This past week, your state officers along with over 120 other national, state, provincial and chapter officers gathered in Washington D.C. for DECA’s annual Emerging Leaders Summit. The three-day conference included guest speakers, leadership training by TRI Leadership, a chance to network with other leaders, and the opportunity to advocate for Career and Technical Education on Capitol Hill.
The conference included many keynote speakers including a member of the US Army and members of Speaker of the House John Boehner’s staff. Ryan Underwood and the TRI Leadership team provided key leadership training on steps towards advocacy and membership growth. Officers participated in workshops that covered topics from running for national office, to developing strong chapters. The California DECA State Officers developed their skills in public speaking, resume building, and innovative thinking from sessions led by the national officer team.
The Emerging Leaders Summit was also an opportunity to network and share ideas with officers from all across the country. The officers assembled in randomized patriot teams. Everyone worked together to create a specific DECA resource and then presented it and expanded on why the resource would help make this DECA year count. Some of the resources the teams created included competition tips, a social media correspondent promotional video, and a campaign template.
The team was able to advocate to senators and four other congressman on behalf of DECA and Career and Technical Education. It was a chance to invite legislators to join DECA’s Congressional Advisory Board and express support for career and technical education funding such as the Perkins Act.
The trip was a truly memorable experience and the officers look forward to bringing the skills and ideas they acquired to California DECA’s regional and state conferences!