As we head into minicon season, remember that it’s the small, consistent habits that will build up to powerful changes. These micro-habits can improve your confidence, communication, and business knowledge, which can all make the difference in competition. Here are some ways to ‘Go the Extra!’ this year: 

1. Attend Meetings 

We all know that sometimes making time for meetings can be difficult, however chapter meetings are one of the easiest ways to stay accountable and informed. These meetings will keep you up-to-date on deadlines, new opportunities, and chapter events like fundraisers and social media challenges. Through these events, you will be able to build a network and friendships with other members. Additionally, participating in meetings and events may be helpful if you are interested in applying for chapter, district, or state leadership positions in the future.  

2. Stay Informed

Industry trends are patterns in new technologies, market conditions, business practices, and customer preferences that shape the business world. For businesses, understanding these trends help to plan for the future and remain competitive in their industry. For you, it’s an opportunity to elevate your roleplay and presentations with real world examples. Spend 15 minutes reading or watching business news a couple times a week to grow your awareness!

3. Set Mini-Goals 

Setting small daily or weekly goals will allow you to make major progress without the stress of last-minute cramming. Whether it be practicing one roleplay a week or studying business terms for 10 minutes daily on Quizlet, simple goals can make a vast difference if you are intentional.

After every practice session, take a moment to reflect: 

• What did you do well?
• What can be improved?
• Implement these next time you practice! 

These quick evaluations will build self-awareness and help you track your performance!

4. Ask for Feedback 

When you practice presentations and roleplays with others, whether it be a fellow member or your advisor, always ask for feedback. Each person, with their unique background and skills, can offer a recommendation that you have never thought of before. Write down the feedback, revisit it later, and track your progress. The combination of external feedback with your personal reflections will accelerate your growth and confidence. 

5. Seek Advice

One of the best ways to improve is getting advice from experienced competitors. Utilize resources like the monthly CA DECA Champ Camps, YouTube videos, and other DECA resources to learn from previous SCDC and ICDC winners. Pay attention to their guidance on content, structure, and soft skills and then apply their strategies to your presentations!

Remember, consistent and focused efforts can go a long way. Elevate your DECA skills with these 5 habits!

By Rajvi Shah/NorCal DECA Vice President of Leadership

As part of DECA Inc.’s Chapter Campaigns, the Community Service Campaign gives your chapter a clear, meaningful way to serve your community, gain recognition, and grow together as leaders. Here’s everything your chapter needs to know, from expectations and deadlines to submission instructions, benefits, and creative ideas!

But first, why should your chapter participate? This community service campaign goes beyond your chapter; it’s about engaging with your community and enacting real change! By taking part, your chapter can:

• Make a lasting difference by supporting local causes and communities.
• Grow closer as a team through shared service experiences.
• Showcase your leadership with publicity that highlights your chapter’s DECA’s impact beyond the classroom.
• Earn recognition at the state and international level, with awards that spotlight your chapter’s efforts.
• Prepare members for the future by giving them real-world leadership and project management experience.

Guidelines:

Now, jumping into the details, here are the guidelines provided by DECA Inc.:

• Chapters must document one or more community service activities.  
• At least 75% of your chapter members must participate in the service to be eligible for recognition.  
• Your chapter must create at least one form of publicity or promotion (e.g. social media, posters, press release) to spread awareness of the service work.  
• Chapters submit their documentation via the Chapter Campaign Submission system, entering details like the event description, promotional efforts, and percentage of member involvement.  
• You must submit by the deadline to receive recognition.  
• For 2025-2026, the due date for Community Service (and several other campaigns) is December 1, 2025.  

For further details, check DECA Inc.’s chapter campaign tab here and submission instructions.

Ideas to Get Started

When designing your campaign to meet DECA Inc.’s criteria, consider these ideas:

• Host a full chapter volunteer day (park clean-up, soup kitchen, senior center) and share photos on your school’s social media or local newspaper.
• Run a food drive over multiple weeks, logging volunteer hours as you go.
• Raise awareness (mental health, environmental causes) with posters, social media, and then pair with a cleanup or donation event.
• Each member does an individual act (help a neighbor, pick up trash), shares a photo publicly, and the chapter aggregates them.
• Work with a local nonprofit, then publicize the partnership through local media or a school assembly.
• Themed months: “Green October” for environmental cleanups, “Kindness November,” or “Toy Drive for Holidays.”

The Community Service Campaign is your chapter’s chance to give back, grow as leaders, and earn recognition for your impact. Remember: your project should be meaningful, involve most of your members, and be promoted publicly. By serving together and sharing your story, you’ll strengthen your chapter and show how DECA members make a difference in their communities.

Make this the year your chapter goes beyond the classroom! Serve your community, showcase your leadership, and take part in the 2025 Community Service Campaign.

As we jump into the school year, the upcoming DECA season is just around the corner! Whether this is your first year in DECA or your fourth, how you start the season will set the tone for the months ahead. Here are some resources and tips to make sure you’re taking full advantage of everything California DECA and DECA Inc. has to offer:

1. Take Advantage of DECA+

DECA+ is your one-stop shop for competitive event prep. With practice roleplays, case studies, flashcards, and sample exams, it’s designed to help you succeed and has a multitude of resources for all events. Use it throughout the year to build confidence and knowledge and be fully prepared for your conferences! If your chapter doesn’t have an active DECA+ membership, be sure to contact them and encourage your advisor to sign up!

2. Check the California DECA Resources

Our very own CA DECA association offers countless resources, including Program of Leadership Initiative Ideas, live Champ Camp panelist interviews, President’s Council meetings, and Chapter Toolkits. Whether you need guidance on how to construct a resume or apply for an internship, there are free resources put together by your State Officers!

3. Get Ahead on Conference Prep

Start practicing and working on your competitive events early! Study in groups with your chapter members or dedicate time each week to preparing for the DECA season. The earlier that you begin, the more confident you’ll feel when conferences roll around!

4. Expand your DECA Experience with Extra Challenges

DECA offers various events beyond your traditional competitive events – there are plenty of opportunities to grow your business knowledge and get involved in DECA!

• DECA Corporate Challenges: Partner with major companies to answer prompts or organize/execute an initiative. These challenges let you practice real-world skills and innovative thinking, as well as win a cash prize and qualify for ICDC!
• Virtual Business Challenge (VBC): Run a business simulation in industries like fashion, hospitality, sports, retail, or finance. It’s a hands-on way to apply classroom concepts to real decision-making. You compete against your region and can qualify for ICDC through these events!
• Stock Market Game (SMG): Compete with DECA members across the country while building knowledge in investing, trading, and financial analysis. Competing against your region, top competitors will earn a spot at ICDC!

Keep up with California DECA and DECA Inc. News!

Follow @CaliforniaDECA and @decainc on social media to stay up to date on announcements, deadlines, and inspiration. Engaging with the online DECA community can also connect you with leaders across the nation.

Starting your DECA season with intention can make all the difference. By diving into resources like DECA+ and California DECA’s toolkits, preparing early for conferences, and exploring extra challenges beyond your competitive event, you’re setting yourself up for growth, confidence, and success. The habits you form now will shape the experiences, friendships, and opportunities you’ll carry with you throughout the year. So take that first step, stay engaged, and get ready to make this DECA season your best one yet!