April is one of the most exciting times of the year for our organization. With the arrival of ICDC, all of our effort, work and growth are truly celebrated on the international stage. DECA is so special because it provides a unique community where we can make an impact not only on the future of business but also on each other.
As ICDC comes and goes, we begin to wrap up another year together. The bright lights of ICDC begin to dim, and if this is your final year in DECA, you may be met with a new realization: what comes next? You’ve accomplished so much this past year, and as your time in DECA comes to a close, you may start thinking about what lies ahead—not only for yourself, but for your friends, your chapter and your community.
It’s a question many of us, myself included, have started to reflect on recently: how can you ensure your impact lasts for years to come?
Sharing What DECA Has Done For You
DECA provides an inherently unique experience for each of its members. From student leadership to competition, there are so many different paths you can pave within this organization. Take a moment to reflect on everything you’ve gained through DECA and how you’ve made the most of those opportunities.
As the school year comes to a close, many students begin thinking about the classes they’ll take and the organizations they’ll join in the year ahead. This is your opportunity to make an impact. Reach out to potential members—whether in passing, online or at an involvement fair—and share what DECA has given you. The travel opportunities, leadership development and competitive experiences are powerful ways to spark interest and invite others to begin the same journey that helped shape you.
Passing Down Traditions and Resources
If you’ve played an integral role in how your chapter or association has functioned, think about how future members and officers can build on what you’ve started:
- If you managed your chapter’s School-Based Enterprise, share how you handled finances or placed product orders.
- If you served as a chapter officer, leave behind contact lists, event-planning guides, and competition preparation tools for future leaders to use. Some chapters even create a “guidebook” that outlines how key operations are run—an approach that allows new officers to see what worked and what didn’t.
- If you’re an association officer concluding your term, consider doing something similar by hosting a turnover call. Share what was effective during your term and what could have been improved, ensuring the next team is set up for success.
Staying in Contact
If your time in DECA is coming to a close at the end of this year, your involvement doesn’t have to end. Whether you’re continuing with Collegiate DECA or staying connected as an alumnus, there are still meaningful ways to make an impact for years to come. Consider volunteering at chapter or association events, judging mock competitions or sharing your experiences and strategies for success with the next generation of members.
Although the year and possibly your time as a DECA member may be coming to an end, the lessons DECA provides extend far beyond the classroom and competition. Take the experiences you’ve gained as a member and use them to set others up for success, continuing to GO THE EXTRA.
