Contributed by the 2024-2025 Collegiate DECA Executive Officer Team
Within Collegiate DECA, it's easy to keep a focus on the members who are here for the thrill of competition. However, it is important to remember that not every member will participate in our competitive events series. These members are just as valuable to our organization, and maintaining their commitment to the organization helps create chapters filled with members who hold diverse Collegiate DECA experiences.
Here are a few strategies to ensure noncompetitive members feel valued and engaged in our organization.
Chapter Meetings
Firstly, it is important to offer a variety of meeting topics that will pique different interests. One type of meeting can be centered around a professional development workshop, where members are provided information on skills such as interviewing or career planning.
If you wish to add expertise to these events or offer members first-hand accounts of career experiences, you can invite guest speakers to your chapter meetings. If you are searching for speakers, consider inquiring with your advisor and leadership team about members from the alumni and professional divisions who are great resources to support your chapters with events such as these. Further, guest speaker meetings are also a great opportunity to open your meetings up to other students on campus or to collaborate with another student organization.
A final suggestion would also be to hold a meeting where members can network with peers and other professionals, such as a social or mixer. This type of meeting also lets members put some of the skills they have learned to the test and get a glimpse into what a day in the life looks like within their career field of choice.
Leadership Opportunities
Additionally, an amazing benefit of being involved in Collegiate DECA is the ability for members to hone their leadership skills. Promoting your chapter's leadership opportunities will also make noncompetitive members feel their voices are heard and encourage more applicants for an executive board.
Further, these options do not just have to be positions within your executive board that are elected at the end of each academic year. These could also be intern positions, officer shadowing positions or even positions to lead a committee for a chapter initiative, focus or event.
Diversifying the available leadership opportunities allows members to develop skills in various areas. It will enable your chapter to benefit from the diverse strengths of its members. It is also important to consider that these experiences can be highlighted in resumes and interviews, assisting members in future career and professional endeavors as they prepare for life after college.
Community Engagement
Moreover, everlasting friendships and strong community impact are two things our organization strives to achieve. Why not combine the two by leaving your normal meeting setting and helping at community service events? Not only can this foster a sense of purpose within your chapter, but it also provides a chance for members to interact in an off-campus environment.
Participating in community service projects can create meaningful shared experiences that strengthen interpersonal bonds among members. Whether organizing a charity fundraiser, participating in a park cleanup or volunteering at a shelter or soup kitchen, service activities encourage members to work together towards a common goal, honing in on teamwork skills vital in today's workplace.
Member Recognition
Lastly, your chapter will likely maintain non-competitive members if you recognize their hard work, dedication and achievements. A way to make noncompetitive members feel valued is to have a program such as Member of the Month, where the board and/or fellow chapter members can nominate each other for that month's recognition. Not only does it allow you to see what amazing things your members have accomplished, but it also gives you content for your chapters' social media pages, which helps to increase visibility.
In conclusion, fostering an inclusive and engaging environment for non-competitive members in Collegiate DECA is crucial for the overall success and diversity of our chapters. By offering a variety of meeting topics, promoting leadership opportunities, encouraging community service involvement and recognizing the achievements of all members, we can ensure that every one of our members feels valued and committed to the organization. These strategies enhance member retention and enrich the DECA experience by providing members with an emotional connection to the organization.
