Did you receive an email from the National Society of Leadership and Success and think, ‘Why would I want to join a club with a $90 price tag?’ or ‘What even is that’?
Coming from a current member, I shared the same initial thoughts. However, after joining, I came to realize that the NSLS is far more than just the membership fee and a résumé builder.
“I became a member to get more involved in the club and gain more leadership experience,” said President Lauren Prats. “It has helped me with connections and networking and I’m so grateful for all the opportunities I have had.”
It is a club that allows you to network with other students, support the Cortland community, and work towards a common goal of becoming an inductee.
The club hosts an induction ceremony concluding each semester. Featuring motivational keynote speakers, influential community leaders, and the executive board members of the Cortland chapter, the event is a rewarding experience you won’t want to miss.
“As e-board, we try to make the event special for inductees to give them the recognition they deserve and convey the importance that you are joining a national organization and not just a club,” said fundraising chair Taylor Lane. “It also is a place for friends and family to gather to appreciate your academic success and honor the steps it has taken for you to become a member.”
The NSLS is the largest leadership honor society in the United States. With a 3.3+ GPA, you have the opportunity to join the SUNY Cortland chapter that has been recognized on campus since 2015.
The Cortland chapter welcomed 115 new members this fall to pursue the road to induction. Each member class is comprised of students from various grade levels, joining when their GPA reaches the chapters criteria.
“I’m glad I joined NSLS,” said new member Liana Youst. “It gave me the opportunity to meet new students, and I’ve already met a few girls at orientation and leadership training day.”
The club offers many fundraising events throughout the academic year, with Moe’s being their most successful. This event donates 100% of its proceeds to the Cortland County Community Action Program (CAPCO).
Public Relations chair Noelle Turner first learned about CAPCO through her teaching field placement. Before going, she was told about how these kids live at or under the poverty line.
“It was one thing learning about it, but it was another thing seeing it,” said Turner.
CAPCO’s mission is to engage in community wide initiatives to fight against poverty in Cortland County. The organization provides a wide range of services for the Cortland community including assistance with food, clothing, school supplies, and more.
“When we did our fundraiser last year at Moe’s, not only were Cortland students donating, but the community was more than happy to donate,” said Turner. “I saw the direct impact of our fundraiser when two kids at my field placement came in the next week with new backpacks. The smiles on their faces and the excitement in their eyes made me tear up.”
Members of the NSLS want to further make an impact on the children of Cortland County and look forward to raising money for a great cause every year.
Not only is the club looking forward to fundraising events, but the NSLS is ready to take their social events to the next level.
“Once we’re inducted, there aren’t that many opportunities for the members to interact with each other and be involved in the club,” said Lane. “I would like to change that and host big events for not only inductees but for existing members.”
The executive board is planning a kickball fundraiser for the spring. They also are in the process of planning a banquet to honor the existing members and alumni to recognize their accomplishments after induction and their leadership beyond Cortland.
For updates, follow @nsls.cortland on Instagram, and consider joining a club that allows you to do it all: give back to your community, engage in events with your peers, and take the next steps in your journey towards becoming a better leader.