Free Stuff to Foster Engagement

Whatever you call it—swag, tchotchkes, freebies, loot—a small gift with your association’s logo on it can pay off over time, especially if a member can use it every day. That’s one goal behind the “OSANA Proud!” engagement kit, a box mailed to every member of the Ohio State Association of Nurse Anesthetists this spring to kick off a new campaign to boost member involvement in everything from meeting attendance to legislative advocacy.

“We are receiving steady feedback from our members as an answer to their receiving the member kit, and our list of those interested in volunteering for the association is growing,” says Peggy Blankenship, CAE, OSANA executive director.

So, what’s in the box?

Member report. A small “Member Report 2015” booklet outlines OSANA’s mission, strategic plan, and member benefits.

Response card. A postcard enlists members to express their interest in getting involved in advocacy and other OSANA programs.

Mug, lunchbag, and retractable badge holder. Bearing the OSANA logo, this handy office gear is both a daily reminder to members about the association and a show of OSANA pride for coworkers to see.

[This article was originally published in the Associations Now print edition, titled “Good Old Giveaways.”]