By Hadley Benson | Naperville North High School, IL
From chapter campaigns to mock preparation nights, many people think of DECA as fierce competition and business-related events, but how can that reputation be leveraged to make a community impact?
This year, at Naperville North High School, we found that there are three key aspects to building long-lasting connections with members of our community while ultimately benefiting our DECA chapter. The right connection can turn a discussion into a lasting impact.
1. Contact Community Members that Represent DECA Values
No matter the occupation one might hold, there are DECA values within it. To highlight this idea, at Naperville North, we reached out to numerous businesses and entrepreneurs to identify unique individuals whose experiences could inspire our chapter members.
A simple email is a perfect way to initiate communication, and in-person visits can also create a personal connection and relationship. Both large and small businesses represent perspectives that can provide valuable insight during chapter meetings and events.
- Examples: Authors, local restaurant owners, store managers, entrepreneurs, non-profit leaders and former DECA members
2. Chapter-wide Communication
After connecting with community members, who represent both chapter values and DECA-wide values, it is important to develop a strategy that allows their knowledge and experiences to reach your entire chapter.
For our chapter, this meant inviting a published author to speak during a chapter meeting. This allowed her unique, direct business advice to be shared in a way that benefited all members while also helping our chapter work towards THRIVE status.
These events help chapters establish long-lasting relationships within their communities that continue beyond a single meeting.
- Examples: Guest Speakers, virtual presentations, sponsorship opportunities and local networking events
3. Sustaining the Connection
If you have successfully established a new community relationship, you may be wondering how to sustain the connection.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to do this is by showing community members the impact they had on your DECA chapter. Highlighting their contribution demonstrates appreciation and opens the door to future collaboration.
- Examples: Heartfelt thank-you emails, social media connections and handwritten thank-you notes.
Cultivating a connection with a community member is not difficult, but it can be the difference between chapter participation and impact. DECA gives members a unique position for success, and community involvement is just the start.
