Chapter Strategy
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Here Are 5 Themes for Your Next Chapter Meeting
Meeting themes are a great way to show your school that DECA is extraordinary. They also encourage and persuade someone unfamiliar with DECA to attend the meeting, boosting member retention.

Dancing With DECA: How to Go The Extra During Homecoming Week
The new school year starts with many events to amplify the school spirit, including football games, pep rallies, and, of course, homecoming. Here are three ways to make the most of it for your chapter!

Three Hats, One Head: Balancing School, Work and DECA
Between classes, jobs and DECA, finding balance takes that extra effort. Here are four tips to help you effectively balance responsibilities and make the most of every opportunity!

Shop DECA FAQs & Answers
How do I get a new blazer patch? Can I exchange or return a blazer? What is DECA+? The Shop DECA team is here to help answer some of your most frequently asked questions about Shop DECA products and processes.

Building and Leading a Strong Officer Team
Building a strong DECA officer team takes effort, but it can make all the difference in a chapter's success. Explore the values that build a strong chapter officer team!

Racing into the School Year: East Paulding DECA's Membership Recruitment Campaign and Tactics
At East Paulding DECA, we were pleasantly challenged when the national DECA "Go the Extra" theme was released. After much thought and discussion, we happily chose a thrilling race car theme for our school's campaign.

Advisor Best Practice Spotlight of the Week: Lisa Cline
Lisa Cline, DECA advisor at North Forsyth High School in Georgia, has built an SBE program that not only raises funds for her DECA chapter, but also prepares students with skills they will use for life.

Taking your Chapter’s SBE to the Extra Level
Once your SBE is up and running, the real challenge begins: growing it. Expanding your customer base, increasing sales and elevating your chapter’s presence takes strategy, creativity and a team ready to level up.

Advisor Best Practice Spotlight of the Week: Sean Lewis
Sean Lewis, DECA advisor and marketing teacher at Hillgrove High School in Georgia, has built a thriving chapter by blending classroom instruction with real-world business experiences.

8 Ways To Use the Membership Video for Back-to-School Recruitment
Discover eight ways members are using the 2025-26 DECA membership video during their events and meetings this back-to-school season and get ideas for your own chapter!

4 Strategies to Elevate Your DECA Association or Chapter Brand
A strong brand not only attracts new members but also energizes current ones, engages partners, and positions your chapter or association as a leader in preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs.

From Small Chapter to Big Impact
Learn how to grow your small chapter while building strong connections, creating meaningful opportunities and turning your size into your greatest advantage!

How to Raise Your Membership to the #NextLevel
As we enter a new year, it's time to get excited about membership recruitment! We know this year is going to look different, so here are some tips for taking your recruitment efforts to the #NextLevel!

Watch Now: The 2020-2021 Collegiate DECA #NextLevel Membership Video
This is not just another year. This is the year we push our limits and set our sights higher than ever before. No matter what your dreams and goals for the future, propel yourself to the #NextLevel with Collegiate DECA.

Leadership Team Building Ideas
While social distancing, it can be difficult to connect with the members of your leadership team. However, it is vital to continue being productive and connected. We want all teams to have an extra strong start to the next school year in order to make up for lost activities and events. Below are my top five tips to keep the DECA spirit alive with your leadership team!

Using Zoom to Unlock New Learning Opportunities
It’s safe to say that 2020 has thrown just about everyone for a loop. Like many educators, Sharon Cutler, a 15-year DECA chapter advisor and teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, has been looking for unique ways to engage her students through distance learning.

Partner with Purpose: Developing Partnerships for a Stronger DECA
For your DECA chapter or association to thrive, it is valuable to find individuals or organizations that can help you achieve your mission and goals. Forming partnerships allows multiple groups to receive benefits while also contributing to the greater good of their respective markets.

Tell Your DECA Story in 4 Easy Steps
The next opportunity to advocate for DECA is here as February is Career and Technical Education Month®! During this month we will raise awareness and celebrate the value of Career Technical Education (CTE) and the accomplishments of DECA members around the globe!

CTE Lingo: Key Terms to Know
It's Career and Technical Education Month® and you may suddenly find your social media feed full of new terms and acronyms. Don't get overwhelmed! Here are the top terms you need to know to be part of the #CTEMonth conversation and help advocate for DECA and career and technical education.

Fundraise Your Way to ICDC
Fundraising often gets a bad reputation for being too hard or not producing the desired outcome. However, by following the six keys to fundraising, you will soon find yourself with money to fund your chapter’s trip to ICDC.

6 Ways to Celebrate #CTEMonth
How can you celebrate CTE Month and show support for DECA and your school’s program? These are the six best ways you can help celebrate and advocate for support of CTE.

DECA Direct Magazine: Here We Go
The Back to School issue features tips on selecting your competitive event, a guide to setting goals for the upcoming year and everything you need to get started this year in DECA!

#Goals for Your Year
Before jumping into your goals for the year, it’s important to start with that passion. Why is DECA important? What can DECA do for the students in your school and your community? In a few sentences, explain your vision for your DECA chapter. If it was everything that it could be, what would it be? Use this vision as a guide as you are setting goals for your chapter.

Your Chapter's Best Year Yet
No matter your goals for the year, membership is the foundation of every DECA chapter. It’s important to plan ahead to reach potential new members and find innovative ways to engage your current members as well. With more than 10 years of DECA experience under their belts, Collegiate DECA Executive Officers Lindsay Joyner and Max May share their secrets to successfully growing chapter membership.


