Recruiting 8th graders and rising freshmen is an essential part of building a strong and successful DECA chapter. By reaching out to these students early on, you can help them understand the benefits of joining DECA and get them excited about the opportunities that await them as they enter high school. Not only will the recruitment of young members help to grow your chapter, but it will maximize their potential for growth within the organization and empower them to be successful.
As the school year comes to a close, there are several things you can do to ensure that you are effectively recruiting.
First, make sure that you are promoting DECA in an engaging, informative way while also making it fun and entertaining for the potential member. This could include creating flyers, posters, social media posts or interactive videos highlighting the numerous advantages of joining DECA, such as networking opportunities, leadership development and the chance to compete against members all over the world.
Another important step is to connect with 8th-grade teachers, counselors and administration to spread the word about DECA. You can ask them to include information about DECA in their end-of-year newsletters or request to meet with students in-person in their classrooms. This is one of the most effective recruitment methods and has the most significant impact. When meeting with students, keep them active by engaging them in a leadership or DECA-related activity. Explain to the students that our organization is not only highly beneficial for their careers but also a fun time!
Recruiting 8th graders and incoming freshmen is key to increasing your chapter members and building a strong foundation for your association. By taking the time to promote DECA in an engaging, informative and fun way and by connecting with teachers, counselors and other stakeholders, you can help ensure that your chapter continues to thrive for years to come.
