It’s already January, can you believe it? The DECA season is officially underway. As time flies, January is the perfect time to pause, reflect and plan for the semester ahead. With the right planning now, the rest of the year can be your chater’s most successful yet.
Here are five strategies to help make this semester one to remember:
1. Check In on Your Program of Leadership (POL)
At the beginning of the year, your leadership team created a Program of Leadership to outline goals and initiatives. January is the ideal time for a mid-year POL check-in. Take time to celebrate what you’ve already accomplished and identify what still needs to be done.
A strategy your Executive Officers use is creating a shared spreadsheet with each task listed and assigned to a specific leader. This keeps progress visible and accountability high. We highly recommend starting the semester with a leadership meeting dedicated to reflecting on the fall and planning for the months ahead.
2. Get Ahead on Competition Planning
The second half of the DECA season moves quickly, especially with SCDC taking place early for many associations and CDECA ICDC in Louisville, KY, just around the corner. To stay organized, chapter leadership teams should begin competition planning early.
The Executive Officer team recommends that members be locked into their competitive events within the first two weeks of the semester. This allows plenty of time for preparation, fundraising and practice, while reducing stress for everyone involved. During your first leadership meeting, be sure to review key competition deadlines and schedule preparation sessions.
3. Plan Out the Semester
In addition to reviewing your POL, now is the time to map out the semester. Pull out a calendar and select tentative dates for chapter meetings, fundraisers, leadership meetings and other important events. These dates don’t need to be final, but having a framework ensures nothing is forgotten. Not to mention, it keeps your chapter on track and moving closer to achieving your POL goals.
4. Take Advantage of the Leadership Passport Program
The Collegiate DECA Leadership Passport Program is a fantastic way to guide chapter activities and earn recognition for your efforts. If your chapter hasn’t already explored the program, now is the time. Including the passport in your first leadership meeting helps ensure timely submission by the February 15 deadline. It’s also a great idea to encourage members to complete their own Member Leadership Passport so they can be recognized at ICDC.
5. Join the One Diamond Calls
Each month, the Executive Officer team hosts a One Diamond Call to bring the Collegiate DECA community together for networking, learning, and growth. Topics range from competitive events to career preparation, and turnout is always strong. Attendees consistently share positive feedback and leave with valuable insights. All calls are hosted on Zoom and take place on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM CST. Everyone is encouraged to join!
January is your opportunity to reflect, plan, and grow. By implementing these tips, your chapter will be well-prepared for the semester ahead. As always, feel free to reach out to the Executive Officer team with any questions; we’re all happy to help!
