Additional Info

We have the largest number of members in the history of the school. We have three times more than we did two years ago. While this is an awesome “problem” to have, we are going to need additional adults to assist with judging and to chaperone. We can’t recruit too early because people plan things months in advance.

You have learned a sufficient amount of information about DECA. You will need it in order to recruit volunteers (e.g., parents, guardians, grandparents, aunts, uncles, mentors, Teachers, older siblings, DECA alumni, automotive, sales, hospitality, retail, brokers, agents, business owners, entrepreneurs, small business owners, former professional athletes, management, finance, marketing).

There is a place for everyone!

You have also attended chapter and competition meetings, making you well versed in DECA. Second, Third, and Fourth Year DECAs should have already planted the idea with a few people that we need assistance.

There is a Volunteer section on the website that is broken into subsections for people that are interested in assisting the chapter. Please direct them to that section. You should familiarize yourself with everything first, so you can use the information to customize your conversation with future volunteers.

Think of this as a business opportunity to recruit new talent for your team!

At one point in your future career, if you go into business, you will need to be well versed in making hiring decisions as well. I know firsthand that when you want the best talent, you often have to pitch the job to the applicant. This furthers those fundamentals and builds upon your knowledge base.

You need to capitalize on the experience and wisdom of others around you.

If you don’t know them and feel comfortable sending an email or letter, the worst thing they can say is no. You really don’t have anything to lose except a stamp. You would be surprised by how many local level politicians will support you given an opportunity. Due to the way Texas government is structured, the lowest levels of political office in Collin County are Precinct Chairs and Directors on FWSDs (Fresh Water Supply Districts). From there, you could work into elected city officials and party leadership. Please don’t forget to invite the city officials where the event is being hosted as well.

You can provide them with the link if you don’t quite have the confidence to start a conversation. It is okay if it is outside of your comfort zone. That is one of the awesome things about DECA. We accept you as you are and lift one another up while building confidence. If they have not gotten back to you after several days, you can follow up and ask for their feedback. It doesn’t need to be formal. You could even say something like, “Hey, what do you think about our new chapter website? Did you notice the part where you can be a Chaperone? Then, when I win, you will be able to be in attendance and can watch me walk across the stage. I would love to have you there.” The point is to make it your own and say what comes naturally to you. Then, every time you ask, it will be easier.

You could even role-play first with another member! Once you are comfortable, switch roles.

All of the material on the site that they should need is at: https://www.ihsdeca.org/volunteer. If they have any questions you are unsure of, please direct them to your Advisor.