deca direct | january-february 2014

THE MAGAZINE JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2014

FEBRUARY IS ADVOCACY MONTH

DANBURY DECA EARNS $100,000 IN 8 DAYS

GOAL FOR 2014: MAKE IT COUNT

1DECA DIRECT JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2014

COMPETITION TIPS TO 9 HELP YOU MAKE IT ON STAGE Are you ready to rock the role-play? Check out these competitive event tips that will help you Make It Count all the way to Atlanta!

FEBRUARY MEANS IT’S 11 TIME TO ADVOCATE!Before you can spread the word about DECA, you first need to understand what advocating is all about. Discover the real meaning behind the word and how you can fulfill its mission.

CAN YOU 12 PROVE IT? As a DECA member, you’ve experienced the impact of DECA firsthand, but how can you prove its worth to others? Learn the proof points you need to convince anyone of DECA’s value.

MAKE IT COUNT GOALS 14 FOR 2014 What are your goals to Make It Count in the New Year? Find out what DECA members and advisors are putting on their 2014 Make It Count list.

ADVOCACY 17 ARCHIVEGet top secret advocacy tips from DECA members who experienced it firsthand while in Washington D.C. for DECA’s 2013 Emerging Leader Summit.

ADVOCATE SO YOU 21 CAN CELEBRATE Now that you have the tools to advocate, find out how your chapter can earn valuable recognition through DECA and Collegiate DECA’s Advocacy Campaigns.

3 DECA MEMBERS, 24 8 DAYS, $100,000 Discover how three Danbury DECA members motivated their entire town to work together and advocate for safe driving.

FEATURES

DO YOU HAVE WHAT 3 IT TAKES TO BE AN INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION?

GET YOUR DECA 5 CHAPTER TO ICDC

GET MORE DECA 6 DIRECT ONLINE

CHAPTER 26 BUZZ

EDITORIALPublisher Edward DavisEditor Christopher YoungManaging Editor Janelle ScudderEditorial Committee Jeff Collins, Adrienne Grant, Sandra TuckerAdvertising Cindy AllenArt Direction and Design Chuck Beatty

DECA NATIONAL OFFICERSPresident Carter ChristensenNorth Atlantic Region Vice President Jack FentonCentral Region Vice President Connor BrashearSouthern Region Vice President Lexy ParsonsWestern Region Vice President Trevor Dickerson

COLLEGIATE DECA NATIONAL OFFICERS

President Cara GoochVice President Thomas FitzpatrickVice President Brittany KeatingVice President Alexander LoudenVice PresidentMichael Santillan

BOARD OF DIRECTORSPresident Jim BrockPresident-elect Ev VaughanSecretary Lynore LevenhagenTreasurer Mary PeresMembers Marsha Bock, Jacklyn Schiller, Dave Wait, Brycen WoodleyNAB Chair Roger GlennEx-Officio Members Edward Davis, LeAnn Dinsdale, Wayne Kutzer

EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCEDECA Direct Magazine 1908 Association Drive Reston, Virginia 20191-1594 [email protected]

SUBSCRIPTIONS & CHANGE OF ADDRESS

DECA Direct Circulation 1908 Association DriveReston, Virginia 20191-1594

DECA Direct (ISSN 1080-0476) is published four times each year—September/October, November/December, January/February and March/April. Copyright ©2014 by the Distributive Education Clubs of America, Inc., 1908 Association Drive, Reston, Virginia 20191-1594. All rights reserved. Annual non-member subscription rate is $5.00. Periodicals postage paid at Herndon, Virginia and additional mailing offices. $1.00 of membership fee goes toward subscription to DECA Direct, a publication of DECA, (USPS 566-200), Volume 2, Number 3.Postmaster—Send form 3579 for change of address to: DECA Direct, 1908 Association Drive, Reston, Virginia 20191-1594.

JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2014


We are halfway through the school year, so for many, the first level of DECA competition in your association is near. You have been practicing, perfecting and realizing that every single moment you put into DECA now might take you all the way to DECA’s largest and most competitive conference—the International Career Development Conference (ICDC).

The high school ICDC will feature over 17,000 DECA members and advisors in the heart of Atlanta, Ga. DECA’s top members will perform at their highest level in the hopes of taking the stage in the Georgia Dome in acceptance of an award, trophy or scholarship. Not only is this conference DECA’s largest and most intense competitive event, it is a perfect opportunity to network, connect and make friendships that will last a lifetime. I guarantee there is nothing like ICDC. You will walk into the Georgia Dome, hear the roaring music, see the flashing lights and be surrounded by thousands of members just like you enjoying this once in a lifetime experience.

How will you Make It Count all the way through your local and association conferences to the ICDC stage in Atlanta? You have to be prepared, be unique, be innovative and most of all, be passionate about what you are doing. Never lose sight of the feeling of success you will have once you accomplish your dream of attending ICDC. Don’t let anything stop you from realizing that you have the ability to make it to Atlanta. All it comes down to is your time, your effort and your willingness to recognize that you can climb all the way to the top. You can be an ICDC competitor. You can be an international champion!

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE AN INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION?CARTER CHRISTENSEN | DECA NATIONAL PRESIDENT

JANUARY6 Virtual Business Challenge II begins

10 School-based Enterprise certification documentation due

15 Association Administrator of the Year Award recipients due

17 Corporate & Applegate scholarship applications due (submitted directly online)

31 DECA Emerging Leader Honor Award applications postmark deadline

Virtual Business Challenge II ends

FEBRUARY1–15 Online voting for ICDC T-shirt Design Contest

1–28 Career and Technical Education Month

5–9 Sports and Entertainment Marketing Conference, Orlando, Fla.

28 Advocacy Campaign due

MARCH1 ICDC competitors’ final membership eligibility

3 Advisor scholarship applications postmark deadline

7 National Officer Candidate applications due

26 ICDC registration and hotel rooming list/deposit due from chartered associations

MAY3–6 DECA International Career Development Conference, Atlanta, Ga.

TIMELINE

@DECACarterCHAT


With every mock competition and practice presentation, Collegiate DECA members keep their eyes on one goal—qualifying for the International Career Development Conference (ICDC)! Competition expertise can take you there, but with plane tickets, food, hotel rooms and registration fees, preparing the logistics may become a challenge.

That is why it is important for chapters to begin fundraising NOW, so members can fully enjoy the ICDC experience this spring.

Collegiate DECA provides fundraising ideas for chapters through decadirect.org and DECA’s Pinterest page (pinterest.com/decainc). Here are my top three favorite fundraising ideas to help your chapter Make It Count in Washington D.C.:

1. Business Sponsors Go beyond the typical car wash and make connections with local businesses in the area.

Ask if they would like to sponsor your DECA chapter to compete at ICDC. This form of fundraising can be easier and takes fewer members than planning an event.

2. Community Wide Fundraiser Step outside your campus contacts and hold a fundraising event for your entire community!

Host a movie night or dodge ball tournament on campus in support of your Collegiate DECA chapter.

3. Campus Support Speak with the student government on campus or the dean of business to raise funds for

your DECA chapter. Universities and colleges love to have their name recognized at the international level, and competing at ICDC will do just that.

How does your chapter raise funds for ICDC? Share your ideas on Twitter @CollegiateDECA and good luck fundraising! We can’t wait to see you #MakeItCount in ICDC this April!

GET YOUR DECA CHAPTER TO ICDC FUN FUNDRAISING IDEAS YOU CAN START TODAYCARA GOOCH | COLLEGIATE DECA NATIONAL PRESIDENT

JANUARY15 Association Administrator of the Year Award recipients due

17 Corporate and Applegate Student Scholarship applications due (submitted directly online)

FEBRUARY1–15 Online voting for Collegiate DECA ICDC T-shirt Design Contest

1–28 Career and Technical Education Month

15 MAKE IT COUNT Membership Campaign Goal—membership increase

Collegiate DECA membership submission and dues deadline for International CDC event competitors.

17 Intent to Run for National Office Form due

Collegiate DECA Academic Honor Award applications due

MARCH3 Leadership Passport Award submission deadline (chapter and individual)

Community Service Award submission deadline

Chapter Leadership Award submission deadline

Advocacy Campaign submission deadline

Advisor of the Year Award submission deadline

Advisor Scholarship Applications postmark deadline

17 National Officer Candidate applications due

24 Recipients of student, advisor and chapter recognition programs posted online at www.collegiatedeca.org.

ICDC Registration (to DECA Inc.) and Housing (to Hotel) due

APRIL23–26 Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference, Washington, D.C.

@CaraCDECAPres

TIMELINE

CHAT

6 DECA DIRECT JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2014

RECOGNIZE THE SENIOR LEADERS IN YOUR CHAPTER WITH DECA’S EMERGING LEADER HONOR AWARDhttp://bit.ly/decaleader

GET COMPETITION SECRETS THAT WILL HELP YOU MAKE IT ON STAGE THIS YEARhttp://bit.ly/decasecrets

LEARN SIX STEPS TO CHOOSING THE PERFECT MAJOR FOR YOUhttp://bit.ly/major6steps

TAKE YOUR DECA EXPERIENCE TO COSTA RICA OR LONDON http://bit.ly/decaglobal

LEARN HOW TO INTEGRATE DECA’S COMPETITIVE EVENTS PROGRAM INTO THE CLASSROOMhttp://bit.ly/decaclassroom

@DECA_margarita: DECA. One word, four letters, and infinite opportunities. @DECAInc #DECAmonth

@FosterDECA: Only the committed stay after school to take a test!! Competition prep session. @DECAInc #DECAMonth

@kaisahc: Good luck #UMassD #DECA at NYC #CollegiateDECA CLA this week!! @UMassD @UMassD_DECA

@xoxoAryana: WRLC on Thursday! Can’t wait to be out on Phoenix with my chapter! #wrlc #deca

@MaterDECA: Day 10: Our DECA goal is to become a Gold Chapter!!! #decamonth #deca #decainc #fldeca

@AlvaroR_H: One week left before I go to New York. #DECACLA

@Sox_777: I love my DECA family. #WRLC is going to be the best! #DECALOVE #DECAMonth #mesahigh

@IllinoisDECA: #DECAmonth Day 10: What’s your DECA goal? ATL, here we come!

@Braigen_Mac: In honor of #DECAmonth I’d like to thank @DECAInc for connecting me with my best friends!!

@SBHS_Guerrero: Happy Virginia DECA Day, SB DECA! #DECAMonth #MakeItCount

@JennChillman: The #DECA NYC trip never fails to be a thrilling and exhausting adventure. Hope everyone had a great time!

@LorisDECA: Thank you everyone who helped and participated with DECA Week! #DECA

@JamieSchlaugat: We are totally “working.” Pretty sure learning is fun in New York City! #DECACLA

GET MORE DECA DIRECT ONLINE

Leave your comments on DECA’s Facebook pages at facebook.com/decainc or facebook.com/collegiatedeca.

#DECATWITTER STREAM

TRENDING @decainc or @collegiatedeca

PostNet is one of DECA’s most important business partners and has served on the National Advisory Board since 2012. Together, PostNet and DECA are working to:

• Develop the next generations’s workforce in business services and franchise entrepreneurship.• Demonstrate the importance of community engagement.• Promote PostNet’s brand, products and services as dynamic opportunities that support classroom

teaching, student achievement and overall college and career readiness.

A key element in DECA and PostNet’s partnership strategy is PostNet’s sponsorship of DECA’s Business Services Operations Research Event.

DECA and PostNet have developed this classroom project/lesson plan to help you teach the knowledge and skills needed by management personnel. PostNet owners are also available in your community and online to support you with in-class presentations and community-based activities. This is a tremendous resource that supports DECA’s Comprehensive Learning Program.

For more information and to download the classroom project/lesson plan, visit www.deca.org/partners/postnet.

A CLASSROOM PROJECTFROM

Steve Greenbaum, PostNet CEO and star of “Undercover Boss,” served as keynote speaker at DECA’s 2013 ICDC.


Happy New Year, DECA members! With the holidays and winter break over, the New Year can feel bittersweet. However, the New Year signals the start of competitions! This month, I want to share some tips to help you rock your role-play and ace your cluster exam.

DON’T OVERTHINK IT.Upon first glance, the role-play may appear daunting. Just realize that it doesn’t have to be!

Focus on breaking it down to identify three key items: the role you will be fulfilling, the task at hand and the role of the judge. These are the most basic pieces of information you need to understand in your role-play. Don’t let the extra information beyond these points confuse you. Keep it simple!

KEEP AN EYE ON PERFORMANCE INDICATORS.After identifying the three essential pieces of information of your case, look at your perfor-

mance indicators. These are the exact criteria you are being evaluated on! Make sure you pay close attention to each, as overlooking one could cost you up to 20% of you total score, depending on the event. Even if you do not fully comprehend a performance indicator, do your best to men-tion it in your presentation to cover your bases.

RECORD YOURSELF.While going through sample role-plays and reading the grading rubric is

helpful, recording yourself as you act out the entire role-play is an even better way to prepare. This will provide an accurate representation of how long you have to prepare and present, while allowing you to reflect on your nonverbal cues and speaking strength. Work on replacing any anxiety with confidence before the real competition. Practicing in front of an audience or camera provides a more realistic scenario that will better prepare you for the competition.

PRACTICE EXAMS IN CONDITIONS.Doing a practice exam also is a very effective way to prepare for the real deal. Taking it under

realistic testing conditions is even better (i.e. having a time limit and outside exam proctor). While reviewing the answer key, work to understand what you got wrong to be fully prepared for those tricky questions in the future.

Hopefully these tips will give you an edge to help you make it to the stage this competition season. Most importantly, remember to be yourself and find out what works best for you. Study diligently now; it will pay off. Try implementing a few of my tips and get ready to Make It Count in your competitions!

JACK FENTONNORTH ATLANTIC REGION

VICE PRESIDENT@DECAJACK

COMPETITION TIPS TO HELP YOU MAKE IT ON STAGE

Tweet: How do you rock the role-play? Tell us @DECAInc.


Tweet: How does your chapter celebrate CTE Month? Share your advocacy activities with @DECAInc and @CollegiateDECA!

MICHAEL SANTILLANCOLLEGIATE DECA

VICE PRESIDENT@MIKEDECAVEEP

February is Career and Technical Education Month, but before you get started, take a minute to understand what advocacy truly entails. Advocacy is defined as the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal. Advocates aim to influence public policy and resource allocation decisions within political, economic and social systems as well as institutions.

DECA is a Career and Technical Student Organization (CSTO) which is part of Career and Technical Education (CTE). CTE compliments the traditional school curriculum by offering students the chance to explore career options while they are still completing their high school or college degree.

CTE classes allow students to take classroom content and apply it to their lives in a meaningful and beneficial way, while building their professional experience.

So why does DECA feel so strongly about advocating for Career and Technical Education? Here are just a few numbers to provide an insight to its effectiveness:

• 81% of high school dropouts say relevant, real-world learning opportunities would have kept them in high school.

• The average high school graduation rate for students concentrating in CTE programs is 90.18%, compared to an average national freshman graduation rate of 74.9%.

• More than 70% of students who completed CTE courses pursued postsecondary education shortly after high school.

• 4 out of 5 secondary CTE graduates who pursued postsecondary education after high school had earned a credential or were still enrolled two years later.

• A person with a CTE-related associate degree or credential will earn on average between $4,000 and $19,000 more a year than a person with a humanities associate degree.

One of the most powerful advocates for CTE, DECA and other CTSOs is you! There are many ways for you to get involved and ensure that organizations like DECA receive the necessary support to remain influential in preparing students for college and careers. If you would like more information on being an advocate for CTE and CTSOs, visit https://www.acteonline.org/advocacy/.

Together, we can make sure that future generations of aspiring leaders are provided the same DECA experience and opportunities that we were afforded. Make Career and Technical Education Month count this February for all DECA and CTSO members!

FEBRUARY MEANS IT’S TIME TO ADVOCATE!

Source: acteonline.org/advocacy

Support Career and Technical Student Organizations and go “like” facebook.com/CTSOs!


Create Conversation: How can you use these proof points when your chapter is advocating for CTE and CTSOs? Share your ideas on Facebook with DECA Inc.!

DECA members understand that becoming an active participant in DECA is one of the best choices you can ever make. You can feel that being a part of DECA is something big and exciting. As a result, you want to share your experiences with others. Odds are you have attempted to “sell” another student or an adult on the value of DECA, or you may have taken it to another level and spoke with an administrator or even a legislator about its merits.

If you choose to become an advocate for DECA, the hope is that you already have your elevator speech prepared. If someone were to ask you, “Can you tell me about DECA?,” you likely would have a lot to say. While no two members have identical experiences, there would be significant common ground in members’ responses. You might talk about the way DECA provides unique and exciting learning opportunities or the way DECA immerses you in leadership and team environments. You might also describe ways that DECA connects you with business leaders and the community-at-large.

But what would you say next if the follow-up question was, “Can you prove it?” While you may be experiencing the benefits of DECA firsthand, it may not

be as easy to convince others without facts and figures regarding the benefits of DECA. Those facts do exist, but you may have never been exposed to some of the evidence generated. If that’s the case, let’s fix it.

Other than firsthand examples, what information is out there that has proven that Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), and more specifically DECA, make a difference? Carl D. Perkins legislation, the primary piece of legislation that defines and supports Career and Technical Education (CTE), mandates that we use “scientifically based research and data to improve instruction.” Simply put, it means that regardless of what we believe to be true, we need to use strategies that have been proven to work through research.

While this is surely an abbreviated list, below is a snapshot of what we have proven through research in the past decade or so regarding CTSO involvement:

• CTSOs assist in developing good skills and habits. A U.S. Department of Education study revealed positive classroom outcomes from participation in a CTSO. Students taking a course linked to a CTSO had more highly developed classroom habits than their non-CTSO counterparts.

• There are four types of non-academic experiences developed from participation in a CTSO: leadership, professional development, competition and community service.

• CTSOs help youth to link academic work with technical work, and provide labor market advantage both during and following high school.

CAN YOU

MICKEY KOSLOSKI PROFESSOR

OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY

PROVE

IT?


• Students who actively participate in CTSOs earn an average of 7% more income out of high school than non-CTSO students. Seven years after high school graduation, CTSO members earn 2% more annually for each CTE course they took. This is regardless of postsecondary activity such as college.

• At-risk students involved in CTSOs are significantly less likely to drop out of school and are also likely to earn more income following high school.

• Because student organizations provide a career related and relevant educational venue for its members, students often become more motivated and engaged in related educational activities and tend to take more control of their own educational progress, causing learning achievement to increase.

• Students involved in competitive events—especially at high levels of competition—experience more positive learning outcomes than do those not involved in competition.

More often than not, studies regarding CTSOs tend to span across multiple CTSOs. While there are many commonalities between CTSOs, each is still unique and has its own relative strengths and weaknesses.

A recent study of DECA members attempted to find a relationship between DECA membership and academic achievement as measured by grade point average increases and decreases. It factored in how active each member was in DECA’s activities, as well as how multiple years of membership impacted the results. In other words, does DECA involvement help you do better in school? The results of the study showed that over a two-year period, 18% of DECA members’ GPAs decreased, 10% stayed the same, and 72% of DECA members experienced an increase in GPA.

The study included DECA members with varying levels of involvement, so it was not examining only the “best” or most active members. In fact, part of the findings was that the more involved the member was in DECA’s activities, the greater the academic gains. It also showed that members with multiple years of experience had greater gains during their second year of membership than they did during their first.

In another study of DECA members, research was conducted to find out what factors might predict what makes members successful in DECA’s competitive event. The study examined 2,816 DECA members from Virginia who competed in DECA’s competitive events. While 14 different factors were examined, one stood out head and shoulders above the crowd as it related to competitive events success. The factor that most predicted success was not grade point average or how smart the member might be. Rather, the factor that made the most difference—by more than a 2 to 1 margin—was the amount of time spent in preparation for the events, regardless of academic background.

Does this mean that you have to be an international champion to benefit from DECA? Absolutely not! It’s all about the process that starts at the local level, not to mention the proven benefits with respect to leadership, professional development, community service and even income.

Now you simply have some facts to back up what you already knew was true. The next time someone asks you, “Can you prove it?,” give them an unequivocal “Yes!” Then return to your elevator speech and combine your personal experiences with research-based facts that we know to be true. You now have all the tools you need to share the value and benefits of DECA with others this February, which is Career and Technical Education Month.

? QUICK QUESTIONS

Brainstorm three occasions when these proof points of DECA’s impact on student learning would be beneficial to know.

Based on your own DECA experience, do you agree or disagree with the findings in this article? Explain why or why not.

While you may be experiencing the benefits of DECA firsthand, it may not be quite as easy to convince others without facts and figures regarding the benefits of DECA.

Michael “Mickey” Kosloski, Ph.D., is an assistant professor and program director of marketing education and training at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va. After 17 years of sales and business ownership, Kosloski became a marketing education teacher where he developed Virginia’s first internet marketing curriculum. He also spent seven years as Virginia DECA’s association advisor. Now in his 14th year at Old Dominion University, Kosloski has authored many published works. His research interests include the academic impact of career and technical education and the corresponding student organizations, as well as teacher recruitment in the career and technical education field.

“Represent the new University of Iowa Collegiate

DECA chapter as we compete at

ICDC 2014 for the first year.”

Kevin Noe

“To make our informal

dance fundraiser a success!”

@lifespiechy

“Show the students what DECA is about

and all the places it can take you.”

@PeabodyDECA

“Spread the life changing

opportunities that DECA offers to as

many people I know.”

@DECA_Juan

“To have Southington DECA

reach over 100 members this

year!” Teresa Brooks

“Earn a gold certification for

my chapter’s SBE.”

Chris Parsell

“Raise money to go to ICDC.”

Krislyn Canary

MY MAKE IT COUNT GOAL IS TO …

this year


“Encourage involvement in the community and give back.” @Anthony_Vandy3

“Have more people qualify for ICDC! ATL watch out for

GFHS!” @ksned

“Spread the life changing

opportunities that DECA offers to as

many people I know.”

@DECA_Juan

“Help build two more chapters from other schools and have a stronger

presence at the conferences.”

Juston Glass

“Deliver the message that

DECA really is for more than just high school; it’s

for life!” Alyssa Nikoley

“Have a bigger

impact in the community.”

Jessica Dowdy Aydlette

“Earn a gold certification for

my chapter’s SBE.”

Chris Parsell

“Raise money to go to ICDC.”

Krislyn Canary

“Get our school to know

about DECA and experience the wonder that

DECA has to offer.”

@DECA_PHHS

MY MAKE IT COUNT GOAL IS TO …

Create Conversation: Does your chapter have a Make It Count goal for 2014? Let DECA know on Facebook and use #MakeItCount!



Berkeley College reserves the right to add, discontinue, or modify its programs and policies at any time. Modifications subsequent to the original publication of this document may not

be reflected here. For the most up-to-date information, please visit BerkeleyCollege.edu.

*Award amounts applied after all other federal and state grants and scholarships are calculated, and will not exceed the remaining cost of tuition and fees. Cost of books and supplies not included.

P3542 - 10.2013

Here’s how to get started:

• Download and complete the DECA Scholarship Application (BerkeleyCollege.edu/DECA) by February 28, 2014

• Submit a letter of recommendation from your DECA advisor

• Submit your high school transcript

Scholarships are renewable yearly based on GPA and consecutive full-time enrollment*.

For more information, call 800-446-5400 ext. GD7

Apply at BerkeleyCollege.edu/DECA

Locations in New York, New Jersey, and Berkeley College OnlineTM

All DECA Members Apply Now For Scholarships

High school seniors who are members of DECA may

be eligible for partial- and full-tuition scholarships.

Find us @BerkeleyCollegeContact us at #BCInfo


Instagram: Share your favorite #DECAELS throwback photo and tag @DECAInc!

DECA’s annual Emerging Leader Summit was held in Washington, D.C., this past July and offered many DECA chapters and association leaders the unique opportunity to practice what they preach: advocacy. During their time in D.C., many DECA officer teams scheduled meetings with their con-gressional representatives. While each group’s advocacy experience was a little different, they all shared a positive outcome. Here are their accounts.

VALARI ESPOSITO NEVADA DECA VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLICITY

Nevada DECA association officers met with representatives from the offices of Senator Dean Heller, Representative Steven Hors-ford and Representative Dina Titus. In addition, the team met with Representative Joe Heck, as well as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in his ceremonial office in the Capitol. When advocating for DECA, the most powerful information you can share are your personal stories. The representatives were extremely interested in how DECA has personally impacted our lives. We prepared talking points on how we found DECA, why we joined, how it helped us and how it has positively affected our lives. When speaking about Career and Technical Education (CTE), share how it has improved your educational experience in a way that simply cannot be substituted. CTE and DECA go hand in hand, so always make sure you talk about the equally important role both play in students’ lives.

The Nevada DECA association officer team with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid inside his ceremonial office.

DOUG LAICHE

LOUISIANA DECA CENTRAL REGION VICE PRESIDENT

The opportunity to meet my senator while attending

DECA’s Emerging Leader Summit was incredible. While

on the trip, I picked up a few advocacy tips all DECA

members should keep in mind. First, be familiar with

Carl D. Perkins funding and how much your association

receives each year. Every state is different, so do your

research. Second, familiarize yourself with DECA. There

are many resources online, including DECA fact sheets,

with several different statistics about the organiza-

tion that may come in handy while you’re advocating.

Finally, get those you are advocating to involved with

DECA. There are a variety of ways you can achieve this.

Individuals can join the DECA Congressional Advisory

Board, or you may want to invite that person to attend

your next chapter or association meeting. In doing so,

you may have the chance to show them how amazing

DECA members really are!

Louisiana DECA President Clayton Villemarette and Central

Region Vice President Doug Laiche with Senator Mary

Landrieu.

Advocacy Archive


MADDIE REDMOND NEW MEXICO DECA PRESIDENT

My fellow New Mexico DECA association officers and I arrived

at Senator Martin Heinrich’s office and were taken on a private

tour under the Capitol and through the hallways congressmen

and congresswomen travel every day. We even took the Capitol

“subway,” which quickly shuttles legislators to the Capitol when

the President calls them to session. This personal tour was an

amazing, informative experience.

Upon returning from the tour, we met with Senator Heinrich’s

legislative aide. Although we could not meet with our senator

directly, we spoke with interns from the office to discuss what

DECA means to us. We soon found out that each of the four in-

terns were actually DECA alumni! This was awesome to find out

and served as just another example of why our legislators should

support CTE and all the outstanding Career and Technical Stu-

dent Organizations (CTSOs). This great opportunity was possible simply because I emailed our legisla-

tors; that’s it.

New Mexico DECA association officers in

Senator Martin Heinrich’s office before meeting

with one of his legislative aides.

EMILY DALEY VIRGINIA DECA PRESIDENT

The Virginia DECA association officer team began planning our visits months in advance by contacting each representative’s office to set up a meeting. The team met with five offices; some with the congress-man themselves, while others with a representative of their office. We presented information about DECA, including a form to become a member of DECA’s Con-gressional Advisory Board (CAB). We also shared our individual experiences as DECA members. It was great to know that those we spoke with truly listened to our opinions and wanted to support us. What made the experience even greater was discovering a few weeks later that one of the representatives we met with had joined DECA’s CAB. While the thought of advocating on Capitol Hill may be scary, it is not as hard as it seems. Here are a few small tips that will make it a breeze: • Come prepared with information. You should bring a few handouts or a folder to leave with your congressman so that they will remember you and the issue(s) you are advocating on behalf of. Make sure to keep your information and handouts brief to quickly grab the attention of your representatives. • Always practice! Have a general idea of how you want to format the meeting and practice with those taking part in the meeting. However, do not make the presentation overly scripted. These meetings have a conversational format, so be prepared to answer any questions they might throw at you. • Last but not least, have fun! Your congressman or representative will be more responsive to your meeting if they see how passionate you are about DECA, so show them your DECA love!

The Virginia DECA association officer team met with Congressman Frank Wolf during Capitol Hill visits.


? QUICK QUESTIONS

Imagine you are about to meet with your association’s representative and brainstorm three ways you would convince him or her support Career and Technical Education.

Although these meetings are conversational, why is it still important to come prepared with talking points and handouts?

AUSTIN DAMRON OREGON DECA PRESIDENT

While in D.C., the Oregon DECA association officer team visited the entire Oregon congressional delegation. The opportunity to meet with these legislators proved in-valuable and the officer team was able to advocate for DECA and the amazing work students are doing in Or-egon, as well as across the United States. The officers shared stories about their own CTSO involvement and really promoted DECA on a more personal level. These meetings provided the entire officer team a deeper insight into how government and non-profit or-ganizations, like DECA, work together to improve the educational landscape.

APOORVA PANSE

CALIFORNIA DECA VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

This past summer, the California DECA associ-

ation officer team contacted our congressional

representatives and set up meetings prior to

our visit to Washington D.C. Overall, the officer

team met with four representatives and both

senators’ offices. The meetings addressed an

overview of CTE, information on the organi-

zation as a whole and California DECA spe-

cifically, and personal stories about the impact

of DECA. The legislators and their staff were

impressed by the opportunities DECA has to

offer and the influence DECA had on many of

their constituents.

The California DECA team did not stop at

Capitol Hill though! Two of our officers, Byron

Lo and Thomas Lee, met with Congressman

Eric Swalwell at his district office twice during

our D.C. trip. Meeting with members of Congress helped us establish connections that go beyond just

advocacy. California DECA is striving to continue connecting with these lawmakers throughout the year

by inviting them to future district and state events.

The California DECA association officers were honored to meet Senator

Barbara Boxer at the U.S. Capitol.


Tweet: Share your chapter plans to complete the Advocacy Campaigns @DECAInc and @CollegiateDECA.

Is your chapter ready to advocate? Then show off your skills by participating in DECA’s Advocacy Campaigns! DECA and Collegiate DECA have two exciting campaigns that will help your chapter earn the recognition you deserve for all your advocacy efforts.

Since February is Career and Technical Education Month, it serves as a perfect opportunity to spread the word about Career and Technical Students Organizations (CTSOs), especially DECA! Not only will your advocacy efforts help CTSOs across the country continue to receive much needed funding and support, but you might also earn recognition from DECA Inc.

Here’s how to get started!

DECA ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN (HIGH SCHOOL)Meet the requirements in the Advocacy Campaign during February and receive a pennant,

special plaque from DECA’s Congressional Advisory Board and a letter of recognition sent to your school administrator and government officials. Submit your campaign activities online at www.deca.org/page/campaigns by February 28 to qualify.

ADVOCATE SO YOU CAN

CELEBRATE


COLLEGIATE DECA ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN The Collegiate DECA Advocacy Campaign is designed to recognize chapters for their advocacy efforts. Activities may include sending letters, speaking to groups, giving presentations and submitting success stories. Individual members who are not part of a campus-based chapter are also eligible for this award. DescriptionChapters must complete the reporting form available at www.deca.org/membership/college/ and submit it directly to [email protected] by March 3, 2014. 1. Write a letter from your Collegiate DECA chapter to a U.S. Senator, member of Congress or a

local legislative representative. 2. Submit two DECA alumni or professional member success stories, including photos, to

[email protected] 3. Participate in three school advocacy outreach projects - Local high school - School admissions/recruitment - Academic Department (dean, department chair)

Along with the individual activity forms, please indicate the total number of Advocacy Campaign participants from your chapter who will attend the International Career Development Conference (ICDC).

Award recipients will be posted on the Collegaite DECA website no later than March 24. If you have submitted for the above campaign program, please go to www.collegiatedeca.org/resources/college on this date to verify that the information is accurate.Recognition

Chapters will be recognized at the Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference. All chapter members who attend ICDC will receive a ribbon or similar item as further recognition of their chapter’s accomplishments.

The deadlines for these two campaigns will be here before you know it! Talk with your chapter officers, members and advisors today about creating an action plan to tackle DECA’s Advocacy Campaigns and make your advocacy efforts count all the way to ICDC this year.

? QUICK QUESTIONS

What are some immediate actions or steps your chapter can take now in order to complete the Advocacy Campaign in February?

DECA ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN

SCHOOL OUTREACHACTIVITIES

GUIDE YOUR CHAPTER’S ADVOCACY EFFORTS DURING CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH IN FEBRUARY.

PUBLIC POLICYMAKER OUTREACH

COMMUNITY OUTREACHACTIVITIES

DEADLINE

Download advocacy resources at www.ctsos.org.

Check out the DECA

Images online yard sale for

great deals on merchandise

from Under Armour and more! Available while supplies last.

703.860.5006www.deca.org/shop

[email protected]

FOR ALL YOUR CHAPTER’S NEEDS

ONLINE YARD SALE

Every dollar of profit earned goes to support programs for DECA members and advisors.


DECA members are known for making an impact in their communities, and Dan Maffucci, Nick Goetz and Nick Mortara of Danbury DECA (Danbury, Conn.) are examples of how members can take the knowledge they learn in the classroom and use it in a DECA chapter project within the community.

These three DECA members not only rallied their entire school and community together to get over 200,000 safe driving pledges in only eight days, but also won Danbury High School a $100,000 check.

This incredible feat started when Danbury DECA advisor, Carmella Calafiore, suggested they take on State Farm’s “Celebrate My Drive” safe driving campaign challenge. The DECA members decided the challenge would be perfect for their DECA chapter to lead, along with help from the Danbury student council.

The goal of the project was to promote “Celebrate My Drive” and get as many people as possible to make a pledge for safe driving on a website the students created.

“We began by meeting every day for two months just getting our plans in place,” said Goetz. The plan was to divide the campaign into two divisions: inside the school and outside to

the surrounding community. Luckily, these guys had some experience utilizing technology for promotional efforts thanks to DECA.

JANELLE SCUDDERMANAGING EDITOR @JJSCUDDERDECA

3 DECA MEMBERS, 8 DAYS & $100,000

Dan Maffucci, Nick Goetz and Nick Mortara of Danbury DECA, with their award from State Farm.

Tweet: Want to find out more about this incredible campaign? Connect with @DanburyDECA on Twitter!


They participated in DECA’s marketing research project last year and had done extensive research on website development and promotion. Using that background knowledge, they divided their target audiences and reached them in the most effective ways.

“Using social networking, the guys were able to locate and reach out to almost 5,000 alumni members through Facebook and targeted email campaigns over a three-week period (before, during and after the campaign),” Calafiore said.

Twitter also played a huge role in this campaign thanks to one very prominent Danbury resident, Mayor Mark Boughton.

“The mayor of Danbury is very big on Twitter, so we had him make a pledge and then tweet frequently with a link to our website,” said Maccuffi. “He really got the word out to his followers about our mission.”

While their social networking skills came in handy, they also heavily relied on the personal networking skills they gained through DECA.

“We were trying to spread the word about safe driving and thought the best idea would be to go to the most highly populated area, which for us was our local mall,” stated Goetz. So they headed to their local Microsoft store and negotiated a deal with the store to use some of their space to get people to pledge on the spot for safe driving.

They didn’t stop at Microsoft. They contacted local newspapers and radio stations to cover their campaign, worked with the local movie theater to play a public service announcement (PSA) they created before every movie and negotiated with Comcast to broadcast their PSA to the local area as well.

“These guys really learned the importance of making a contact and then following up with that contact,” Calafiore said. “The follow up is so important.”

Outside the promotional efforts of social and traditional media, they used creative thinking skills to attract attention for the cause.

“Our most creative promotional effort was contacting a local junkyard to donate two crushed up cars. We put one in front of our school and another on a highway exit to really show the impact unsafe driving can have,” explained Maccuffi.

Throughout the planning and execution process of this campaign, the trio constantly used valuable skills gained in DECA. Whether it was networking with local business, contacting companies, targeting audiences or communicating with groups, DECA played its part in their success.

“Had it not been for DECA, this whole contest would have been a lot harder,” Mortara said. “I attended the Ultimate DECA Power Trip in Boston last November, and throughout the sessions and workshops, I realized the topics being covered were all things we had done in this campaign.”

More than just a DECA project, this campaign became a community-wide effort that joined the school and town together like never before.

“We don’t have too many projects or school spirit activities that get the entire school involved like this,” Maccuffi said. “The ‘Celebrate My Drive’ campaign brought everyone together, from freshman to seniors.”

What started out as a small project grew into a campaign that engaged everyone but more importantly, made a difference.

“After the eight-day campaign ended and even before we knew we had won, we were so excited about the impact it had on our community,” Mortara added. “We didn’t know the results yet, but we were receiving so much publicity from the outcome we felt like winners just the same.”

Danbury DECA members working hard to register safe driving pledges for the campaign.

One of the wrecked cars used to drive home the point of the “Celebrate My Drive” campaign.

Danbury DECA set up promotional advertisements throughout the town of Danbury to get the word out.


BUZZ Send a photo and caption of your chapter activity to [email protected].

WHAT’S YOUR CHAPTER BEEN UP TO?

u Delsea DECA (Franklinville, N.J.) members volunteered at the annual Community Day event in September. The chapter set up a tent to sell school

spirit items and promoted their school store with an “Ultimate Fan Gear” gift basket raffle.

t Manzano DECA (Albuquerque, N.M.) celebrated its 10th anniversary! The banner shown was crafted with photos of DECA activities and trips taken during the past ten years. The chapter plans to Make It Count with activities celebrating the milestone, culminating with an end-of-year luau where former chapter presidents will be invited.

p Members of Ardrey Kell DECA (Charlotte, N.C.) transformed their car into the ultimate DECA mobile for the annual homecoming parade. These members drove around the local South Charlotte area promoting what they love the most, DECA!

q Worcester Technical DECA (Mass.) chapter members dressed up as the Jabbawockeez for their group costume entry in the Ultimate DECA Power Trip #DECAAfterDark Costume Contest in Boston, Mass., last November.

REGIONAL CONFERENCE BUZZ#DECAPOWERTRIP@SabrenaDove: Couldn’t ask for a better weekend #DECA #Boston #DECAPowerTrip@Ziyaad_Khay: Thanks to @decachrisyoung @decajack @lexyparsdeca for giving me the opportunity to see some of the Boston Celtics players! #DECAPowerTrip@MattCapobianco: Best weekend I’ve had in a long time #DECAPowerTrip #MASSDECA

#WRLC2013@YOKOlyfe: Ready to watch the Phoenix Suns take on the Brooklyn Nets! #WRLC2013 #GoNets@rohooo777: There’s no feeling better than having your name called up on stage to receive medals at a DECA conference. @DECAInc @Arizona_DECA #WRLC2013@jacqjuljay667: The past 4 days were seriously incredible, such amazing experience! Can not wait till next year! #DECA #WRLC2013

#CRLC2013@CRLC2013: The conference may be over, but be sure to continue the revolution in your DECA chapters! #CRLC2013@mainsworth13: had the best time in milwaukee! first nba game, mustachio bashio, new people, new friends! #CRLC2013 #DECA@xo_haleeyyy: if you didn’t come home from #CRLC2013 wanting to just go back, you did it wrong.


BUZZ

t Grayson County DECA (Leitchfield, Ky.) Muscular Dystrophy Association project leaders were recognized for their chapter efforts at the MDA Show of Strength Telethon premier in Louisville, Ky.

t Cascade DECA (Turner, Ore.) chapter officers spoke at a school board meeting where Bodie Crist, chapter president, talked about the DECA Month membership campaign. From that meeting, Cascade DECA received membership from two board members.

p Brookfield Central DECA (Brookfield, Wis.) won the student council annual poster contest, which challenged students to create a poster with their club, activity or sport’s logo and incorporate the

homecoming theme, “New Millennium.” Pictured are senior officers with the chapter’s winning poster.

u Seniors from Appleton East DECA (Appleton,

Wis.) showed school spirit in their “Toga Day”

attire during their school’s homecoming week.

p Caddo Career and Technology Center DECA

(Shreveport, La.) officers held an open house in

conjunction with back to school night. The “See DECA

for Yourself” promotional video was shown to

students and parents in attendance.

t Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Collegiate DECA (Green Bay, Wis.) members provided food and refreshments for runners in the Africa Hope 5K/10K Run/Walk for the second year in a row. Proceeds go to providing clean water, food, education and medical care to AIDS orphans in Africa.


BUZZ Send a photo and caption of your chapter activity to [email protected].

u Copperas Cove DECA (Texas) members gave a helping hand as greeters and ushers for the state

of the city address, where the city manager and

business owners update the community on the progress

of the city and what new plans are in the works.

p Northern DECA (Dillsburg, Pa.) members showed their Polar pride by participating in the “Spirit Sleeve Campaign.” Members and students were

encouraged to wear their “sleeves” for a black-out football game.

q University of Nevada–Las Vegas Collegiate DECA officers participated in the annual involvement fair at the beginning of last semester. The officers recruited more than 60 UNLV students who wanted to learn more about Collegiate DECA.

p Capital DECA (Boise, Idaho) members hosted a Make-A-Wish child at their homecoming assembly, where games and activities are planned for the child and he or she wins prizes from the student body, followed by a Miracle Minute. This year, Capital DECA honored 5-year-old Isaiah, whose wish is to go to Disney World. DECA earned over $4,500 during this three-week campaign!

t Wausau West DECA (Wausau, Wis.) chapter members hit the streets for their annual “Trick or Can” event on Halloween. Chapter members collected 1,514 non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army - their largest collection yet!


BUZZ

p Highlands Ranch DECA

(Colo.) members showed their DECA pride

outside the annual homecoming

dance.

p Stone Bridge DECA (Ashburn, Va.) officers shared DECA love before attending their

homecoming dance in October.

t Johnsburg DECA (Ill.) chapter members got in the seasonal spirit and threw a pumpkin-carving gathering as a kick off promotion for DECA Month! Johnsburg DECA is currently in its third year and has grown tremendously from having just six members its first year to now having 19.

p Middletown DECA (Conn.) chapter members posed together at the Ultimate DECA Power Trip in Boston, Mass. Members experienced college, career and competitive events sessions, as well as a Boston Celtics basketball game, while attending #DECAPowerTrip!

u Southington DECA (Conn.) stopped by Fenway Park

during their Ultimate DECA Power Trip experience. It was

an exciting time to be in Boston, Mass.,

since the Boston Red Sox had just won the World Series

Championship for the first time at Fenway

Park since 1918.

p Vicksburg DECA (Miss.) received a $3,000 check from the Outlets at Vicksburg for their participation in this year’s “Shopping Extravaganza” event. Chapter members assisted the outlet mall with the coordination of the event and was challenged to sell 100 tickets to the event in order to receive the $3,000 check. With some hard work and dedication, Vicksburg DECA beat their expectations and sold 109 tickets!

deca direct | january-february 2014

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