As an organization, DECA provides unique experiences for every single member. Career & Technical Education is at the heart of DECA. It is what connects classroom learning to real-world careers and equips students with skills that extend far beyond competition. By being a member of DECA, CTE has already impacted you—and because of that impact, you have the power to advocate.
Advocacy does not require a title, a podium or even a formal meeting. It starts with everyday actions and intentional choices that elevate the value of CTE in schools, communities, DECA and beyond.
Share Your Story
One of the most powerful advocacy tools is your own experience. Whether it is discovering confidence through competition, finding a career path through a CTE course or building leadership skills through DECA, personal stories help others understand the true impact of CTE. Sharing these experiences in class discussions, on social media or with peers helps humanize CTE and demonstrate its value.
Last CTE Month, I shared an article all about letter writing and how it can help you share your story and advocate effectively. You can read it here.
Advocate Locally
Local advocacy can be just as impactful as national efforts. Writing a short email to a school administrator, counselor or school board member explaining why CTE matters can influence decisions about funding, course offerings and program expansion. When decision-makers hear directly from students, it reinforces the idea that CTE is not just relevant but essential.
Use Your Platform
Social media is a powerful advocacy tool when used intentionally. Posting about DECA conferences, competitions and chapter or association initiatives helps showcase CTE in action. Tagging schools, districts and community leaders increases visibility and brings CTE into conversations where it may not already be present.
If you are wondering where to find reliable CTE information to include in your posts, or who to reach out to when sharing your advocacy efforts, check out this article I published highlighting different CTE advocacy resources you can use.
Advocacy for CTE does not have to be complicated to be effective. Every conversation, post and story YOU have helps strengthen Career & Technical Education. When DECA members speak up and share their experiences, they help ensure that CTE remains accessible, respected and supported for future generations of students!
