By Amare Teel, @scdeca_amare | Aynor High School, SC
Association office is often seen as a position of recognition, but really, it’s all about responsibility and serving the people you represent! Association officers play a huge role in shaping the DECA experience for members across their association by setting standards, supporting initiatives and representing DECA with professionalism and heart.
Let’s take a closer look at what being in association office is really like!
1. Being the Person Others Can Count On
Being elected as an association officer is exciting, but the role is really about consistency, not the spotlight. You’ll have a lot on your plate, so staying on top of things is key. That means answering emails, showing up prepared and following through even when plans don’t go perfectly.
People might not notice every little effort right away, but they will remember who they can rely on. That steady consistency builds trust and, over time, turns into genuine respect.
2. Turning Pressure Into Growth
There will definitely be moments when the role feels overwhelming, with busy schedules, high expectations and responsibilities you’ve never tackled before. The trick is to turn that pressure into growth. It might feel uncomfortable, but those are the moments where you learn the most about yourself. When you come out the other side, you’ll be surprised at how much stronger, smarter and more capable you’ve become.
3. Getting Comfortable Speaking Up (Even When It’s Awkward)
As an association officer, you’ll have plenty of moments where speaking up matters more than you realize. If you’re passionate about an idea or project, say it out loud and own it. We all know the saying “closed mouths don’t get fed,” and in DECA, it couldn’t be more true. Your idea might be the one that sparks change, inspires others or even becomes part of your association’s legacy. Every time you speak up, you’re showing what real confidence looks like.
4. Representing More Than Just Yourself
Being an association officer is about the people and the community you represent. Whether your association has a thousand members or thirty thousand, every interaction counts. Everything you do, say or share can make a difference.
Celebrate your members’ successes and bring positive, genuine energy because these are the members who trusted you with this role. You never know who might notice or feel inspired by what you do. Leading with kindness and authenticity sets a tone that shapes your entire association.
5. Choosing to Lead When It Matters Most
Choosing to lead when it matters most means stepping up, even when it feels hard or uncomfortable, which happens frequently as an association officer. It’s about putting in the effort when things get messy and showing your team that you are fully committed. No matter your position, you have a huge impact and that’s worth remembering.
Leading in these moments brings this year's membership theme, "Going The Extra" to life. Leadership isn’t about what you do when it’s easy; it’s about what you do when it really counts.
Your impact as an association officer is built one choice, one action and one moment at a time. Make each one matter!
