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.