Contributed by Rithika Saravanan | Meridian World School, TX
When you are in a small DECA chapter, it can sometimes feel like you are playing in a league different from the bigger schools. They have the massive membership rosters, polished chapter shirts and Instagram accounts with more followers than your entire school. Being small is not a disadvantage though. It's an opportunity to build something close-knit, creative, and determined.
I've been there too. My chapter started with barely ten members. At our first meeting of the year, there were more empty chairs than people. Over time, we found ways to grow not just in numbers but in confidence, community and opportunities.
1. Know Your Strengths and Play to Them
When you are a small chapter, you may not have the resources to run ten events at once, but you do have the flexibility to make each thing you do intentional.
One year, we decided to focus on quality over quantity. Instead of hosting a dozen fundraisers, we put all our energy into one community service project: a ’Tis the Season for Giving’ drive for arts and crafts supplies donated to children during the holidays. This raised our profile in the community and got our story on the district's Instagram. People joined the chapter because they wanted to be part of something meaningful.
2. Make Recruitment Personal
Small chapters thrive when recruitment happens face-to-face.
One of the most effective ways to bring in new members is to walk right up to someone and start a conversation about DECA. It might feel intimidating at first, but every time you put yourself out there, you build your confidence and marketing skills. Plus, a personal connection is far more memorable than a flyer on the wall.
Tip: Instead of simply saying “Join DECA,” share why you believe potential members would be a great fit. A genuine compliment and a personal invitation can turn curiosity into commitment.
3. Create Opportunities for Early Wins
In a small chapter, you can give members leadership roles faster. When I joined as a freshman, within weeks, I was helping market my chapter. That early responsibility made me feel invested and kept me from drifting away mid-year.
We also paired newer members with experienced ones for roleplay practice. Seeing early success, such as scoring high in a practice competition, gave people the confidence to stick with it.
4. Use Your Size as an Advantage at Competitions
In small chapters, you know everyone, and that support shows. We made a tradition of cheering the loudest for our members during the awards. People noticed. Judges, other schools and even potential recruits saw that we were proud of each other.
A small chapter can grow in numbers, but the real magic is growing in impact. When you focus on personal connections, intentional opportunities and a strong chapter culture, the small label fades away.
Soon, people will be saying “That is the chapter I want to join.”
