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The Ethics of Leadership
Ethical leaders exist in all walks of life. They are the individuals who step forward when crises occur, come to the rescue of others and generally do what's right—no matter what. Anyone can talk the talk, but can they walk the walk? In today's high-visibility, social world, more people are taking note of leaders’ behavior and holding them accountable.
DECA Direct Magazine: Next Level Leadership
A new school year brings new chances to elevate your leadership to the next level. Discover fresh ideas to enhance your chapter and become a leader worth following in your school, community and beyond.
The Next Level is Inclusion
It has never been more important for emerging leaders to be characterized by teamwork, innovation, competency and integrity. Fortunately, those are the valued characteristics of DECA’s student leaders. What if this moment needs you and the unique values that drive your leadership?
Top Tips for Socially-distant Membership Recruitment
Building your chapter’s membership is one of the most important ways to set it up for success in the new school year. But what are the best ways to recruit within the “new normal” of more virtual interactions and less in-person activities? Learn how to recruit new members the socially-distant way with these top tips.
The Power of the Diamond
Throughout your DECA career, you’ll wear the blazer, throw up a DECA diamond symbol and add lots of blue to your wardrobe. You will also undoubtedly hear DECA’s core values and mission statement more times than you can count. But have you ever stopped to think about what they really mean?
Cultivate Your Chapter’s Culture
2020 is a year that has changed all of our lives. If your DECA chapter has experienced a decline in recent months, struggling to cope with virtual meetings and maintain engagement, your chapter culture may need a boost.
Discover Your DECA Leadership Style
There are hundreds of assessments to help you pinpoint your leadership traits, but the only one you need to take your leadership to the next level is the DECA Leadership Style Quiz.
Influence with Informal Leadership
While you may not have an official leadership title, you still have the ability to help take your chapter to the #NextLevel with your informal leadership influence. Read on to learn more about informal leadership and how you can use it to make this year a success for you and your chapter.
5 Tips for Your Freshman Year
Entering high school can be a nerve-wracking experience, but remember you're not alone! To help calm your nerves and ensure you start off on the right foot, follow these five tips for your freshman year.
DECA Members Raise $7,000 Through the MDA Muscle Corp Program
DECA members raised over $7,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) this summer through the pilot MDA Muscle Corp Program. Twenty-one DECA members successfully completed the program and earned 40 hours of community service.
Mountain View High School Virtual Recruitment
Like for many chapters, this year’s DECA kickoff meeting was unique for Mountain View High School in Georgia. Even though the meeting was held through Zoom, the chapter still found a way to make it one of their best meetings yet.
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!
Case Study of the Week: AI in Marketing
Assume the role of the general manager for an outdoor holiday lights and decorations installation business while you analyze the use of artificial intelligence (AI) images in marketing materials and recommend how to proceed.
Stay Connected with One Diamond Calls
In a One Diamond Call, attendees can stay up to date with what is going on in Collegiate DECA and learn leadership skills as we recognize, highlight and celebrate your individual, chapter, and association successes.
How to Make the Most Out of Your College Orientation
College orientation is your first opportunity to build connections, discover campus resources and begin your next journey. To get the most out of orientation, you need to step outside your comfort zone.
How to Tackle the Three Main Categories of Collegiate DECA Competitive Events
One of the best things about Collegiate DECA's Competitive Event Program is that there's truly an event for everyone. Whether you're a confident presenter, enjoy thinking on your feet or like developing long-term projects, there's an event for you.
2026-2027 Collegiate DECA Executive Officer Program of Leadership
For 2026–2027, the Collegiate DECA Executive Officer Program of Leadership focuses on three priorities - Leadership Development, Member Engagement and Member Recruitment - all designed to help you become the Next Big Thing.
Lessons Beyond the Classroom: Collegiate DECA Members Reflect on Their Summer Internships
Four Collegiate DECA members reflect on their recent summer internships and discuss what DECA skills they were able to use, what their biggest challenges were and their tips on how you can find rewarding summer internship experiences too.
DECA Announces New Premier Partner Program + Inaugural Members
The DECA Premier Partner Program offers a meaningful way for organizations to connect, be visible, and actively engage with DECA’s network of high school and collegiate student members and advisors.
Summer and Competition Preperation is in Session
Whether this upcoming school year is the first time you are competing in Collegiate DECA or not, there is no better time than now to start taking the first steps.
A Leader’s Checklist for Preparing for a New School Year
For chapter and association leaders, this time of year is especially important. The work you do before classes begin can set the tone for your entire year, helping your team stay organized, engaged and ready to succeed.
5 Ways to Lead Outside of DECA
While DECA has helped shape me as a leader, some of my biggest leadership lessons have come from experiences outside of DECA. Whether it's at school, work, or in your community, there are opportunities to lead everywhere.
Be a Founder: 6 Steps to Bring Collegiate DECA to Your University
During my senior year of high school, I realized the college I was attending did not have a Collegiate DECA chapter. This made me realize that I had the opportunity to create something that would benefit students for years to come.
Simple Ways to Balance Work, Life and DECA
Balance does not mean doing everything perfectly. It means finding a routine that helps you stay organized, communicate clearly and take care of yourself.
