Welcome to Community Membership
Looking for a way to make a difference, develop your leadership skills, build lifelong friendships, and have fun along the way? You've come to the right place.
For more than 95 years, ESA members have been bringing people together through service, leadership, education, and friendship. Whether you're passionate about supporting charitable causes, developing new skills, connecting with like-minded people, or simply finding a place to belong, ESA offers opportunities to make an impact while building meaningful relationships.
With chapters located throughout the United States and members connected around the world, ESA provides countless ways to get involved at the local, state, regional, and international levels.
At ESA, our motto is:
Good Friends
Build genuine friendships with people who support, encourage, and inspire one another. Many members join for a cause and stay for the lifelong friendships they find along the way.
Good Works
Make a meaningful impact through volunteer service, fundraising, community outreach, and support of ESA's national and local philanthropic partners.
Good Times
Enjoy social events, leadership opportunities, educational programs, conferences, and experiences that create memories while helping you grow personally and professionally.
What Is Community Membership?
Community Membership is ESA's primary membership option for adults who want to participate in the organization's mission of friendship, service, and personal growth.
Community members can choose the experience that works best for them. Some join a local chapter and participate in regular activities with members in their area. Others engage through state, regional, and international opportunities without belonging to a local chapter. There is no single "right way" to be an ESA member.
Community Membership is open to:
- Adults age 18 and older
- Individuals from anywhere in the world
- People from all backgrounds and professions
Future Leaders
ESA also offers ÉLAN Membership for individuals under the age of 18 who want to become involved in service, leadership, and ESA activities.
To join as an ÉLAN member:
- A parent or legal guardian must grant permission
- Membership must be arranged through ESA Headquarters
- Interested families should call the ESAMC office for assistance 970-223-2824
What Do ESA Members Do?
No two ESA members have exactly the same experience. Members choose opportunities that match their interests, passions, talents, and availability.
Members may:
Serve Their Communities
Volunteer with local organizations, support ESA's national philanthropic partners, participate in fundraising efforts, and make a difference through hands-on service.
Develop Leadership Skills
Serve as officers, chair projects, lead committees, organize events, mentor others, and gain valuable leadership experience that can be applied both inside and outside of ESA.
Build Meaningful Relationships
Connect with members from across the country through local activities, state councils, regional events, international programs, and virtual opportunities.
Continue Learning and Growing
Participate in educational programs, workshops, conferences, and leadership development opportunities designed to help members grow personally and professionally.
Why Join ESA?
ESA is more than a volunteer organization. It is a community.
Leadership Development
Whether you're stepping into your first volunteer role or leading a large-scale project, ESA provides opportunities to develop leadership skills in a supportive environment.
Service With Purpose
Support causes that matter to you while joining thousands of ESA members who work together to create meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
Friendship & Networking
Meet people from different backgrounds, professions, and life experiences who share a commitment to service, growth, and connection.
Exclusive Member Benefits
Gain access to member-only resources, leadership tools, educational programs, publications, events, and opportunities designed to help you succeed.
Opportunities Beyond Your Local Community
Participate in state, regional, and international programs, events, and leadership opportunities that allow you to expand your network and impact.
How to Join
Joining ESA is simple and only takes a few minutes.
Step 1: Complete the Online Membership Application
Visit our Join Page and select the membership option that best fits your needs.
Step 2: Submit Your Membership Dues
Membership dues help support programs, resources, events, leadership development, and member services throughout ESA.
Step 3: Get Connected
After joining, we'll help connect you with local chapters, state organizations, regional opportunities, and member resources based on your interests.
Ready to Join?
Join ESA Today
What Happens After I Join?
Welcome
You'll receive information to help you get started and begin exploring the many opportunities available through ESA.
Connect
Meet fellow members and discover activities, events, and programs that align with your interests.
Get Involved
Participate at the level that works best for you, whether that's through a local chapter, state organization, regional opportunities, international programs, or individual involvement.
Grow
Develop leadership skills, build friendships, support important causes, and create lasting memories while making a difference.
Your ESA Journey Starts Here
Whether you're looking for opportunities to serve, ways to develop your leadership skills, new friendships, or a place where you can make a meaningful impact, ESA welcomes you.
Good Friends. Good Works. Good Times.
Have Questions?
Want to know more about community membership, starting a chapter, or getting involved? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more details!