<p>Hi CC! My school doesn't have a DECA chapter -- only FBLA is offered. I've been researching DECA and it seems like something I'd enjoy doing.</p>
<p>I really want to start a chapter but I'm not sure how to go about doing that. Also, I'm only an incoming sophomore and FBLA's pretty big at our school so I'm a little iffy on doing this. Does anyone have any tips, etc. for me? Thanks!</p>
<p>Go ahead and do it! I’ve been in DECA for two years, going on three and was just named my chapter’s president. It is an amazing club that really shapes high schoolers into leaders, creative thinkers, and public speakers. You may want to speak to your school’s administration or principal about this because there are numerous factors that may need to be considered. Finances could be an issue, unless travel and lodging will be able to be paid for by students entirely (with club fundraising). Also, would students be able to work on their projects in a designated class or after school because if students do not do role plays, their manuals will take significant time.</p>
<p>Below are a few links to resources that will help you and be significant in presenting this to your school or business teachers. </p>
<p><a href=“http://www.deca.org/_docs/chapter-resources/DECA_StartAChapter.pdf[/url]”>http://www.deca.org/_docs/chapter-resources/DECA_StartAChapter.pdf</a>
<a href=“http://www.deca.org/_docs/chapter-resources/DECA_StartAChapter.pdf[/url]”>http://www.deca.org/_docs/chapter-resources/DECA_StartAChapter.pdf</a>
[DECA</a> - Associations, Boards + Councils](<a href=“http://www.deca.org/about/associations/]DECA”>Chartered Associations | DECA Inc.)</p>
<p>Do you have a teacher that would be interested in being the advisor? Your first step should be finding an advisor. (They have to be a certified business teacher). Also, In the state I am from, A lot of the new chapters are started with help from an existing chapter. Are there any schools around yours that you know of that have chapters already? If so, you should have your teacher contact their advisor for advice on starting and running a successful chapter.</p>