As a new school year begins, many students are searching for exciting clubs and organizations to get involved in. For DECA chapters, this is one of the most important times of the year. Recruitment isn’t just about growing your chapter – it’s about introducing students to opportunities that will shape their high school experience.
Every DECA member has a different story. Some students join because they’ve heard about DECA from friends or family, while others simply stop by a Club Rush booth because something catches their attention. That first interaction can make all the difference, so let’s talk about how to market your chapter in a way that excites and welcomes new members.
One of the best ways to stand out is by making your recruitment process interactive. Rather than simply handing out flyers, create activities that encourage students to stop, participate, and learn more about DECA. A memorable first impression can spark curiosity and encourage students to attend your first meeting. For many students, Club Rush is their first introduction to DECA and business education, making it the perfect opportunity to inspire new interests and encourage them to explore your school’s CTE pathway.
Many chapters have found creative ways to make Club Rush more engaging. Martin Luther King High School, for example, has incorporated activities such as Build the DECA Diamond, where students assemble the iconic DECA logo, Dakji, a fast-paced paper-flipping challenge that encourages friendly competition, and tie-a-tie competitions that introduce professionalism in a fun and interactive way. Activities like these naturally create conversations while giving students a glimpse into DECA’s competitive and professional culture. The goal isn’t to have the biggest booth on campus – it’s to create an experience that makes students want to be a part of your chapter. We encourage you to think outside the box and create an experience that students will remember long after they walk away from your table.
Recruitment can also begin long before students ever step onto campus. Chapters across NorCal host summer camps to introduce incoming freshmen to DECA while helping returning members get ready for the year ahead. Washington High School DECA, for example, recently hosted a DECA Summer Camp alongside the California DECA State Officer Team and the NorCal DAT. Events like these not only create a welcoming environment from the very beginning but also help members build connections and gain confidence for the upcoming year.
Recruitment doesn’t stop after students sign up. Your first few meetings are just as important as your first impression. Creating a welcoming environment and keeping meetings interactive can make the difference between students attending once and becoming long-term members.
For example, Del Norte High School incorporates interactive activities into its early meetings to help new members become comfortable with business concepts while having fun. Members participate in Business Vocabulary Jenga, where each block features a business term that players explain in their own words, making learning collaborative and approachable. The chapter also hosts creative Shark Tank-style pitches, challenging students to market unique products or even impossible business ideas, such as underwater restaurants. Activities like these introduce business concepts in an engaging way while helping members build confidence in communication, creativity, and public speaking before competition season begins.
Every chapter is unique, and your recruitment strategy should reflect your members and school community. Whether through engaging recruitment events, welcoming first meetings, or consistent social media with member spotlights, meeting reminders, and behind-the-scenes highlights, successful recruitment is an ongoing process. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new ideas and discover what works best for your chapter. Different students are drawn in by different experiences, and creating a variety of opportunities to connect can make all the difference.
Every new member begins with a single conversation, activity, or invitation. As you prepare for the new school year, challenge your chapter to think creatively, welcome every student, and make this year’s recruitment your best yet. We hope your chapter has a fantastic start to the school year, and we can’t wait to see the next generation of California DECA leaders make their mark.
Post by: Akshara Veera| SoCal District Action Team VP of Leadership
