Chapter Strategy
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Give Students a Business They Can Actually Run
Download a real hands-on entrepreneurship experience for students and a free lesson plan to go with it from DECA's partner, Spirit Box.
How to Get Hype at Chapter Meetings
The fun of DECA doesn’t just start at conferences.It begins at the very first chapter meeting. If you’re a chapter officer, this is your chance to make the best first impression on prospective members. Show that DECA isn’t just blazers and talk.
How DECA Chapters are Making Recruitment the Next Big Thing
Recruitment isn't just about putting up flyers anymore. DECA chapters are finding new ways to show students what the organization can offer: from hands-on outreach to showcasing the experiences and skills that come with being a member.
Your Chapter's Social Media Could Make-or-Break Membership: Here's Why
Social media is a platform where thousands of DECA members can connect and share important information. In recent years, it has played an essential role in DECA membership, association identity, and chapter recognition.
Everything You Need to Know for DECA SBE Week 2026
Each day of #DECASBEWeek has a social media theme unique to DECA’s school-based enterprise program. Be sure to participate by sharing photos or videos that correspond to the daily theme.
Turn School Spirit into a Student-Led Business
The Mascot ShopTM helps DECA chapters turn school spirit into a student-led business experience. Students build practical skills in marketing, merchandising, sales, finance, and operations while supporting their chapter and school community. Plus, DECA members can access exclusive savings through December 31, 2026.
Best Practices to Welcome New Members
Your prospective members decide if they're coming back before they leave the first meeting, too. As leaders, you get to design a culture where new members are met with warmth and leave inspired.
Five Fall Marketing Trends Every Chapter Can Use
From back-to-school shopping and football season to Halloween and the countdown to the holidays, businesses know consumers are ready for something new. Here are five marketing trends you'll see this fall - and how your DECA chapter can put them into action.
Activate Your Chapter Early for Exclusive Competitive Event Resources
Activate your chapter by September 30, 2026, and receive a digital download of never-before-released DECA Competitive Events role-plays and the 2026 Business Administration Core Association Exam for your chapter.
Be the NEXT BIG THING with the 2026-2027 Chapter Campaigns
The 2026-2027 DECA Chapter Campaigns are here to help your chapter to be the NEXT BIG THING! Participating in the chapter campaigns encourages DECA members to engage with their community and grow membership.
Now Open: Advisor Best Practice of the Week Nominations
Last year, we asked you to nominate advisors who were implementing innovative best practices into their chapters and classrooms and we were able to shine the light on some incredible advisors.
Watch Now: DECA's 2026-2027 Membership Video
DECA's 2026-2027 membership video is ready to inspire the next generation of members to discover their Next Big Thing with DECA. View and download the video now!
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.
How to Incorporate an Entrepreneurial Attitude into Your DECA Chapter
You may be asking, “How does entrepreneurship apply to my chapter?” Well, the mission of DECA is to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs. So why not get a head start? The same basic principles that apply to starting a business also apply to your chapter.
10 Ways to Put the Unity in Your CommUNITY Service Campaign
Community service is an amazing experience that allows us to leave our mark on the world, but getting other high school students involved can sometimes be difficult. Here's how to make it happen!
