Chapter meetings are the spark of members' engagement and success. As student leaders, it’s our responsibility to continually innovate and attract as many members as possible to our meetings. So, while December may be the start of colder, snowy days, let December be the start to your chapter’s best meetings yet.
Here are seven creative chapter meetings to check out.
DECA + Doughnuts
What’s better than donuts and DECA in the morning? If your chapter is struggling with decreasing attendance in morning meetings, consider adding a tasty incentive to attract more members. Aim to make this meeting a lower-stress meeting and focus on this valuable time with team bonding events, collaboration projects, and games, so that every member feels empowered to Go The Extra Mile.
Performance Indicator Jeopardy
As we approach the competition season, show members the importance of performance indicators in an interactive manner. Consider creating an 'Instructional Area’ category so that members can select the most suitable instructional area for their event. Make sure to add some music and pump-up members so that everyone has a great time.
Speed Role-plays
In my chapter, we focused on small professional touches that can often be overlooked in competition. In this meeting, members are given a brief three-sentence case study and two performance indicators. They then present to an upperclassman who provides feedback on their performance. Rather than focusing on the nuts and bolts of the roleplay, encourage feedback on professionalism, such as maintaining eye contact, using handshakes, and avoiding filler words.
Chapter Energizers
While some meetings require a professional approach to ensure that information is shared appropriately with members, start your meeting off strong with an energizer. Consider adding quick five-minute activities, such as ‘Are you smarter than an officer?’ Or a quick Kahoot. The more you’re able to engage with members at the start of each meeting, the more members will pay attention.
Shark Tank Watch Party
I’m sure most members have seen an episode of Shark Tank before, but have you ever stopped to ask yourself what makes those entrepreneurs’ pitches effective? Take a meeting to break down an episode of Shark Tank and pause it periodically to discuss how members can incorporate vocabulary and specific pitch techniques into their next presentation.
Alum Panels
Take time to hear from former members who have made an impact within your chapter. Alums offer members an excellent opportunity to hear feedback, tips, and what they would’ve done differently in the past. Ensure that alumni share not only how they’ve grown as leaders, but also as professionals. Alum panels also offer an excellent opportunity for current members to ask questions, network, and follow up in the future through LinkedIn and email.
Association Officer Visits
Association Officers are an excellent resource for any member. These talented officers cultivate leadership and professionalism, and they love to interact with their members. Consider reaching out to your officers to coordinate either an online or in-person visit to learn about all that’s happening in your association. Who knows, you might even get some secret coemption tips!
Strong chapter meetings build strong chapter members. By adding creativity, leadership, and engagement to your next meeting, your chapter will be ready to Go The Extra this winter.
