Actually the Your Extras program is agnostic of Elite status - you simply have to sign up for the Extra you want via your online profile at choicehotels.com (if you dont have one yet, you can go to our website and create one).
Once you have your profile, go to my setting/profile and scroll down - you will see the Your Extras detail and the ability to select which Extra benefit you desire. Select it, and you are good to go - any and all forward point eligible stays that carry at least one Sunday - Thursday night (even if its a one night stay) will deliver that Your Extra benefit to you.
Again, literally if this is your first stay with us, and you are signed up for the program and the night qualifies - you get the reward!