The Collegiate DECA Chapter Leadership Guide is filled with many ideas to help chapters recruit members, develop leaders, plan events, and create meaningful experiences.
Use these ideas to turn the guide into action and find new ways to engage your members throughout this upcoming school year.
Build Your Membership
Recruitment is about more than asking students to join. Give potential members a reason to join Collegiate DECA!
- Visit classes and club fairs to introduce students to Collegiate DECA.
- Partner with other campus organizations for a joint event.
- Create social media content highlighting member experiences and chapter opportunities.
- Pair new members with experienced members through a mentorship program.
Strengthen Your Officer Team
Great chapters are built by teams, not individuals. Use the Chapter Leadership section to make your officer team more intentional.
- Create a shared officer calendar with important deadlines and events.
- Set expectations for communication at the beginning of the year.
- Set SMART goals as a team through your Program of Leadership.
- Create chair positions so members can take ownership of specific projects.
- Start an officer shadowing program to introduce members to officer roles.
Make Meetings Members Want to Attend
Your chapter meeting does not have to be another announcement-filled meeting. Use the guide's event ideas to create experiences that provide value to your members.
- Host a mock competition night.
- Invite an alumnus or business professional to speak.
- Plan a financial literacy or mentorship workshop.
- Host a career panel.
- Organize community service projects throughout the year.
- Plan a company tour or behind-the-scenes visit.
Prepare for Competition and Conferences
Competition preparation can happen long before you arrive at a conference. Use your chapter meetings to help members build confidence and professional skills.
- Host a competitive event preview so members can explore their options.
- Organize competitive event preparation workshops.
- Hold mock competitions with professors, alumni, or business professionals as judges.
- Have members practice their event with peers and receive feedback.
Strengthen Your Chapter Through Fundraising
Fundraising can help your chapter support events, registration, and travel while also creating opportunities for members to get involved.
- Host an event or competition that can double as a recruitment opportunity.
- Partner with a local business for fundraising support.
- Connect with your university's alumni or advancement office.
- Create a fundraising plan based on your chapter's annual budget and goals.
Stay Connected Through Communication
Your chapter's communication should keep members informed and excited to be a part of Collegiate DECA.
- Share meeting reminders, agendas, and recaps.
- Promote upcoming events, fundraisers, and recruitment opportunities.
- Encourage members to connect with other Collegiate DECA chapters and members.
- Participate in Collegiate DECA's One Diamond Calls, Founders Forums, and Presidents Council to learn, connect, and share ideas.
Use the Collegiate DECA Chapter Leadership Guide as a starting point; take the ideas that fit your members and make them your own. Whether you are planning your next meeting, building your next officer team, or preparing for a new year.
