When you start your own Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) chapter, you gain the tools and support needed to reach even your most elusive goals. ESA is a premier leadership and service organization that offers members the personal assistance, supportive programs, and information needed to develop confidence and competence to go forth and impact the world in a positive way.

Do you dream about spending more time with the people you care about? Do your goals involve others? Do you desire personal growth? Do you want to make a positive difference in the world? Do you wish you could find others who share your same aspirations? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have come to the right place!

Reaching for your goals
A successful chapter takes organization, determination, and a commitment to making a difference in your community. When getting organized, a careful assessment of your surroundings will help you develop a plan of action. Areas to examine include:

• Resources – Will other ESA members be helping you or will you be organizing the chapter on your own? If you’re on your own, you will want to contact ESA Headquarters for support and assistance. Having someone to brainstorm with during development is extremely helpful, laying the foreground for ESA support right away.
  
• Time – What does your schedule look like? New chapters are typically organized on a definite timetable, usually within two months from the time an organizer decides to get serious about the project. Plan your calendar accordingly.
  
• Motivation – Why do you want to start a new chapter? Why should others want to join? Note your own reasons for starting a chapter and identify the motivation that you think other people will have for joining ESA. Typically, the main reason for initial membership is affiliation with others who share similar dreams, followed by the opportunities for service and education that ESA offers. This concept triggers a domino effect. If you interest one or two people, they will be natural resources for names of friends who might also be interested in joining.

Making the dream a reality
Membership recruitment is the key to establishing a new chapter. Prospects can come from practically anywhere. All it takes is knowing where to look:

• Think of the people that you would like to see more often and get them to participate. Friends, close relatives, and co-workers are a good place to begin. Membership will allow you to spend quality time together while participating in fun ESA activities.
  
• Look to like-minded groups who share your same goals. Recreational groups, political groups, and church members make good contacts for pursuing similar dreams.
  
• Try existing organizations for potential members. The Chamber of Commerce, PTA, Newcomers Club, and local colleges and universities are ideal for recruitment.

Creating the support system
Start a new ESA chapter, and seize the opportunity to make your dreams come true. Through affiliation with others, you will make new friends, accomplish your goals, and make a positive impact in the world.

For more information, please contact us to find the Guide for New Chapters located in the Member Center, a secure section especially for our members.