Volunteering is one of the most fulfilling ways to level up as a student, leader and citizen. Volunteering over the summer isn't about crossing off service hours; it's about putting leadership into practice. Whether you're organizing a food drive in your community, providing support to a summer camp, or serving with a nonprofit, each act of service enhances your communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills, which DECA helps us build year-round.
How will this impact my next school year?
- Professional Members: Breaking outside your comfort zone and working with business professionals is a tremendous way to build credibility within your chapter and open the door for chapter growth in terms of professional members.
- Hands-on Experience: Getting out and experiencing business in action is an excellent opportunity to learn from business professionals and translate their tendencies to support and manage your chapter.
- Networking: Getting involved during the summer is not only beneficial to your chapter’s success but will also contribute to your success as an emerging business leader. Networking and seizing the opportunity to learn from those you volunteer with can serve as the first step in the right direction toward your future profession.
Service also puts you in closer touch with your community. You'll meet people of every background, hear their stories and develop empathy, a skill that all effective leaders have. Even better, it allows you to find your passion. Maybe you’ll discover you’re passionate about working with kids, protecting the environment or coordinating events. All of these revelations can help define your career path.
Step Up this Summer
Start small: Reach out to a community agency, talk to your DECA chapter advisor about service projects or rally friends to create your own initiative. Not only will you make a difference in someone's life, but you'll also become an even stronger candidate for success in DECA and beyond.
Leadership doesn't end when the school year does, and neither should your impact. This summer, use it to lead, grow and serve with purpose.
How will you serve this summer?
