Chatham Charter, a high school of 200 students, has a DECA chapter with 60 paid members - over one-fourth of the student body! However, these astonishing numbers didn't happen on their own. I'm going to share with you our three main tactics for membership campaign success.
1. Host multiple interest meetings
Hosting more than one interest meeting gives people a chance to attend a session that works best for their schedule. Interest meetings are a great time to showcase member success in DECA, giving students an incentive to join.
2. Offer incentives
Each year, our chapter gives out membership gifts after students pay their DECA dues. It's always something simple like a decal or cardholder, but every year we have members eagerly awaiting their gift. Free giveaways are a sure way to draw students.
3. Recruit outside of the classroom
Have officers and members talk to other classmates outside of meetings and DECA. This can introduce DECA to students who may have never considered it. It also provides a casual environment where individuals do not feel pressured to make a decision. Members can tell classmates their DECA story, share how DECA has had an impact on their lives and encourage them to come to a meeting.
These simple tips have helped our chapter over the years and we hope it will help yours as well!
