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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Preparing to Be The One | A Chapter Officer's Outlook

By JP JEWELL | Texas deca vice president

Glenda Dawson High School

Dawson DECA’s summer is spent preparing for an amazing year ahead. From in person officer meetings to our annual bootcamp we’re constantly working to be ready to implement an engaging year for all of our members. Read below to find out the steps we take to become the one!

1. CLEARLY DEFINING OUR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - At the end of each school year, a group of officers is selected to operate the Dawson DECA chapter. Each officer receives a title they will carry throughout the next school year that entails different responsibilities. In order to ensure that all officers understand their role, each officer is given a description of their duties and a list of key deliverables to complete throughout the year in our Dawson DECA Officer Handbook. It is then up to that officer not only to complete those duties and fulfill their deliverables but also to go above and beyond towards improving the chapter.

2. ESTABLISHING CLEAR COMMUNICATION - With over 30 officers at Dawson DECA, it can be difficult for us to quickly share important information unless we have a clear line of communication. At the start of the summer, our officer team sets up a large message group with specified sub-channels on platforms such as Slack or Discord to use throughout the year. Additionally, our smaller groups set up text group chats such as our Executive team and VPs, or our VPs and their groups of directors.

3. ENSURING THAT EVERY OFFICER HAS AN ADEQUATE UNDERSTANDING OF DECA AND CHAPTER OPERATIONS - As a chapter officer, you become an essential point of contact for members to ask you questions, get information, and receive help throughout the year. In order to make sure that every chapter officer can do this, our chapter holds a “DECA 101” course at our officer boot camp. This course covers all parts of DECA’s comprehensive learning program from conferences throughout the year to corporate challenges. Every officer leaves our boot camp with the knowledge to answer almost every question they could be asked by current or potential members.

4. WORKING IN SMALLER GROUPS TO SET SPECIFIC GOALS AND CREATE PLANS - As we look to work on planning for the year or brainstorming ideas to implement, we usually have a wide variety of goals we are trying to accomplish or events we are trying to execute. Instead of doing this planning as a large group all at once, we assign different groups based on roles to plan out different aspects of our chapter. During July for example, The hospitality team worked on planning out our recruitment tactics for the beginning of the year while our outreach team brainstormed different community service ideas. By working in these smaller groups throughout the summer, our officer sub-teams are able to efficiently pave the way for a successful year ahead.

5. CONSTANT COLLABORATION AND IDEA SHARING - Following our small group meetings, each officer team ends up with a document or list full of ideas and plans for the year ahead. At our annual officer boot camp event, officer teams present their ideas to the group and hold discussions to review each idea. All 20+ people in attendance participate in refining and evaluating each idea to maximize its potential impact later in the year. Throughout this process each officer gains an understanding of what the chapter has lined up for the year and has the ability to impact the chapter at a large scale.

Overall, the summer and beginning of the school year is when our chapter officers truly create the difference that helps our chapter to be the one throughout the school year. The brainstorming, planning, and outlining that happens during that time creates a powerful framework that is then carefully implemented throughout the year in order to keep a large chapter moving that works to enable every member to BE THE ONE!

Check below to see what our boot camp schedule looked liked and a copy of our officer handbook.

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Ideas for Hosting a Chapter Meeting

By Rudy Sathish

Heritage High School

Howdy Texas DECA! As school is starting for many of us, chapter meetings and recruitment activities will soon begin, and updated information will be provided for DECA members. To ensure everyone is able to ‘Be the One’, here are some meeting ideas that would be beneficial to your chapter:

INTRODUCTORY MEETING

At the beginning of the year, a primary goal is recruitment to allow as many people as possible to experience and compete in DECA. Whether you have a chapter of over 300 members or a chapter with just 10 members, you need to welcome members in some way. At an introductory meeting, it is necessary to explain DECA to existing and prospective members to effectively market your chapter, ensure member retention, and boost membership for the upcoming year. Chapter officers should also save some time at the end to answer any questions members may have. 

WELCOME SOCIAL

Incorporating a welcome social could further entice joining a local chapter. In the Texas heat, allowing members to cool down with a cold treat such as popsicles or ice cream could make members connect with each other in a more inviting environment (and who doesn’t love free food!). If this isn’t allowed, just allowing members to network through icebreakers could be beneficial as new members could make new friends in DECA and form a bond early on in the year.

COMPETITION SELECTION 

Officers and other experienced DECA members can assist new members in helping choose a competition for the year. Since members are only allowed to compete in one competition a year, it is of the utmost importance that they choose something aligned with their interests that they will want to stick to for the academic year.  Chapter officers should emphasize that an event should not be chosen simply on how difficult the event is (no DECA event is easy!), but rather how much the student will enjoy competing in it and the success they could find in it. Speaking from personal experience, an event that you thoroughly enjoy doing will reap more rewards than something uninteresting that you do not enjoy. If your chapter has DECA+, encourage members to view sample events there to see something that catches their eye.

MOCK COMPETITIONS

After members choose their events, competition season is in full swing! Members are busy completing market research, coming up with business ideas, practicing performance indicators, studying for tests, and so much more. To allow members to become more comfortable with competing and help relieve nerves before the real day - whether it's District CDC, State CDC, or ICDC-  mock competitions can be offered to all members to give them experience prior to actual competition day. Whether it's allowing students to take a practice test in a timed environment, preparing a role-play to present to other members/officers, or allowing members to present their project, mock competitions are very helpful and will give members the opportunity to improve prior to CDCs--leading to further success.

END OF YEAR BANQUET

You made it; It’s the end of the year! After a long, tedious season of competition, you have made it to the end and members and advisors deserve recognition, appreciation, and celebration. Having an end-of-year banquet, while not informative like the other meetings, Serves as a way to highlight your chapter and member accomplishments from the year, allows your chapter to be together for one last time after ICDC,  and can provide an opportunity to formally announce the following school year's officer team. A banquet can be an extremely fun celebration showing the incredible things your chapter has accomplished throughout the year and having people show their appreciation for DECA. What a great way to end the year! 

Texas DECA members, I hope you have an amazing year in DECA in competition, service, and all of your other endeavors! I hope these meeting ideas were useful and that you all have a successful year and bring home some glass! Good luck to all this year!

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Communicating the Benefits of Joining DECA

By Gargi Chaudhari

Heritage High School

Are you a high school student looking to expand your horizons beyond academics? If so, DECA might be the organization for you! With a strong history of developing the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs, this organization provides many benefits that will enhance your education and give you a good base for further development. This year's DECA theme is "Be the One," which encourages stepping up, standing out, and making a difference.

What is DECA?

DECA stands for Distributive Education Clubs of America, an increasingly recognized international association that empowers students to become career professionals in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Formed in high schools and colleges, DECA provides students with skills such as being academically prepared, community-oriented, professionally responsible, and experienced leaders.

Professional Development Opportunities

Arguably, one of the most obvious reasons for joining DECA would be the professional development opportunities available. Through DECA competitions, workshops, and conferences, students formulate improved public speaking, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Such experiences not only strengthen academic knowledge but also engage relevant life skills, which are indispensable in any career path.. By embracing the "Be the One" theme, you are called upon to take the lead— confidently and fearlessly—and be the one who inspires and drives change.

Networking and Community Engagement

DECA offers students a network for connecting with fellow students, educators, and industry professionals. Beginning from local chapters and progressing to regional meetings and international conferences, DECA members fabricate quality connections to position them for internship and scholarship opportunities. Through engagement with like-minded peers and mentors, an established support network is created through which students can grow and flourish. When you choose to "Be the One," you become involved and active in your community, leaving behind a legacy of all the good things done and meaningful relationships built.

Scholarships and Recognition

Beyond the skill development and networking, DECA provides enormous opportunities for recognition and scholarships. Successful DECA competitors at the local, state, and international levels reap rewards by being able to list these accomplishments on their résumés and in college applications. The organization also works with businesses and universities to offer scholarships that are not only specific to academic excellence but also exhibit great leadership and entrepreneurial potential. As you "Be the One" in your accomplishments, you mark a standard others will follow and lead by example.

Conclusion

Joining DECA is not just about competitions or conferences; it’s about the transformational journey one goes through, preparing a person for challenges and opportunities yet to come. If you seek a career in business, marketing, finance, or entrepreneurship, DECA will provide you with the necessary skills, experiences, and connections in order to succeed in your chosen field.

In summary, DECA offers high school students a very unique opportunity for professional development, extreme networking, and scholarships that will mold their futures. In joining DECA, you do not join just a club but a network across the world of leaders and innovators who are ready to make a difference.

Be the one to take a step ahead, be the difference, and be a leader. Ready to take that next step in your personal and professional growth? Join DECA today and engage in numerous activities that will definitely lead you toward success.