Nearly every school includes time during orientation for student organizations to address the incoming class. The AMSA recruitment video is perfect for such situations, especially if you follow it with a brief summary of local chapter activities. At this point, emphasize that AMSA membership is a financially attractive and worthwhile investment and mention leadership opportunities for first year students. Most importantly, be enthusiastic. There will be plenty of time for consciousness-raising and education during AMSA meetings.
Most medical students love free food.
After your presentation, have a recruitment booth set up in a convenient location. Keep it open during lunchtime or class breaks for several weeks. The New Physician , pamphlets on Standing Committees and Interest Groups, or fact sheets on our health policy fellowships. Instead, concentrate on the people who are asking questions or looking at the literature. Distribute both paper and on-line applications, but try to collect paper applications and checks on the spot if possible.