people know: ESG is where passion meets purpose.