Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Eco Friendly Fundraising Ideas for Your DECA Chapter

By SAANVI CHILIVERU

Coppell High School

As a member of Texas DECA, you likely know about the importance of effective fundraising. But what if you could make a positive impact on the environment while achieving financial success? Integrating eco-friendly practices into your fundraising initiatives not only helps the planet but also sets a powerful example for your community. Here are some innovative and easy ways your DECA chapter can reduce its carbon footprint while making a difference!

1. Go Digital with Your Marketing

In today’s digital age, there’s no reason to rely heavily on paper for your marketing materials. Use social media, email newsletters, and communication tools like GroupMe to spread the word about your fundraising events. By creating engaging content, you can reach a broader audience without the environmental cost of printing. Plus, your chapter will save money on materials!

2. Reusable Decorations and Supplies

When planning events, consider using decorations and supplies that can be reused year after year. Instead of single-use items, invest in fabric banners, glass containers, and washable tablecloths. Not only does this cut down on waste, but it also creates a polished, professional look for your events. Encourage chapter members to bring items from home that can be repurposed, fostering a sense of creativity and teamwork!

3. Organize a Community Clean-Up

A community clean-up is a great way to work with your local community while raising awareness about environmental issues. Plan a day where chapter members and community volunteers can come together to clean up parks, beaches, or other public spaces. You can incorporate a fundraising element by seeking donations for every pound of trash collected or by partnering with local businesses that might match the funds raised. It’s a win-win for your chapter and the environment!

4. Host a Recycling Drive

Electronic waste is a big issue, and your chapter can help by organizing a recycling drive for items like old batteries, electronics, and light bulbs. Partner with local recycling facilities to ensure proper disposal and promote the event through your social media. This not only serves the community but also raises awareness about responsible recycling practices!

5. Coppell DECA Spotlight

One example of implementing eco-friendly practices comes from our very own Coppell DECA chapter! Each year, we organize a secondhand business attire drive to make professional clothing more affordable for our peers while promoting sustainable fashion. By giving a new life to gently used items, we not only help our fellow students but also set a great example of how to blend community service with environmental awareness.

Conclusion

As you explore new fundraising ideas for your DECA chapter, consider how you can include eco-friendly practices in your initiatives. Not only will you raise money for your chapter, but you’ll also encourage others to think about their environmental impact. 

Remember, leadership in DECA isn’t just about business—it’s about making a difference in your community and the world around you. By adopting these eco-friendly practices, you can spread a message that extends beyond simply fundraising. Let’s work together to build a sustainable future for our chapters and our planet!

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - I've Picked My Competitive Event, Now What? Prepared Events

By pranav sarma

Texas DECA Vice President, Vista Ridge High School

So, you’ve picked your event for DECA’s prepared event category—congrats! Now comes the exciting part: the research and planning stage. Whether you're working on a marketing campaign, or an entrepreneurship pitch, getting organized early will set you up for success.

While each event has unique requirements, there are some key steps that are common across all prepared events. Let's break it down.

1. Outline Your Paper

Before diving into writing, it’s essential to have a clear roadmap. Outlining helps you organize your thoughts and ensures that your paper flows logically. Start by reviewing the guidelines for your event and identifying the major sections required in your paper (e.g., Executive Summary, Market Research, Financial Plan).

Create a rough structure of your paper based on the sections outlined for your event:

1. Operations Research Events

2. Project Management Events

3. Entrepreneurship Events

4. Integrated Marketing Campaign Events

5. Professional Selling & Consulting Events

2. Do Background Research

Research is the backbone of any successful DECA prepared event. Start by collecting data related to your event. Whether it's market trends, consumer behavior, or new technologies, you'll need credible information to back up your ideas. DECA judges love to see well-researched content, so dive deep!

Here are some ways to approach research:

1. Industry Reports: Find reports relevant to your event’s industry or topic. Sources like IBISWorld, Statista, and government websites can be a goldmine.

2. Surveys/Interviews: If applicable, reach out to potential customers or professionals in the field to gather firsthand insights.

3. Competitor Analysis: Look at similar projects or businesses to see what’s working, and identify any gaps in the market.

3. Contact Stakeholders and Resources

Often, it’s helpful to involve others who can provide insights, advice, or feedback on your project. Stakeholders could be mentors, business owners, or even DECA alumni who have experience in your chosen field. Reach out to them early to get their input, as they can help guide your approach and validate your ideas. Consider setting up meetings, sending out emails, or organizing interviews with people who can add value to your project. DECA is all about networking, so don’t hesitate to leverage your connections!

4. Begin Working on the First Section of Your Paper

With your outline and research ready, it’s time to start writing. The introduction or executive summary is often a good place to begin. This section should set the stage for your entire paper, so make it compelling. Provide a brief overview of your project, highlight your goals, and touch on why your approach is unique or impactful.

Keep the following in mind:

• Clarity: Your paper should be easy to follow and well-organized. Avoid jargon unless necessary.

• Professional Tone: Maintain a formal tone, but also make it engaging. Remember, you’re presenting a business idea, so keep it polished.

• Creativity: Stand out by presenting your ideas in a creative and innovative way. DECA judges appreciate original thinking.

By taking these steps, you’ll be off to a strong start in your DECA prepared event journey. Remember, this is just the beginning—your paper will evolve as you refine your research and ideas. Stay focused, seek feedback, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments as needed. Good luck, and let’s get that glass!

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Recruitment Success Story

By mia wang

Texas DECA Vice President, College Park High School

Recruitment Success Story: Kona Ice at College Park High School

One of the standout initiatives our chapter implements to successfully recruit new members is Kona Ice Days. This sweet and engaging activity not only brings our school community together but also effectively showcases our DECA chapter.

Kona Ice trucks are stationed at College Park High School during both fall and spring semesters, providing refreshing treats to all students and faculty. These events take place during all lunch periods, ensuring maximum visibility and participation. Each year there is a continuously high demand with a long line that creates buzz around the event.

To maximize turnout, College Park DECA promotes the event through various channels:

1. Social Media: We utilize our chapter’s social media platforms to generate excitement and sharing countdowns leading up to the event.

2. School Announcements: Regular announcements in the school cafeteria reminding students of the upcoming Kona Ice Days.

3. Television Slides: Our chapter takes advantage of the school’s TV slides, showcasing persistent reminders and inviting everyone to join in.

During the actual day, DECA officers help document the event which became a popular spot where students loved getting their pictures taken with friends. This not only created memorable experiences but also highlighted our chapter’s involvement.

To encourage new memberships, DECA officers strategically placed bulletin boards nearby featuring QR codes that linked directly to our membership sign-up page. This allowed interested students to easily learn more about DECA and join right on the spot. The visibility of our chapter’s presence during Kona Ice Days made a lasting impression, drawing in many new members eager to get involved.

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - First Chapter Meeting Recap (Dawson DECA)

By jp jewell

Texas DECA Vice President, Glenda Dawson High School

3….2…1…Go!

Dawson DECA’s chapter meeting started with exciting music, lights, and ICDC/SCDC promo videos as all of our interested students walked into our auditorium, over 250 in total! After a few minutes, our countdown began and everyone slowly joined in to get the meeting started!

The Dawson DECA hype squad got right to it as they introduced our meeting agenda and the 2024-2025 Dawson DECA officers. Our chapter president then ran through DECA’s key components, touching over competition, outreach, and socials. We layed out an easy-to-picture timeline for the year that included all of our most exciting events. Towards the end, our chief of operations touched on the key membership details regarding forms, dues, and dates before handing out our ice pops. These were an amazing way for us to draw in members and promote the meeting for a low cost with an easy cleanup.

In the end our meeting was a success! We maintained a focus on the engagement and making a good first impression on potential meetings throughout the planning and preparation for the event. All of our more technical pieces like the visuals and countdown were rehearsed ahead of time to make sure our team was fully prepared!

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - What Being A Chapter Officer Has Taught Me

By johana gonzalez

Harmony School of Innovation - Fort Worth

Being a DECA chapter officer for the past three years has been an unforgettable experience, teaching me valuable lessons in organization, communication, and innovation through my many positions. From my role as Historian to now serving as Co-President, these skills have helped me lead my chapter and will benefit me in all areas of life, as they are always applicable and will last forever. My advice to anyone considering leadership positions is to embrace these three areas—they’ll help you grow, succeed, and make a lasting impact.

Organization: Keeping Everything on Track

As a chapter officer, organization became my best friend. Between schoolwork, DECA duties, and extracurricular activities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But the key to success lies in staying organized. One tool that helped me was using a shared digital calendar to keep track of meetings, deadlines, and events. It allowed me to plan and avoid last-minute stress. For example, organization was crucial when we hosted VEX competitions to raise money. I had to coordinate volunteers for every area, from setting up the event space to helping with clean-up and ensuring that everything ran smoothly. With proper planning and structure, it would have been smooth. Having a solid plan in place helped keep things on track and made the entire event a success.

Communication: Building Stronger Connections

Being an officer taught me that communication is at the heart of leadership. Whether I was reaching out to members about upcoming events or working with other officers, clear and open communication made all the difference. I’ve learned the importance of adjusting your communication style depending on your audience. For example, I keep messages concise and to the point when communicating with our advisors but more detailed when updating chapter members. We also used tools like GroupMe and Remind to ensure everyone stayed informed, especially when plans changed at the last minute. Additionally, we use Instagram as a way to share important information, knowing that members are more likely to scroll through Instagram than check Remind or GroupMe. By consistently sharing updates across different platforms, we created trust between everyone, ensuring that members felt informed and connected. These communication strategies have strengthened our chapter and helped us work together more effectively as a chapter.

Innovation: Creating New Opportunities

The most exciting part of being a chapter officer is the opportunity to innovate. Leadership isn’t just about following tradition. It’s about bringing fresh ideas to the table. I quickly realized that as an officer, I had the power to help shape the future of our chapter. One example of innovation was introducing new fundraising methods to boost our chapter’s budget. Rather than sticking to traditional methods, we experimented with virtual fundraising events and collaborations with local businesses, which turned out to be a hit. We also focused on implementing fun and engaging activities for our chapter, helping to create a stronger sense of community among our members and officers. This helped us reach our goals fun and engagingly while creating a memorable and meaningful experience for everyone involved.

Conclusion

Reflecting on my time as a DECA chapter officer, I’m grateful for the invaluable lessons I’ve learned in organization, communication, and innovation. These skills have not only shaped my leadership style but have also strengthened the bonds within our chapter. My experience has taught me that leadership is a journey of continuous growth, and I hope to inspire others to take on leadership roles. Embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way; the skills you develop will serve you well in all aspects of life and enrich both you and your community.

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - I've Picked My Event, Now What? Role Play Events

By henry nguyen

Creekview High School

Congratulations on selecting your DECA role-play event! This is an exciting step in your DECA journey, and you're probably wondering how to prepare effectively. Whether you're new to DECA or looking to up your game, here's a guide to help you navigate the next steps and set yourself up for success.

Understand the Role-Play Format

Before diving into preparation, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the structure of your chosen event.

● Read the Guidelines: Visit the DECA website and download the official guidelines for your role-play event.

● Know the Basics: Understand the time allotted for preparation and presentation, the performance indicators, and the evaluation criteria.

Tip: Knowing the format will help you manage your time and focus on what's important during the competition.

Master the Performance Indicators

These indicators are the backbone of your presentation.

● List Them Out: Write down all the performance indicators for your event.

● Understand Them: Ensure you fully grasp each one and how it applies in real scenarios.

● Practice Explaining: Be able to discuss each indicator clearly and confidently.

Polish Your Presentation Skills

How you deliver your message is just as important as the content itself.

● Body Language: Maintain eye contact, use appropriate gestures, and exhibit confident posture.

● Clear Communication: Speak clearly, and avoid filler words like "um" or "like."

● Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearse your presentation multiple times to build confidence.

Manage Your Time Effectively

Time management can make or break your performance.

● Prioritize Points: Focus on the most important aspects first in case you run out of time.

● Keep Track: Be mindful of the time without letting it distract you.

Tip: Practice under timed conditions to get comfortable with the pace.

Adopt a Positive Mindset

Your attitude can significantly impact your performance.

● Stay Confident: Believe in your preparation and abilities.

● Be Adaptable: If something doesn't go as planned, stay flexible

Remember: A positive demeanor can leave an impression on the judges.

Seek Feedback and Support

Don't hesitate to reach out for help.

● Consult Advisors: Your DECA advisor can provide valuable insights and tips.

● Peer Practice: Team up with other members to practice and critique each other.

● Learn from Others: Watch example role-plays to see what works well.

● Collaboration: Sharing experiences can enhance your understanding and boost your confidence.

Final Thoughts

By understanding the event format, mastering the content, and improving your presentation skills, you'll be well on your way to success.

Believe in yourself, stay dedicated, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Empowering the Future: The Importance of CTSOs for High Schoolers from a students perspective

By aneesh chintala

Lebanon Trail High School

Empowering the Future: The Importance of CTSOs for High Schoolers from a students perspective

What even is a CTSO?

Entering high school, I was an introvert. I remember how hard it used to be to talk to new people and engage in conversation or activities with my peers. However, it was during my school’s club fair, that I came across DECA. 

DECA is an organization for aspiring professionals in the business world and provides an opportunity for me to meet new people, learn more about business and all it entails, and take risks! DECA is a CTSO - Career and Technical Student Organization. CTSOs are nonprofit organizations that help students gain knowledge of real-world scenarios through experiences, competitions, and opportunities. 

Career and Technical Education 

CTSOs go hand-in-hand with CTE (Career and Technical Education) courses, which is vital for students to start developing their professional skills early on. CTSOs offer a variety of leadership opportunities, conferences, competitive events, and services for our communities. In this blog, I’m going to go over the role of CTSOs, the skills students learn, the future careers involved, and the foundation they give their members from my perspective. 

My Experience

Throughout these past two years of high school, I’ve been heavily involved with CTSOs. Some of my biggest achievements include serving as my DECA chapter Co-President, HOSA Historian, TSA Director of Membership. Additionally, I was a national finalist for BPA this past year, and an international finalist the past two years for DECA. 

Nationally Recognized CTSOs

There are eight nationally recognized CTSOs in the United States:

• Business Professionals of America (BPA)

• DECA

• Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

• Family Career & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)

• FFA

• HOSA-Future Health Professionals

• SkillsUSA

• Technology Student Association (TSA)

Leadership and Foundational Skills

Within CTSOs, there are a variety of leadership opportunities that students can take on. They can seek to take on roles within their own school chapters by becoming chapter officers and leading the students of their respective schools or seek roles to become officers of the organization at the district/region level, state level, or national/international level. Additionally, students may choose to lead projects for their community, volunteer work, or competitive events, presenting an opportunity to grow their skills as a leader and learn about taking initiative. 

Real-world Skills

There are a variety of skills students can learn by being part of a CTSO! Some of these skills are generalized like communication, presentation skills, and soft skills that are applicable to any field. For example, during my time as DECA Co-President, I used my communication skills to support my chapter officers and relay information to ensure seamless operations. 

One specific example was during submission for our chapter campaigns. We almost missed the deadline, but luckily I was able to round up our officers to submit their various campaigns in time! It’s times like these that I remember how important skills like leadership are for students to utilize. 

Discovering Future Careers

When I attended my first DECA meeting I didn’t think I would actually end up as someone who would want to pursue a business related career. However, as the year progressed, I fell in love with everything business. From presenting about financial strategies to creating graphic designs for promotional materials: I enjoyed all of it. Thus, I realized that the business field would be the perfect fit for me. 

During the summer after my sophomore year, I decided to look for summer internships, and I applied thinking that I couldn’t possibly compete with other applicants. During my first interview, I realized it was just like a DECA competitive role play and by using my prior experience I aced it!

There are lots of future opportunities that await members of CTSOs after high school. By joining a CTSO, you gain access to real-world experience with career fields, and this can help you determine which ones are right for you.

Taking a career aptitude can help you as well!

https://www.princetonreview.com/quiz/career-quiz

https://www.theforage.com/blog/basics/career-aptitude-test

Building a Network & Resume

Each CTSO has its own conferences and events: use these to your advantage! I had the opportunity to attend DECA’s International Career Development Conference in 2023 and met some of my best friends to this day! There are so many new people you have the ability to meet and include in your potential professional network. And a professional network is one of THE MOST important parts of future careers.

With CTSOs, you have the opportunity to connect with local leaders in your communities for mentorship, advice, and support!

Having these connections from an early age is vital to having a successful career, especially in certain fields and career pathways.

For sophomores and juniors, these CTSOs provide some of the best ways to enhance your college applications and strengthen your resumes.

There are various ways that they can help, from accolades and awards to highlighting your traits and skills. Many of these organizations offer scholarships, some of the most vital factors when applying for higher education. You can effectively tie in any achievements and experiences with CTSOs in your applications, essays, and more!

So Now What?

Well let’s recap what we learned: 

• CTSOs (Career and Technical Student Organizations) provide real-world experience and help students develop professional skills early on.

• CTSOs offer leadership opportunities, competitions, and community service to enhance student growth.

• CTSOs cover various fields, including business, healthcare, technology, and trades, helping students explore future careers.

• Participation in CTSOs builds a professional network and strengthens resumes and college applications.

• CTSOs offer scholarships and accolades that can be valuable for higher education and career advancement.

So… JOIN A CTSO TODAY! If you have any established chapters at your school, I highly suggest grabbing a friend and joining for the various opportunities for your future. Additionally, if you don’t have one at your respective school, grab a teacher and start one today! 

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Helping Members Choose Their Competitive Event

By brady smith

Eaton High School

Dip and Pick Night: Helping Members Choose Their Competitive Event

At our chapter, we have created a fun and interactive way to guide members in selecting their competitive events. During our Dip and Pick Night, members enjoy snack such as chips, marshmallows, and other treats, dipping them into sauces like queso, salsa, and chocolate.

While snacking, members explore the various different competitive events DECA offers by discussing their personal interests, strengths, and goals. This relaxed setting helps to foster a collaborative environment, helping each member identify which event aligns best with their skills and their interests.

Dip and Pick night is more than just a social gathering; it’s an opportunity for members to learn more about DECA’s numerous competitive event categories, such as role-plays, written projects, and even professional selling. By making this process more interactive and fun, members feel less pressured and more excited about picking their event. With having causal conversations between members and advisors, everyone gains a better understanding of where they might excel, ensuring that each member can pick a path that suits their talents.

One of the key aspects of our Dip and Pick Night is the support offered by our senior DECA members and our advisors. They share their insights and personal experiences, guiding newer members as they continue to explore different competitive categories. Through these discussions, members received tailored advice, enabling them to make more informed decisions about the events that play into their strengths. This mentorship ensures that all members, whether or not being a returning member, having the resources and the confidence needed to thrive in DECA competitions.

By combining a social event with the serious task of selecting competitive events, Dip and Pick Night creates a stress-free environment where members can bond and have fun while making important decisions on what they’re going to compete in this year. It fosters camaraderie within our chapter as well, ensuring that everyone feels involved and supported within our chapter. This balance of fun and purpose helps motivate members to engage in the selection process, ensuring that they leave the event with a clear idea of what they want to compete in this upcoming competition season.

Key Benefits of Dip and Pick Night:

● Encourages collaboration and mentorship between newer and experienced members.

● Combines fun social activities with event selection, reducing pressure.

● Provides tailored advice to help members find competitive events that align with their strengths.

● Fosters a strong sense of chapter unity and participation.

Dip and Pick Night has quickly become one of our chapter’s favorite traditions, offering both personal growth and team bonding. By merging a fun, food-centered social event with a serious, productive task like competitive events, our chapter ensures that every member can feel engaged and prepared. The relaxed atmosphere also allows members to focus on what truly matters - finding an event that best suits their future interests and their career goals.

Looking forward, we hope to continue improving our Dip and Pick Night by adding more and new interactive elements, such as event simulations or guest speakers to further help members gain better clarity and confidence in picking their event. Ultimately, the success of this event lies in its ability to balance fun with purpose, ensuring that all members feel supported, informed, and ready to take on their DECA journey.

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Where to look for scholarship opportunties

By aneesh chintala

Lebanon Trail High School

Money, Money, Money: Finding Scholarships

What are scholarships?

For those of you applying to college soon (juniors and seniors), you probably know that paying for college is quite... expensive. However, scholarships, which are usually monetary awards given to students to help pay for education, typically based on merit, need, or specific qualifications, and don't have to be repaid. They can help students pay for specific needs when it comes to paying for housing, food, classes, and more!

So how can they help?

For students who may struggle paying tuition or other areas of their college life, scholarships provide a gateway to lessen the burden of these heavy costs. They can support students without financial stress paving the way for potential opportunities.

Some helpful examples include:

• Tuition Assistance: Scholarships can cover part or all of a student's tuition fees, making higher education more affordable.

• Living Expenses: Some scholarships provide funds for housing, meals, and other living costs.

• Textbooks and Materials: Scholarships can help pay for textbooks, laptops, and other school supplies, which can be expensive.

• Study Abroad: Scholarships often cover international study programs, allowing students to experience education in other countries.

• Specialized Programs: Scholarships targeted at specific fields (like STEM or the arts) support students pursuing their passions and encourage further expertise.

DECA inc. Scholarships

As a student organization, DECA has various examples of scholarships that can support members, alumni, and advisors! These scholarships range between the district, state, and international levels.

These DECA scholarships can be found on the DECA website for students to apply to.

There are various scholarships for members interested in several fields of business, finance, hospitality, administration, and entrepreneurship.

There are two scholarship programs with various scholarships within!

• Corporate Scholarship Program

• Harry Applegate Scholarship Program

To apply, log into your DECA student member portal, and complete the application found there!

Texas DECA Scholarships

Our chartered association of Texas offers our own Texas DECA Scholarships. “Texas DECA offers seven (7) $1,000 scholarships for the purpose of giving recognition and financial support to senior students who are official members of Texas DECA and intend to pursue a career in the area of business/marketing.”

For more information and the application information:

https://www.texasdeca.org/scholarships

Other Scholarship Sources

Whether you are a senior finishing up college applications, or a sophomore just starting our DECA journey, I highly recommend starting the search for scholarship opportunities! But you may not know where to start so here are a few resources to help you begin!

• www.fastweb.com

• www.scholarships.com

• http://www.cappex.com/scholarships

• www.bold.org/scholarships

• www.collegescholarships.org

• www.chegg.com/scholarships

• www.unigo.com/scholarships

• www.niche.com/colleges/scholarships

• www.myscholly.com

I would highly suggest applying to as many scholarships as possible–there’s tons of them available for students–in order to eventually lessen the costs for higher education.

How can I start?

The search for scholarships does not have to be tedious and complicated! An easy way is creating a spreadsheet of potential scholarships, their description, and the due date! It can be as simple as that. Finally, DO NOT WAIT, scholarships can be earned before senior year and most organizations that offer them will hold onto them until necessary. Therefore, the earlier the better so start your scholarship search now! With the right planning and effort, you're one step closer to securing funding for your education.

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - How Your Chapter Officer Team Bonds

By cameron gutierrez

Clear Brook High School

At Clear Brook DECA, our number one goal is helping our members reach success through competition and bonding. This is something that is of extreme focus for our officer team. With that, our officer team also enacts a unique set of strategies to focus on officer team bonding as well! Below, we’ve provided some things that have worked for us so that you can bring your chapter officers closer together.

1. Group chat strategy

• If you’re an officer team, chances are you have a group chat with your fellow officers to keep each other updated on all things DECA. While Clear Brook DECA has a group chat, we also enact a super informal strategy to foster a sense of friendship between us. After all, DECA isn’t just all business: we’re here to have fun! Throw in a funny profile picture, and open your group chat up to more than just DECA.

2. Officer Meetings 

• Officer communication is key. At Clear Brook DECA, we host biweekly officer meetings with our chapter advisor to keep up with all things DECA. Plus, our officer meetings are pretty laid back: we have lunch together, engage in funny conversation, and overall keep it pretty casual!

3. Organization

• While your officer team should have a close bond, it’s also important to realize that you all serve a specific purpose: guiding your chapter members to success! Therefore, some level of organization and clarification must be done so that your chapter operates as efficiently as possible. At Clear Brook DECA, for example, we utilize a shared Google Drive and a shared Google Calendar in order to ensure that all information we have is centered and easy to access, eliminating any stress.

4. Host a Social

• Socials aren’t just for chapter members: they can also be for officers specifically! If your chapter has a large amount of officers, then great: a simple ice cream social between everyone is a great way to foster unique connections! At Clear Brook DECA, our officer team only consists of 6 people. Therefore, we try to host socials with other officer chapters in our school district. Not only do these bring us together, but they foster a sense of district spirit and allow us to bounce ideas off of each other! 

5. Connect with your Advisor

• Your advisor is the backbone of your DECA chapter, and without them, your DECA chapter simply wouldn’t exist. Therefore, make sure that you include your advisor in some officer events as well! As mentioned, at Clear Brook DECA, we loop our advisor in on officer meetings, as well as any events we host. 

6. Participate in Campaigns

• From service campaigns to the “Bring a Friend” campaign, national and Texas DECA campaigns serve the great purpose of bringing together your chapter. However, they can also directly connect your officer team! Try working on campaign ideas together, as well as partaking in them together and, along the way, helping members Be the One when they participate in campaigns. Not only will you foster that unique officer and chapter connection, but you’ll be making a difference in your community. 

7. But… why even focus on officer connections?

• Connecting with your officer team is one of the greatest ways that you can bring your chapter together. When your chapter sees your officer team connecting, it encourages its members to do the same, thus increasing your chapter spirit! 

Whether you’re a team of 2 or 30, bringing your officer team together is key to a successful membership year. On behalf of your Clear Brook DECA officers, we hope that this list of tips proves helpful in your Texas DECA chapter!

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Choosing the Right Event

By Yashitha chunduru

Texas DECA President, Coppell High School

With a new DECA year ramping up, choosing a competitive event can be an overwhelming task. With over fifty different competitive events to choose from in Marketing, Finance, Hospitality, Management, and Entrepreneurship, finding the right event can be challenging. However, there are a few steps you can take to make it easier for you to choose an event!

Role Play vs. Prepared Events:

The first thing you can do to narrow down your options is picking between a role play event and a prepared event. A role play event will usually consist of one role play at the District and State CDC level and two preliminary role plays at ICDC (as well as a third finalist role play for those who advance at ICDC). Role Plays can be characterized as made up scenarios that are modeled after the tasks and challenged within a corporation. You would be given a role play and have a set amount of time (10-30 minutes based on the event you choose) before you get to present your ideas to a judge. For example, in a Business Services Marketing role play, it wouldn’t be surprising to find a role play asking you to make a promotional plan for a new product. Role plays are broken down into instructional areas. These instructional areas are broad  topics that your role play will fall under. For District CDC, your instructional area can be found ahead of time. Within these instructional areas, there are performance instructors. These PIs are the specific idea or skill that you have to show that you know through your role play. Along with the role play, you must take a one hundred question exam in your career cluster as part of a role play event. Role play events are recommended for students that can think quickly on their feet.

Here is a sample Business Services Marketing Role Play. It includes the competitor’s scenario, the judge’s scenario, and the rubric. Here is a sample Marketing Cluster exam.

In a prepared event, as the name suggests, you get to prepare for months before you present your final product to a judge. Based on the event you choose, you could be making a written proposal, a pamphlet, or a poster. These events usually take more research and preparation to excel in. If you’re the type of person that likes to walk into a presentation completely prepared with a thought out written paper and maybe a poster, a prepared event would be perfect for you!

How to Pick A Role Play Event:

If you are leaning towards a role play event, the next decision you should make is whether you enjoy working by yourself or with a partner. The Individual Series Events consist of fourteen different events to choose from. For these events, you have a ten minute role play preparation time and ten minutes to present your ideas to the judge (you also have time to answer the judge’s questions during these ten minutes). Individual Series role plays have five performance indicators that the judge grades you on.

If you think you would be more successful working with a partner, the Team Decision Making Events might be a better option. There are eight TDM events. For these events, you are given a thirty minute preparation time with your partner and a fifteen minute presentation time in front of your judge. You will have seven performance indicators.

Another option that is only available to first year DECA members is the Principles Event category. The Principles events are a great introduction to the DECA competition structure and are considered to be more foundational knowledge. You will have ten minutes to prepare and ten minutes to present in front of a judge. There are four performance indicators on a Principles role play. All Principles events take the Business Administration Core Exam.

After figuring out which type of role play event you would like to compete in, I would recommend looking through the different event situations and exams to figure out which cluster (Marketing, Finance, Hospitality, Management, and Entrepreneurship) you like the most. After this, you can decide which event you like the best and start preparing!

How to Pick A Prepared Event:

Prepared events consist of many different types of events that can be filtered into Written events and Professional Selling events. Your written component and presentation component are judged separately. The Business Operations Research events require students to research and come up with a strategic plan for the topic that year (the topic does change every year). There are four different BOR events that all have a maximum of twenty pages for your written entry. The Entrepreneurship events allow you to get a glimpse into various stages of the entrepreneurship process. There are six different Entrepreneurship events within the prepared events. For the Project Management Events, you are supposed to plan and manage a product. There are six PM events. There are three Integrated Marketing Campaign Events which require you to create a marketing plan. The IMC events also require you to take a one hundred question exam (like the role plays). Regardless of which of the written events you choose, there is a fifteen minute interview time where you will present your plan to the judge and they will have the opportunity to ask you and questions they have. These events can have one to three participants in a team.

All of the above events were Written Events. The Professional Selling events are considered a little different. These events require you to take a one hundred question exam. There is a prompt that changes every year for the Professional Selling Events and you are supposed to make a sales pitch to the judge based on the prompt. Visual aids and notes are allowed. You have fifteen minutes to present to the judge and answer any questions they might have. If you are a good test taker, but are still someone that likes to have a plan instead of thinking on their feet, this might be a good option for you.

While the process of choosing an event may seem daunting, remember that every event will teach you something new along the way! Good luck for this DECA year!

Check out this resource from Texas DECA to help you select an event if you’re still unsure!

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - 5 Tips for College Applications

By NIKITA SURESH

Emerson High School

Applying to college can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can make the process smoother and more successful. Here are five tips to help you navigate your college applications:

1. Start Early and Plan Ahead

• CREATE A TIMELINE: List important deadlines for applications, scholarships, and financial aid.

• STAY ORGANIZED: Use a planner or digital tool to track tasks and deadlines.

2. Highlight Your DECA Experience

• SHOWCASE LEADERSHIP & ACHIEVEMENTS: Use your DECA involvement to demonstrate skills like leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.

• INCLUDE AWARDS & ACCOLADES: Make sure to highlight any DECA awards or recognitions in your applications.

3. Research Colleges Thoroughly

• EXPLORE DECA-AFFILIATED SCHOOLS: Some colleges have strong DECA programs or offer scholarships for DECA members.

• VISIT CAMPUSES: Whether virtually or in person, get to know the schools you're interested in.

4. Prepare for Interviews

• PRACTICE YOUR RESPONSES: Be ready to discuss your DECA experiences and why you're interested in each school.

• DRESS PROFESSIONALLY: First impressions matter, even in virtual settings.

5. Use DECA Resources

• DECA DIRECT: Find articles and advice on college applications.

• ATTEND DECA WORKSHOPS: Participate in college planning sessions and webinars.

These tips can help you present yourself as a well-rounded and prepared applicant. Good luck!

References

• DECA Direct

• Texas DECA

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Understanding the Differences in the Types of Competitive Events

By LEWIS REID

Ben Barber Innovation Academy

With 60 different competitive event options to choose from - including traditional competitive events & online opportunities - in 6 different clusters, the possibilities to demonstrate your leadership and entrepreneurial skills are endless. When thinking about competition, it may seem overwhelming at first, but there truly is something for everyone. Whether you want to share your passion for entrepreneurship through a community service project or your love for sports through a roleplay with your DECA bestie, DECA’s comprehensive competitive events program allows you to compete in something YOU are passionate about and interested in. If you’re lost, that’s okay too. Consider this your one-stop shop to learn about all of the different DECA competitive event categories! 

DECA’s competitive events program is split into 10 different categories, each varying in requirements and expectations. Pro Tip: When choosing your competitive event, consider your strengths, interests, and passions and how much of a time commitment you are willing to put into competition. 

Role-plays + Case Studies 

When thinking about competition, most people think of roleplay events as the “typical” competitive events that come to mind. Roleplays don’t require as much of a time commitment prior to competition days, but tend to carry a lot more pressure the day of. Members who are good at extemporaneous speaking, creatively and critically thinking, and working well under pressure thrive in the following event categories: 

Principles of Business Administration 

Designed for first-year members, the Principles events allow members to demonstrate their knowledge of basic business concepts and scenarios. Members compete individually and can compete in any career cluster event. 

10-Minute Preparation Time + 10-Minute Presentation Time + Business Administration Core Exam Business Administration Core Exam - 50% + Roleplay with a Judge - 50% 

Individual Series 

DECA’s individual series is the largest competitive event category and features an event in each cluster. From marketing communications to human resources management, members who thrive individually and can think of creative ideas on the fly fit perfectly in this category. 

10-Minute Preparation Time + 10-Minute Presentation Time + Cluster Exam 

Cluster Exam Score - 50% + Roleplay with a Judge - 50% 

Team Decision Making 

Team Decision Making events are one of the most popular categories and are designed for dynamic duos who think creatively and thrive working synchronously. TDM events allow competitors to play off their partner's strengths and strategically provide innovative solutions to scenarios. 

30-Minute Preparation Time + 15-Minute Presentation Time + Cluster Exam 

Averaged Cluster Exam Scores - 50% + Roleplay with a Judge - 50% 

Prepared Events 

DECA’s prepared events allow members to exercise knowledge and skills in several areas of business in a creative and technical way. Although prepared events require a large amount of time and effort before competition, you can walk into your CDC knowing exactly what you want to say and how you want to say it. For most people, this reduces a lot of the stress that a roleplay competitor might have. Members who prefer prepared speaking, working on long-term projects and plans, and completing in-depth research excel in the following prepared event categories: 

Business Operations Research 

The BOR events allow members to complete a research project on a business model, and provide a solution/innovation to a modern-day issue! The competitive event topic changes every year, and the project allows you to create applicable innovative solutions for real-world businesses! 

15-Minute Presentation + 20-Page Written Plan 

Oral Presentation - 40% + Written Plan - 60% 

Project Management 

DECA’s project management events allow competitors to demonstrate their interest in business management through a project focused on community service, financial literacy, business solutions, and more! This event is designed for people who want to leave a greater impact on their local communities and DECA chapters 

15-Minute Presentation + 20-Page Written Plan 

Oral Presentation - 40% + Written Plan - 60% 

Integrated Marketing Campaigns 

The Integrated Marketing Campaigns allow competitors to design a marketing initiative for an event, product, or service. After completing the marketing cluster exam, teams of 1-3 work diligently to design a 10-page paper and deliver an oral presentation detailing the campaign and its intended benefits. 

15-Minute Presentation + 10-Page Marketing Campaign Proposal + Marketing Cluster Exam Oral Presentation - 33.3% + Written Proposal - 33.3% + Marketing Cluster Exam - 33.3% 

Entrepreneurship Events 

DECA’s prepared entrepreneurship events combine every aspect of business administration. Competitors design a plan to start, innovate, and/or grow a business uniquely and creatively. Members can choose from a variety of events to start or improve a business. 

15-Minute Presentation + 10 or 20-Page Written Plan (depending on the event) For 10-page events: Oral Presentation + Written Plan Reviewed Together to Determine Final Score; For 20-page events: Oral Presentation - 40% + Written Plan - 60% 

Professional Selling and Consulting 

This event category allows members to demonstrate their sales and consulting knowledge and skills in marketing, finance, or hospitality and tourism. If you’ve ever been told you’d make a good salesperson, this event is for you! Competitors host a sales presentation or consultation with a potential client (the judge) to sell/consult on a yearly topic! 

Sales Presentation or 15-Minute Consultation + Cluster Exam 

Selling Events: Sales Presentation - 50% + Cluster Exam - 50% 

Consulting Event: 15-Minute Consultation - 50% + Cluster Exam - 50%

Personal Financial Literacy 

The PFL Cluster/Category is one event that tasks competitors with demonstrating personal financial skills based on facts and systematic decision-making! For all the aspiring personal bankers and financial consultants, these events are for you! 

10-Minute Preparation Time + 10-Minute Presentation Time + Cluster Exam 

Cluster Exam Score - 50% + Roleplay with a Judge - 50% 

Online Simulations 

DECA has 9 online competitive events available for members. These events are for members who prefer to work on long-term online projects and don’t want to do much extemporaneous or public speaking. Members can compete through online simulations to rise up the ranks within their chartered association, region, and organization as a whole! Both of the following events are ICDC Qualifying events, and competitors must place at the top of their respective regions in order to advance: 

Virtual Business Challenges 

Sponsored by KnowledgeMatters, the VBC events allow members to compete in simulation games, centered around a certain aspect of business. From hotel management to forensic accounting, the VBC events are designed to expose real-world business life to our emerging leaders! 

2 ICDC Qualifying Rounds - The Top 2 Teams from Each Region Qualify for ICDC - Visit www.deca.org/compete for more VBC information! 

Stock Market Game 

Each year, DECA’s Stock Market Games puts members to the test by simulating a stock market portfolio for teams of 1-3 to control and compete with. This competitive event is highly-renowned and competitive, but incredibly impressive after hard work and dedication! 

1 ICDC Qualifying Rounds - The Top 25 Teams from Each Region Qualify for ICDC 

Visit www.deca.org/compete/stock-market-game for more information! 

Check out the resources below for more information on understanding DECA’s different competitive events! 

DECA Competition Homepage: www.deca.org/compete 

DECA Competitive Events Poster: 

https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/635c470cc81318fc3e9c1e0e/669029b758cf2963d40ad46a_2024-25 _CE_Poster.pdf 

2024-2025 DECA Guide: https://issuu.com/decainc/docs/deca-24-hs-guide?fr=xIAEoAT3_NTU1 

2024-2025 Competitive Events Topics: https://www.decadirect.org/articles/deca-announces-competitive-event-topics-for-2024-2025

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Let's Get Started - How to Be The One from the Beginning

By Gargi chaudhari

Heritage High School

When the school year gets under way, DECA chapters—especially new ones—are full of possibilities. A good start often translates into a great pace for the remainder of the year. Whether you are an advisor or student leader, here is a specific plan to get your chapter off on the right foot and ensure a worthwhile beginning immediately.

Lay the Groundwork

A solid base is the start of an effective and successful year in DECA, and this is derived through effective recruitment and membership drives. Hold an introductory meeting that highlights the benefits and opportunities for students through DECA. This must be engaging yet informational, showing a clear vision of what DECA can do for its members. By promoting your chapter on popular social networking sites, you raise your chapter's visibility while attracting the interest of prospective members. School officials are another group of people with whom communication is necessary. Their approval is the equivalent of resources and publicity for your chapter.

Plan and Organize

After your chapter has been established, the next thing to do would be to plan and organize your events for the upcoming year. Next, you'll want to make a yearlong plan for your chapter, including goals of your chapter, key dates of events, competition dates, and fundraisers. Having clearly defined goals will direct you in a purposeful direction. Also, having assigned roles and responsibilities within the chapter will help generate ownership and ensure specific duties are taken care of. Set a regular meeting schedule and place them on the school calendar so that everyone can be on the same page. In these meetings, compelling formats and engaging interactions will keep members motivated and participating.

Develop Skills and Knowledge

A well-prepared chapter is one that builds skills and strengthens knowledge. Skill-building workshops are a good way to prepare members for competition and business. Business session topics should focus on public speaking, business etiquette, and strategies in competing. To that end, DECA has provided much useful online training material and a series of webinars which will help advance the members' prowess and knowledge. Applying these assets will keep the chapter competitive and up-to-date with information.

Participate in Community Service

Community service is another important aspect of a successful DECA chapter. Planning and executing community service activities develops teamwork and serves the community. More than that, however, engaging in the local business community can lead to networking opportunities leading to sponsorships to support your chapter. Building those relationships now will pay dividends in both fundraising and community exposure.

Prepare for Competition

With DECA competitions, it is important that preparation is involved if success is to be achieved. This starts by going over competition guidelines so all members are aware of the rules and categories involved. The hosting of mock competitions can also acclimate members to the experience; this will help them build confidence and improve their performance. The more prepared they are, the better they will feel, and the more likely they are to actually win at a competition.

Communicate and Celebrate

This will be an effective method of sustaining morale and motivation through communicating effectively and celebrating the achievements along the way. Publishing your chapter's news through newsletters, social media, and school announcements will also keep everyone in the know and inclusive. You will create a positive and energetic atmosphere in your chapter by celebrating milestones and acknowledging each member's achievements.

With these building a firm foundation, planning and organization, developing skills, community involvement, competition preparation, and celebration of achievements-your DECA chapter has the potential to get off to a great start at the beginning of the year and stay successful through the school year. 

Citations

“DECA Inc. - DECA Inc.” DECA Inc, 2014, www.deca.org/. 

Partner. “Texas DECA.” Texas DECA, 2014, www.texasdeca.org/txdecapartnerr.

“DECA Direct Online | High School Division.” Decadirect.org, 2024, www.decadirect.org/.

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Tips & Tricks for Mastering your Exam

By Gabriel Melo

Rouse High School

Mastering your career cluster exam is an often overlooked portion of qualifying for ICDC and becoming “the one”. A top score can make all the difference at both the state and international levels, with your cluster exam score being worth a third of your total score when compounded with your presentation (and written report for IMC) in any testing event. Maximizing your score can propel you to new competitive heights, maybe even helping you earn that ICDC Top 10 Test Score medal (and even better, glass!). Here are a couple of steps I recommend taking to increase your test score and master your cluster exam.

FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH YOUR CLUSTER EXAM’S STRUCTURE

As ICDC top 10 test scorers, my teammate and I found that knowing what sections will be tested on your exam and how much each section is tested is key to navigating your way through a DECA test. The exam blueprint is a great resource that goes into detail about what sections are tested for each cluster exam at the district, state, and international levels. The blueprint shows you the specific sections that will hold more importance on your cluster exam. Analyzing these sections and their order can help you better deduce what information you need to dedicate time to studying. Crucially, you need to know, and expect, to see certain concepts be asked on the test because you’ve familiarized yourself with your cluster exam’s structure. This basic knowledge can help guide your study sessions and determine your pacing on test day.

STUDY UP!

Simply knowing what questions are coming next won’t matter if you don’t know the definition of the answer choices or if you can’t conclude what the question is asking. DECA exams will test your business acumen, and for that, you’ll need to know your way around your cluster’s terminology. I recommend using Quizlet and doing a quick search for “DECA *insert cluster here* Terms Flashcards”. There will be multiple sets of hundreds of flashcards you can study for every cluster, so access to information won’t be an issue. And if for example, you’re a Marketing test taker struggling with the Finance section of the Marketing exam, that won’t be a problem either: just search for the finance flashcards and attack the terms you’ve been having trouble with! The best way to get terms nailed down in your brain is to write them on paper, as it has been proven that writing down information makes you more likely to remember it later (trust me). Make sure to revisit any terms you may be confused about and try to incorporate them in your presentations too! Using the terms you study in a presentational setting will help you grasp their definitions even better.

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

Just like any test, practice makes perfect when it comes to your DECA career cluster exam. Repeatedly seeing and answering questions over and over again will aid in your pattern recognition and help you understand the broader concepts behind each section of the exam. Each test is equipped with an answer key at the end of the document featuring detailed explanations of every answer choice and question. After taking a practice test, mark the questions you missed, then refer to your exam’s key to understand the concepts you originally answered incorrectly. You can find practice exams on DECA+, AnswerWrite, and even online by searching “DECA *insert cluster here* Exam PDF”. In conjunction with studying terminology and knowing your cluster’s exam structure, knocking out hundreds of exam questions will give you the best preparation for test day. More importantly: don’t burn yourself out! While it is important to keep practicing, cramming the night before the test and losing out on important sleep is a no-go. Consistently practicing questions plus habitually studying for a short time daily will be the most effective method to retain terms and concepts. Be prepared well in advance and take those practice tests early!

By following these steps, you’ll be much better prepared to tackle your exam on test day and ace it. Not only will exam mastery guarantee a top score, but gaining knowledge of your cluster’s concepts and terminology will take your presentations to the next level. Good luck this DECA season and I can’t wait to see you all become the one!

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Hook your members with a fun chapter social!

By brady smith

Eaton High School

MEETING INTRODUCTION: Kick off your meeting by highlighting the importance of engaging chapter social in building a strong and connected DECA community. These social events/meetings can help attract new potential members and strengthen your bond with existing members.

Types of Socials you can HOST!:

Themed Socials                                                                                                             

Choose a fun and relatable theme, such as "Throwback to the 90s" or "Olympics," to create an exciting atmosphere. Encourage members to dress up according to the theme, making the event visually memorable and providing great photo opportunities. Plan events/activities that relate to your theme and are fun and intriguing for your social event. You can also incorporate different team-based competitions that tie into the theme, helping foster collaboration and competition among members. Themed socials are visually engaging and offer members a chance to express their creativity. They are easy to promote on social media, which can attract potential members. Themes also allow for greater engagement as they provide a unifying concept that can be carried through decorations, costumes, activities, and even refreshments. This cohesiveness creates a memorable experience for attendees and fosters a sense of belonging and community within the chapter    

Community Service Socials                                                                                          

Combine fun with giving back by organizing a social that involves a community service project, such as a park cleanup or a charity fundraiser. After the service activity, host a casual get-together with snacks and games to reward the group's efforts. These projects and socials become even more enjoyable when you collaborate with other local chapters! Engaging in service also helps foster a sense of your community and shared purpose, helping to amplify the impact and create long-lasting connections among members. These socials not only foster teamwork but also highlight DECA's commitment to community involvement, making members feel good about their contribution and promoting a positive image of your chapter. By participating in meaningful activities, members are able to build a stronger bond and create a deeper sense of pride within their chapter. Additionally, these events can attract potential members who are passionate about giving back, further strengthening your chapter's presence and influence in the community.

Networking Socials                                                                                                        

Organize a social-focused on networking where members can connect with local business professionals, alumni, or even DECA officers. This can include icebreakers, speed networking sessions, and a Q&A panel with the guests. To help make these socials more impactful, provide members tips on how they can make a good first impression, prepare thoughtful questions for the panel, and follow up with the connections they make. Networking socials help offer real value to members to provide different opportunities for professional growth and learning. They help emphasize DECA’s mission of preparing professional growth and learning. They also help emphasize DECA’s core mission of preparing emerging leaders. These events also allow members to gain insights into various career paths, receive mentorship, and gain an understanding of industry trends from professionals. Additionally, networking socials can inspire them to set and pursue their own career goals, fostering a deeper commitment to their personal and professional development within our DECA community.

Games to Play

• Scavenger Hunt

• Create a list of the items or tasks that are related to our particular social theme. Members can compete either individually or in teams to find or complete the items within a time limit. The first to finish wins a prize. To make it more challenging, include a mix of both easy and some more challenging tasks, and consider even adding bonus points for creativity or teamwork. This activity not only encourages friendly competition but also encourages members to learn more about DECA and bond over their shared love of experiences.

• Minute to Win It Challenges

• Set up a series of quick, 60-second challenges that are easy to play but hard to master, such as stacking cups or moving a cookie from your forehead to your mouth without using your hands. Participants can compete in pairs or small teams, adding an element of friendly competition to the event to add more excitement, consider adding more by incorporating a timer and keep score for each challenge to track the progress and determine the winners. These challenge can be tailored to fit the theme of your event or the interests of your patcipcant making them even more engaged.      

• Trivia Night

• Organize a trivia competition based on DECA, business topics, or your social’s theme. Members can compete individually or in teams, answering questions in rounds, with each round increasing in difficulty. To make the event more interactive, include a mix of multiple-choice, true/false, and open-ended questions. You can also have a "lightning round" where participants must answer as many questions as possible within a set time. Consider offering small prizes for the winning team or individuals to keep the competitive spirit alive.

• Karaoke Night

• Set up a karaoke machine or use a karaoke app, and let members choose their favorite songs to perform. Encourage participants to sing songs related to your social’s theme or DECA-related tunes, or simply let them pick any song they love. This activity allows members to showcase their talents, have fun, and break the ice in a relaxed and entertaining environment. To add more fun, consider awarding prizes for the best performance, most creative song choice, or best group performance.

• Escape Room Challenge

• Set up a karaoke machine or use a karaoke app, and let members choose their favorite songs to perform. Encourage participants to sing songs related to your social’s theme or DECA-related tunes, or simply let them pick any song they love. This activity allows members to showcase their talents, have fun, and break the ice in a relaxed and entertaining environment. To add more fun, consider awarding prizes for the best performance, most creative song choice, or best group performance.

IN CONCLUSION: hosting a well-planned chapter social is a powerful way to engage members, foster a sense of community, and reinforce the values of DECA. Whether through themed events, community service projects, or interactive games, these socials offer opportunities for members to connect, learn, and have fun in a relaxed environment. By incorporating elements that appeal to both current and potential members, chapters can build stronger bonds, promote active participation, and create lasting memories that highlight the positive impact of DECA. These events not only enhance the member experience but also contribute to the overall success and visibility of your chapter within the community.

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - What if I don’t want to compete?

By ANVI SAXENA

Liberty High School

Do you think DECA is all about the spotlight of competition? Well, picture this: You're at a concert, and while the performer steals the show, the real magic happens backstage—where the sometimes overlooked heroes create unforgettable experiences. DECA is no different! While competition might be the star, a whole world behind the scenes is just as exciting and impactful. Whether you don't have enough time to prepare for competition, missed registration, or haven't met the business credit requirements for your chapter, there are still plenty of ways to stay actively involved in DECA.

As an officer last year, I faced the challenge of engaging hundreds of members who couldn't compete. As a leader and someone passionate about DECA, it became crucial for me to involve members in the many activities DECA offers. Here are three main opportunities beyond competition that my chapter took advantage of:

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CHAPTER CAMPAIGNS

DECA's Chapter Campaigns are like the viral dance challenges of the DECA world—everyone can join in, and the more creative you are, the better! There are five national campaigns your chapter can participate in, along with several state-specific campaigns. These campaigns help develop your chapter's leadership program and provide a chance for your chapter to earn recognition on a national level. 

By participating in these campaigns, your chapter can earn awards such as certificates, pennants, plaques, flags, and even allocations to attend the Thrive Academy at DECA's International Career Development Conference (ICDC). Familiarize yourself with the guidelines to ensure your chapter meets the qualifications.

Many chapters need to be made aware of these opportunities. As a chapter leader, you can introduce these campaigns to your members or delegate their management to fellow officers. If your chapter already participates in these campaigns, attending related events can be a great way to network and have fun with friends. For chapter officers, these campaigns are also a fantastic way to engage members who might not be competing.

Texas DECA Case Study Challenges

If you're more into strategy than spectacle, think of Texas DECA's Case Study Challenges as the "escape rooms" of DECA. They're intense, immersive, and require quick thinking. These challenges allow you to participate in mock role-plays that simulate real-world business scenarios. By engaging in these challenges, you'll develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as you analyze cases and devise strategies on the spot.

Participating in the Case Study Challenges also hones your ability to communicate effectively under pressure, a vital skill in any business environment. You'll learn how to present your ideas clearly and persuasively, essential for leadership roles within DECA and beyond. Plus, your submission could earn you a spot at ICDC and scholarship opportunities, keeping you connected to the DECA community.

Even if you're not competing in the traditional sense, the Case Study Challenges allow you to experience the thrill of competition and the satisfaction of applying your knowledge in a practical setting. You'll still be part of the DECA community, contributing to your chapter's success and building relationships with fellow members.

DECA Corporate Challenges

If you're the kind of person who loves a remix—taking something old and making it new—then DECA's Corporate Challenges are your jam. These challenges, designed in partnership with corporate sponsors, allow you to work on real-world problems that society faces today. Participating will give you valuable experience in project management, teamwork, and innovation.

These challenges require you to think outside the box, develop creative solutions, and work within specific timelines—highly sought-after skills in any career field. You'll also improve your ability to collaborate with others, as many of these challenges involve teamwork and collective brainstorming.

In addition to these practical skills, participating in the Corporate Challenges keeps you actively involved in the DECA community. The top performers are recognized on-stage at ICDC, providing a sense of accomplishment and allowing you to network with peers and professionals. You'll be part of a broader effort to make a positive impact, all while building a solid foundation for your future career.

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So, whether you're on stage, behind the scenes, or remixing something unique, DECA has a place for you. Just like at a concert, where the magic isn't just in the spotlight but in every role that makes the experience unforgettable, DECA offers a variety of ways to shine. Even if competing isn't on your agenda, dive into the many opportunities DECA has waiting for you—you're sure to find your rhythm in the DECA community!

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Ideas for Fall Fundraisers

By Ananya Gogula

Uplift North Hills Prep

Fall is the perfect time for fundraisers – before DECA competitions and before school becomes too busy! 

Here are some basic ways to promote all of these events: 

• Flyers – Make eye-catching flyers to hang around school or even local businesses (for some events). Make sure to include information like time, date, location, and cost of the event!

• Announcements – Take advantage of lunch or morning announcements! 

• Social media – Make consistent posts, videos, and stories leading up to the event! 
  

BAKE OFF

1. Having a baking competition with winners being voted on by students/guests can be a great fundraising idea – I mean who doesn’t like baked goods! You can charge an entry fee for tasting as well as for competing. 

2. Promotion:

1. Flyers! – Make sure the flyer contains important information like prices to enter or taste the baked goods; you can even include a QR code to sign up. Post these around school and even local businesses. 

3. Planning: 

1. Make sure your school allows the sale of homemade food and get the event approved!

2. Materials: tables, signs, cutlery + bowls, etc. 

3. You may need volunteers to guide people coming and to manage the food.

4. To incentivize joining the contest, add a prize to win; it could be anything from a gift card to a DIY themed trophy. 

Game Night

1. Game nights are very versatile events; you can pick the type of game, make it a competition, or make it more of a hangout! 

2. Promotion: 

1. Social media – Use social media not only to promote, but to give people coming choices! Make polls or open-ended responses to figure out the type of games people want. 

3. Planning: 

1. Make sure you get all the games you need! Borrow them from people or buy them. These could be board games, video games, or even games like chess. 

2. If you are making it a tournament/competition have an idea for how you want to run it, brackets or free-for-all? 

3. If you want the event to be more self-paced, maybe you could have a movie running in the background! 

Movie Night 

1. This is also a very versatile event that can be very low cost! Play a movie (themed for fall or Halloween) and that’s it! 

2. Promotion

1. Social media – Use social media not only to promote but to give people choices! Make polls or open-ended responses for movie selection. 

3. Planning: 

1. Depending on the number of people coming, you may want to use a classroom projector or a movie screen with a projector. 

2. If you want to sell snacks for the movie, have those ready! 

Pie a teacher/officer

1. This is a fun, low-cost fundraiser! Have people come and pie a volunteer teacher or club officer for a price. 

2. Promotion: 

1. Flyers! – There is a lot of opportunity for a fun, eye-catching flyer! Take advantage of visuals of the event.   

3. Planning

1. Make sure you have people willing to be pied! 

2. Have supplies like whipped cream and pie tins ready! 

Hot Chocolate Stand

1. A hot chocolate stand is a very fun and seasonal event idea! There’s not too much planning as well! 

2. Promotion: 

1. Announcements! – Be specific with the announcements to let people know what they can get (this is important if you are selling more than just hot chocolate). 

3. Planning

1. Figure out the logistics of making and distributing the hot chocolate! Buy a hot chocolate mix and use a thermos! 

2. Sell extra treats if you want – things like cookies and cupcakes!

Hopefully these fundraisers can help your chapter raise money in fall! Make sure to have fun with these ideas! 

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - What is the Bring-A-Friend Challenge?

By Brady Kilgore

Sweetwater High School

What is the Bring-A-Friend Challenge?

The Texas DECA Bring-A-Friend Challenge is an easy way to introduce new members to DECA and expand your chapter’s reach. The concept is simple: each of your current members invites a friend to a meeting, doubling your chapter’s reach.

what to consider when you plan

When creating a plan, answer the 5 Ws: Who, When, Where, What, Why, and How.

For example:
Who: Chapter Officers, Members, and friends
When: Thursday at 3:45 after school
Where: The Library
What: Bring-A-Friend Meeting
Why: To promote DECA to non-members
How: Chapter officers will help provide snacks, distribute them, and ensure the meeting goes smoothly.

How to complete the Bring-A-Friend Challenge

1. Promote your event: Create flyers to promote your event.

2. Host the meeting: Each of your members brings a friend (or two, or three!)

3. Post: Share your meeting on social media and tag @texasdeca

4. Submit: Submit a photo of your promotional materials, a photo of the event, and a description! You will be recognized at the Texas Career Development Conference in March with a ribbon for your name badge!

Tips for a successful meeting

Since most of the attendees for your meeting will be new potential members, you could do a presentation over DECA, the leadership styles quiz, or play Texas DECA Bingo. Another great incentive is snacks! Here are some easy snack ideas:

• Cookies

• Chips

• Ice Cream

• Rice Krispies

• Brownies

• Fruit Snacks

• Cupcakes

As you plan snacks, be cautious of those with allergies, like nuts or lactose intolerance. Make sure you have options for everybody!

Promoting your event doesn’t have to be hard!

Here are 3 Canva templates to promote your event: (click on the image to open an editable Canva file)

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Ways to Get Your Chapter Engaged

By Kathryn Lock

Round Rock High School

Whether you’re leading a chapter of 10 or 500, engagement is crucial to a successful DECA chapter. I’ve broken down engagement into 3 categories: competition, community service, career preparation. 

COMPETITION

EVENT SELECTION

• Keep prospective members interested in joining DECA by hosting ‘speed dating’ for various events. Have stations where veteran members give a 1-2 minute pitch of the event. By the end of the meeting, members will have an accurate understanding of several events.

TEST PREP

• Host a live Kahoot tournament using cluster exam questions. Bring snacks and increase the stakes by offering DECA swag to the winner!

COMMUNITY SERVICE

COLLAB WITH OTHER SCHOOLS

• Members can connect with students from other schools and also reconnect with people they’ve met at previous conferences/events

• If you are a small chapter this is a great way to pull off a bigger service event

• Offering the opportunity to connect with students outside of competition allows members to see DECA as more than just a competition club

• Bonus: you can work towards completing your Texas Two-Step campaign

CAREER PREPARATION

GUEST SPEAKERS

• Ask community leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals from diverse background to talk on a topic of your choice

• Topics can include different paths to careers, roles within a start-up, or how to get experience while still in high school

• Having guest speakers highlights the connections that DECA can bring