SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020
DECADIRECT.ORG
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DECA DIRECT
YOUR BEST YEAR YET
CULTIVATE YOUR CHAPTER’S CULTURE
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MEET THE OFFICER TEAMS
TOP TIPS FOR SOCIALLYDISTANT MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INFLUENCE WITH INFORMAL LEADERSHIP
EDITORIAL
DECA EXECUTIVE OFFICERS President Catherine Horton Central Region Vice President Nate Jacobs North Atlantic Region Vice President Ryan Rivera Southern Region Vice President Ramkishore Annachi Western Region Vice President Mattie Bradford
COLLEGIATE DECA EXECUTIVE OFFICERS President Gage Donovan Vice President Zetella Walker Gooch Vice President Shawn Matthijetz Vice President Caleb Nochumson Vice President Hannah Smolicz
DECA INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Mary Peres President-Elect Scott Jones Secretary John Stiles Treasurer Shannon Aaron Members Lori Hairston Steven Mitchell Olga Plagianakos Dave Wait National Advisory Board Chair Mike Brown Ex-Officio Member Frank Peterson
EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE DECA Direct Magazine 1908 Association Drive Reston, Virginia 20191-1594 communications@deca.org
DECA Direct (ISSN 1080-0476) is published four times each year—September/ October, November/December, January/ February and March/April. Copyright ©2020 by the Distributive Education Clubs of America, Inc., 1908 Association Drive, Reston, Virginia 20191-1594. All rights reserved.
DISCOVER YOUR DECA LEADERSHIP STYLE
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13 THE ETHICS OF LEADERSHIP
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THE NEXT LEVEL IS INCLUSION
PURPOSEDRIVEN LEADERS PARTNER WITH MDA
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QUICK GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING SERVANT LEADERSHIP
TAKE YOUR COMMUNITY SERVICE TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH LEAD4CHANGE
CHAPTER BUZZ
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CLASSROOM CONNECTION
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER | 2020
Publisher Frank Peterson Managing Editor Danny Spors Editorial Committee Eliza Cody Emily Colucci Caitlin Roberts Debbie Taylor Christopher Young, CAE Advertising Cindy Allen Design Shawna Hession
This issue of DECA Direct includes instructional content focused on the following performance indicators from National Curriculum Standards: • • • • • •
Explain the concept of leadership Demonstrate initiative Explain the nature of organizational culture Explain the nature of ethical leadership Model ethical behavior Assess personal behavior and values
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YOUR BEST YEAR YET HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION PRESIDENT @decapresident
SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER
14 STOCK MARKET GAME BEGINS deca.org/compete
16 ONE DECA CALL deca.org/onedeca
PIPER SANDLER TAKING STOCK WITH TEENS FALL SURVEY ENDS
28-October 2 SBE WEEK
deca.org/sbe
OCTOBER OCTOBER
12-16 NEW MEMBER WEEK
6-18 DECA AMPED AT MBA RESEARCH CONCLAVE
Virtual Event | deca.org/amped
20 VIRTUAL BUSINESS CHALLENGE ROUND 1 BEGINS deca.org/compete
This school year may be starting differently, but that doesn’t mean we won’t make our time together incredible. DECA prepares the next generation to be experienced leaders even in the most unprecedented times. Let’s put our Next Level leadership skills to the test in membership recruitment, networking and competition to make this the best year yet! DECA is and always has been all about the members. As a new school year begins, we must think differently to come up with new ways to recruit members through social media and other virtual platforms. We must think outside of the box and remember that “unprecedented” does not mean “impossible.” At a DECA conference, I once heard the phrase “your network is your net worth.” I have come to realize that this statement could not be more accurate. The value of reaching out to fellow DECA members from other chapters, within your association and across the globe will enhance your experience this year. Continue to enhance your worth by growing your network. Now, more than ever, we must stay connected. Competition season will be here before we know it, so start preparing now. Make this your best competition year by practicing role-play scenarios, studying for your exam, strategizing for DECA’s online events or getting a jump start on your written project. A little bit of work now can lead to success once the competition season begins – maybe even DECA glass! Even when the world seems turned upside down, DECA members still know how to go to the #NextLevel. We will take our membership to the Next Level through innovative recruitment. We will take our networking skills to the Next Level through new virtual connections. And we will take our competition skills to the Next Level through hard work and diligent preparation. Together, let’s make this our best year yet!
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER | 2020
CATHERINE HORTON
21 ONE DECA CALL deca.org/onedeca
30 VIRTUAL BUSINESS CHALLENGE ROUND 1 ENDS
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CULTIVATE YOUR CHAPTER’S CULTURE COLLEGIATE DECA PRESIDENT @cdecagage
SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER
8 ONE DIAMOND CALL deca.org/onediamond
14 STOCK MARKET GAME BEGINS | ROUND 1 deca.org/competitions/college
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER
13 ONE DIAMOND CALL deca.org/onediamond
12-16 NEW MEMBER WEEK
16-18 MBA RESEARCH CONCLAVE Virtual Event | deca.org/amped
2020 is a year that has changed all of our lives. When a dramatic, unforeseen event such as a global pandemic is upon us, we tend to default to what is most natural to us – to our comfort zones. These default behaviors are what form our organization’s culture. If your DECA chapter has experienced a decline in recent months, struggling to cope with virtual meetings and maintain engagement, your chapter culture may need a boost. If your chapter was able to take the past year in stride and maintain productive meetings, strong communication and engaging activities, your culture has most likely adapted well. No matter which of those two categories you fall into, there is always room to improve. Here are three strategies to strengthen and maintain your chapter’s culture. 1. MEMBER SUCCESS EQUALS CHAPTER SUCCESS – When someone in your chapter does something outstanding, DECA-related or not, that member should be highlighted for all to see in chapter meetings, on social media and around your school. 2. WINNING MINDSET – Coaching your members to be the ultimate competitors through case study preparation, mock competitions and practice exams will allow them to minimize stress and maximize confidence on competition day. 3. COMPLACENCY IS THE POISON TO PROGRESS – If you ever believe your chapter has achieved all that it can achieve, you may have become complacent. Cultivating culture is about continually moving forward and finding the next challenge for your chapter to overcome and master. Whether that is increasing membership, completing all the Leadership Passport Program items, having 50% of your members reach finals at ICDC, or just to keep members engaged, it is imperative that you and your chapter always try to achieve new goals. Using all of these techniques in unison will help to cultivate a better culture within your chapter. Culture overcomes strategy under pressure. When members are under intense pressure during competition, when chapters are under pressure due to unforeseen circumstances or when other tensions arise; your chapter will fall back on the culture that has been established. We hope that all remains well with you and your chapter. Together, we will emerge from these times as stronger leaders, stronger chapters and a stronger DECA.
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER | 2020
GAGE DONOVAN
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MATTIE BRADFORD Western Region Vice President @decawrvp @decawrvp
RAMKISHORE ANNACHI
Southern Region Vice President
CATHERINE HORTON President
@decapresident @hsdecapresident
@decasrvp @decasrvp
NATE JACOBS
RYAN RIVERA
@decacrvp
@decanarvp
@decacrvp
@decanarvp
Central Region Vice President
North Atlantic Region Vice President
MEET YOUR 2020-2021
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER | 2020
OFFICER TEAMS
SHAWN MATTHIJETZ Vice President
ZETELLA GOOCH Vice President
GAGE DONOVAN President
CALEB NOCHUMSON Vice President
HANNAH SMOLICZ Vice President
@cdecavpshawn
@cdecavpzetella
@cdecagage
@cdecavpcaleb
@cdecavphannah
@cdecavpshawn
@cdecavpzetella
@cdecagage
@cdecavpcaleb
@cdecavphannah
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TOP TIPS FOR SOCIALLY-DISTANT MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT JULIA PITLYK
Building your chapter’s membership is one of the most important ways to set it up for success in the new school year. But what are the best ways to recruit within the “new normal” of more virtual interactions and less in-person activities? Learn how to recruit new members the sociallydistant way with these top tips.
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MAKE ONLINE ENROLLMENT EASY
CREATE YOUR CHAPTER’S DIGITAL IDENTITY
Signing up new members in-person may not be a reality this year, which makes it the perfect time to bring your sign-up process online! Work with your advisor to transfer your chapter’s membership application to a tool like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms. (Bonus: This makes it super easy to share links to sign up through email and social media!) Also talk to your advisor about creating a cashless payment method for membership fees, like a chapter Venmo account. You may find that these improvements make enrolling members even easier than before!
If your school is planning for mostly online classes and activities, your chapter needs a strong digital brand to help create awareness among potential new members. Find a member with solid graphic design skills to create a set of digital assets that reflect your chapter’s unique DECA brand or yearly theme. Must-haves include custom backgrounds for Zoom/video conferences, badges or frames for profile pictures and cover photos. Share these with your chapter officers and members for use on their own accounts so that they can bring a little DECA into every digital interaction! Don’t have a chapter theme or graphic designer? Use our set of #NextLevel graphics, videos and templates at deca.org/recruit!
Having a strong social media presence keeps your chapter top-of-mind among potential members, even if the rest of your social interactions are from a distance. Kick-off your social strategy by making sure your chapter has accounts on platforms where potential new members are, like Instagram and TikTok (just check with your advisor before setting these up). Then, create a social media calendar to plan out your posts for the next few months. Be sure to include a variety of engaging formats like quotes, memes, videos, polls and story templates. (Look no further than your own Instagram feed for inspiration!) Share the calendar with your chapter officers and assign responsibilities for creating, posting and replying on each channel. Also, encourage your officers and followers to share your chapter’s posts for more visibility!
DECA DOOR DASH Fewer in-person events doesn’t mean your membership recruitment has to lose its personal touch. Surprise potential members at home by dropping off a personal package with information about DECA, a handwritten note and maybe some DECA gear, if you have it! Let these prospective members know how DECA creates amazing opportunities, share some highlights from 2019-2020 (#DECAICDC Week, anyone?) and include updates on how your chapter plans to take it to the #NextLevel this school year. Work with your advisor to get a list of DECA-eligible students and their addresses to help create your distribution list. (And if you’d prefer to keep it all digital, send the same information through email instead!) Has your chapter found a great way to recruit new members virtually? Share it with us at deca.org/chapterbuzz.
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER | 2020
STEP UP YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA
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INFLUENCE WITH INFORMAL LEADERSHIP JULIA PITLYK
WHAT IS “INFORMAL LEADERSHIP”?
FIND AN UNTAPPED OPPORTUNITY
Informal leadership is the ability to lead and influence others without having a formal title or position of authority. Rather than having a title that tells everyone you’re a leader, informal leadership relies on your actions to show everyone the leader you are. These types of leaders often lead by example and have strong relationships with their peers.
So much of leadership is identifying unmet needs in your organization and figuring out how to fill them. As an informal leader, look for opportunities where your chapter could use some additional support and volunteer your unique skill set to make it happen. Maybe your chapter needs some help in the graphic design department? Volunteer your Photoshop or Canva skills. Are chapter leaders struggling to engage underclassmen? Offer to organize an informal meetup for younger students to chat with active DECA upperclassmen. Your officers will be grateful to have the extra support!
WAYS TO INFLUENCE WITH INFORMAL LEADERSHIP IN YOUR DECA CHAPTER Whether you’re new to DECA, hoping to become a chapter officer in the future or simply want to lead without an official position, you can start influencing with informal leadership today. Check out these three ways to get started: SHOW UP (AND BRING FRIENDS) DECA officers put a lot of work into planning socials, info sessions and other events (virtual or in-person) to engage current and prospective members. But they’re only successful when people actually show up and engage. As an informal leader, be the member your chapter’s officers can count on to always show up to these events, bring others and participate with enthusiasm!
CONNECT TO YOUR ADVISOR DECA advisors rely heavily on their chapter officers to plan and execute activities for the year, but they need informal leaders like you to make it all work. Find some time to talk to your advisor one-on-one and let them know how passionate you are about DECA! You may also find they could use your informal leadership in a few places, like sharing your awesome written event with new members or helping build your chapter’s network of professional members. Plus, if you have your sights on more formal DECA leadership positions in the future, a strong relationship with your advisor is a great place to start!
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER | 2020
BEING A LEADER ISN’T JUST RESERVED FOR DECA OFFICERS. While you may not have an official leadership title, you still have the ability to help take your chapter to the #NextLevel with your informal leadership influence. Read on to learn more about informal leadership and how you can use it to make this year a success for you and your chapter.
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ELEVATE DECA’s Chapter Strategy provides the framework and resources to develop a chapter in a business-like context, helping members apply learning. DECA’s Elevate modules are designed to showcase the core elements of a high-performing DECA chapter and to provide DECA advisors with resources to prepare emerging chapter leaders. ■ DECA.ORG/ELEVATE
DECA LEADERSHIP TEAM Learn how to build a leadership team that motivates your chapter members. DECA’s mission-based leadership positions reflect a corporate leadership structure. The positions are aligned with the DECA mission to ensure that each aspect of the mission is represented with great leadership.
DECA CHAPTER STRATEGY Learn the essentials of an effective chapter strategy. Determine DECA goals, develop a Program of Leadership and plan and execute EPIC DECA Projects.
DECA LEADERSHIP TOOLS Great leaders need great tools to elevate their chapter. Learn how to keep yourself and your team productive and on the rise.
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DISCOVER YOUR
DECA LEADERSHIP STYLE Begin your rise as an emerging leader by discovering insights on who you are as a leader. Any of these leadership styles can sit at the head of the table and lead, but next level DECA leaders understand that all styles need a (socially-distanced) seat at the table to achieve maximum success. By knowing your style, and the styles of others, you will gain a better understanding of yourself, how you are perceived and how you work with others. There are three components to leadership and ultimately your unique DECA Leadership Style. One-third of your leadership is based on NATURE—how you were uniquely wired and gifted at birth. Another is based on NURTURE—the training you have received and the impact of how you were raised and influenced by family, friends, role models and others in your life. The final element of your leadership style is based on your CHOICES—the lessons you have learned from the outcomes of the decisions you have made in life. The DECA Leadership Styles Quiz provides insight into your nature—or how you are naturally wired to lead. It provides a glimpse into your natural tendencies and how you were born to act and react to life situations. Your natural style often emerges when you are the most stressed, tired or are operating in new or unfamiliar environments. As the pandemic began and many of us experienced distance-learning for the first time, your natural style was most likely out in full force! As you gain experience and confidence in your leadership, the nurture and choice aspects of your leadership style will emerge. This synergy and cultivation of nature, nurture and choice will reveal the emerging leader within. Take the quiz at www.decastyles.org to learn more and discover your DECA Leadership Style.
DRIVER Drivers are effective, organized and goaloriented. They are the responsible, executivetype that is focused on completing the tasks and project. See themselves as: executive-like, responsible, goal-oriented, organized and effective Others may see them as: bossy, opinionated, boring and stubborn
ENERGIZER Energizers are fast-paced, live in the moment and are action-oriented. They are the funloving members of a team who are optimistic and able to come up with creative solutions. See themselves as: fun-loving, solution-oriented, action-oriented and fast-paced Others may see them as: not serious, forgetful, a rule-breaker and not focused
CARETAKER Caretakers are warm, caring and people oriented. Caretakers can be counted on to bring encouragement to teammates, and to be considerate of the feelings and well-being of others. See themselves as: caring, warm, people-oriented, encouraging and considerate Others may see them as: dramatic, naive, overly emotional and ignoring policies
ANALYZER
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER | 2020
There are hundreds of assessments to help you pinpoint your leadership traits, but the only one you need to take your leadership to the next level is the DECA Leadership Style Quiz.
Analyzers are objective, efficient and visionoriented. As knowledgeable individuals, analyzers are gifted in making plans that are well developed, efficient and innovative. See themselves as: knowledgeable, great at planning vision-oriented, objective, calm and efficient Others may see them as: arrogant, calculating, hard to get to know, uncaring and shy
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RYAN RIVERA North Atlantic Region Vice President
THROUGHOUT YOUR DECA CAREER, you’ll wear the blazer,
throw up a DECA diamond symbol and add lots of blue to your wardrobe. You will also undoubtedly hear DECA’s core values and mission statement more times than you can count. But have you ever stopped to think about what they really mean?
DECA’S VALUES Here’s a quick definition for each of DECA’s values: COMPETENCE is having the necessary ability, knowledge or skill to do something successfully. When you’re competent, you’re prepared to take on any situation. INNOVATION means being creative and implementing ideas for positive change. It could come in the form of a new product, service, idea or process.
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INTEGRITY is consistently living by strong moral and ethical principles. Individuals with integrity stand up for what they believe—no matter what. TEAMWORK is collaborating with a group of people to achieve a common goal. The best teams run like a “well-oiled machine” where everyone contributes. Alone, these words each hold importance, but together, they form our core values which shape the culture of DECA and guide our overall priorities and standards. An organization’s core values should reflect the heart of an organization. They create purpose, improve cohesion and provide a compass for decision-making.
DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. An organization’s mission statement explains what the organization does, who it serves and what differentiates it from competitors. In short, it should answer the question "Why do we exist?" So, what does it mean to be an emerging leader? While everyone has their own leadership philosophy, Emerging leaders are those who are willing to step out of their comfort zones and who take initiative to make the world a better place. Being a #NextLevel emerging leader means being academically prepared and striving to be an ambitious student—both inside and outside of the classroom. Emerging leaders are community-oriented, give back to their communities and help others in need. They embody DECA’s core value of integrity and are professionally responsible; leading with ethics, integrity and high standards. And through their DECA career, they become experienced leaders ready to take on the challenges presented by college, their careers and society. How can you apply DECA’s values and mission statement to your leadership journey? Now that we have explored the meaning behind these key components of our organization, you’re ready to take advantage of every opportunity to grow as an emerging leader.
1. VISIT DECA.ORG/BRAND TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DECA’S BRAND IMAGE. With a nearly 75-year history, DECA has impacted the lives of more than ten million students, educators, school administrators and business professionals. Knowing what we stand for allows us all to speak as one. 2. APPLY YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS TO THE REAL WORLD. While obtaining new knowledge is important, it takes more than just learning to be a true leader. Apply the skills gained and lessons learned through DECA in chapter projects, schoolwork, internships and jobs and in other areas of life. You have the power to make a real impact and become a #NextLevel leader. 3. SHARE YOUR SKILLS WITH YOUR CHAPTER, ASSOCIATION AND COMMUNITY. The best leaders strive for the growth of their entire team, and not just themselves. Share what you’ve learned with your chapter and community. There’s no better way to give back than by multiplying your leadership impact through others. We are strongest when we work together. As in any successful organization, empowering yourself and your fellow chapter members begins with establishing unwavering core values and crafting a compelling mission statement. Developing your brand with these fundamental elements creates unity, direction and loyalty. Now that you have a deeper understanding of DECA beyond the diamond, it’s time to become a #NextLevel leader!
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER | 2020
DECA’S MISSION STATEMENT
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THE ETHICS OF LEADERSHIP Ethical leaders exist in all walks of life. They are the individuals who step forward when crises occur, come to the rescue of others and generally do what's right—no matter what. Anyone can talk the talk, but can they walk the walk? In today's highvisibility, social world, more people are taking note of leaders’ behavior and holding them accountable.
WHAT IS ETHICS? Ethics is defined as "moral principles that govern a person's behavior by which people conduct themselves personally, socially or professionally." Ethical leaders are not afraid to do what they believe is right, even if it is unpopular. As a leader, your reputation is critical and when you make unethical decisions, people will remember them for a long time. Whether in your future career or everyday life, ethics is what creates a fair, safe and trustworthy environment for everyone.
Ethics is essential for all organizations to be successful—from a major corporation to your local DECA chapter. We all face ethical challenges, and effective ethical leaders will stand up for what they believe is right. As a DECA member, you will need to make many choices and it is crucial to think about the ethical principles that aid in making wise choices and ethical decisions (i.e., integrity, trust, accountability, transparency, fairness, respect, rule of law and viability). Companies, schools and DECA chapters will often have a code of conduct to set-up clear expectations and what that organization's ethics are and any requirements that are expected of the employee, student or chapter member.
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER | 2020
DEBBIE TAYLOR | DECA Inc. Leadership Specialist
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STEPS TO ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING 1. RECOGNIZE A PROBLEM OR ISSUE • Is it a social problem or a legal problem? • Is it damaging?
ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING Ethical decision-making is the process of evaluating and choosing among alternatives in a manner consistent with an individual's ethical principles. In making ethical decisions, it is necessary to perceive and eliminate unethical options and select the best ethical alternative. Three main philosophies teach what ethical decision-making should consider. Utilitarianism states that decisions should be based on what benefits the greatest majority. Deontology implies that all ethical decisions should be the same. If the right choice is X, then it should also be X in a similar situation. This eliminates any subjectivity in the decision-making process. Virtue Theory is the approach most people tend to use. It implies that all ethical decisions are made based on the character of the individual. When you encounter so many diverse viewpoints daily, your “wrong” may be “right” to someone else, and vice versa. Therefore, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of the steps in ethical decision-making. Following the steps can help provide an honest, supportive and fair culture, but may also save an organization from getting into legal trouble in the future.
2. GET THE FACTS • What people or groups will be impacted? • What are the possible actions you can take?
3. EVALUATE ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS • Which option will produce the most good and do the least harm? • Which option respects others’ rights and dignity? • Which option enables deeper understanding or development?
4. MAKE A DECISION
5. ACT, THEN REFLECT • What was the outcome? • What would you do differently in the future? 20
SCANDALOUS!
Ethical leaders are not just born with ethical leadership skills; instead, they learn them over time. These skills can certainly be "taught," but perhaps not in the traditional sense of the word. The key to becoming an ethical leader is seeking out opportunities to learn about, develop and apply ethical leadership knowledge and skills firsthand. An ethical leader develops appropriate and professional behavior for their team and for those they lead. Alternatively, a leader who lies, avoids responsibility or does not contribute to the workload is not demonstrating ethical behavior. Their team or employees will not respect them.
If you were to search for corporate scandals on the internet, you would find thousands listed. It is important that as you develop your leadership skills, you lead by example and demonstrate that you do not condone unethical behavior in yourself or others. Making unethical decisions as a leader can have a severe negative impact on others. Consider the following few examples of top executives that have become famous for unethical behavior and/or condoning the inappropriate actions of subordinates.
Leading ethically is not always easy. To grow as a leader, it is important to understand your own beliefs and the beliefs of others. There are many conflicting ideas about what is considered right and wrong. Ethics may vary across individuals, organizations, cultures and countries. However, in a cross-cultural study conducted in 2013, researchers found that there are many shared ideas of what is considered ethical.
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In 2015, Volkswagen's CEO, Martin Winterkorn, resigned following the discovery of illegal software in VW's American cars allowing them to falsely pass emissions tests.
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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau revealed on September 8, 2016 that Wells Fargo employees had opened more than two million unauthorized deposit and credit card accounts to reach sales targets and other incentives. Thousands of employees had opened accounts without customer consent due to top-down pressure from higher-level management to open as many accounts as possible.
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In 2017, the Equifax Inc. scandal was one of the largest data breaches in history. The creditreporting firm exposed the personal details of up to 143 million U.S. customers. Some of the company's top executives sold over $1.8 million worth of shares in the company just days after the breach was discovered. The public was not aware of the breach until more than six weeks later.
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More than two dozen current and former International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) officials, including (then) FIFA President Sepp Blatter, are accused of deep-rooted corruption, including schemes involving bribes and kickbacks totaling over two hundred million dollars.
As you make a decision, ask yourself the following questions: •
Is this the right thing to do?
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Is it respectful to others?
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Is it honest?
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Is it responsible?
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Does it make the community better?
Does it follow the "Golden Rule" to treat others as you would like them to treat you? Does it follow the “Rule of Universality” - Would it be OK if everyone did it?" As an emerging leader, you will play an essential role in leading organizations in the future. Whether this is in your DECA chapter, school, community, association or the world, remember to consider the ethics and how your decisions impact others.
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER | 2020
ETHICAL LEADERSHIP
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THE NEXT LEVEL IS INCLUSION JESSICA RIMMER, PHD | Leadership Strategist and Senior Consultant GiANT Worldwide and TEAMTRI | jessicarimmer.com 22
Scholars will write about how the global pandemic, social justice and economic distress characterized 2020 and forever changed history. Of course, any such moment with so much change and complexity is an opportunity for leadership. It has never been more important for emerging leaders to be characterized by teamwork, innovation, competency and integrity. Fortunately, those are the valued characteristics of DECA’s student leaders. What if this moment needs you and the unique values that drive your leadership? Leaders define culture, and under pressure, culture beats strategy.
UNDER PRESSURE CULTURE
STRATEGY
Ask yourself the following questions: •
What would it look like for DECA to expand its influence on the culture of the various spaces in which it operates?
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What does it look like for your DECA chapter to be truly inclusive and to bring its core values to your entire school and community?
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What if, under pressure — as we see at this moment around issues of justice — a culture of collaborative teamwork, innovative problem solving, competent leadership and integrity emerges?
The answer to these questions can become a vision of the next level of your DECA chapter. To have a conversation that leads toward a more inclusive world, we need to consider: diversity, equity and inclusion. Leaders must grapple with these three ideas if they are going to create an organization that is truly for everyone. Historically, leadership development has been, by definition, exclusive. Leadership development has been for…leaders. As we move toward a more inclusive reality, we must change the ways we think about leadership. It can no longer be only for an exclusive group of leaders. Rather, we must look through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion to truly see everyone who could benefit from and be included in the vision of DECA. DIVERSITY is the idea of our unique differences. We know that if we are really inviting everyone to bring their best, it is going to make us stronger. The role of diversity in inclusion is to invite those things we don’t even know about to the table to contribute. We must ask ourselves, how are we representing, seeing and celebrating our unique differences?
EQUITY is the idea that everyone has what they need to participate in the benefits of our program. Equity is related to, but distinct from equality. Equality is the reality where everyone has been given the same things. However, what is clear at this moment is that the starting points for participation among students are not the same. Equity allows each member of our community to have what they need to be able to participate fully in the team. INCLUSION, as we have already mentioned, is the idea that everyone is included. The opportunity that exists as we look through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion is to broaden DECA’s audience. We must imagine who else might benefit from our organization. DECA will continue to serve its core purpose, but the ability to take DECA to the next level is reliant on broader reach and inclusion. So, how can we move toward inclusion? Schlossberg’s Theory of Mattering and Marginality is a beautiful framework to help us consider what actions leaders should take. In short, this theory notes that when we sense that we matter, we are motivated to engage and participate with others. According to Schlossberg, “mattering is the belief – whether right or wrong – that we matter to someone else. This belief acts as a motivator.” Marginality, on the other hand, is the sense that we do not belong and that we are “other” to the group that feels engaged. The table below reflects the difference in experiences.
MATTERING VS. MARGINALITY I feel central.
I feel “othered” or out of place.
I feel needed.
I feel new.
I feel important.
I feel misunderstood.
I feel connected.
I feel painfully aware of differences.
I feel like an insider.
I feel ashamed or inferior.
Do you remember a time when you felt like you mattered? What about a time when you felt marginalized? Do you remember the feelings you felt or maybe still feel toward that organization, that group of people or that experience? Feeling marginalized can be a temporary status like being the new kid at school, or it can be a pervasive life experience if you are always “the diverse one” or “the only…” in any way. As leaders, we have the opportunity to define a culture of mattering that does not require us to all be the same. By looking through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion, we can more effectively move toward a culture of mattering and expand the impact of our chapters and organization. As people feel included in a culture where they matter, they thrive and contribute in new and creative ways. I can’t think of a more important leadership priority.
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER | 2020
THIS IS A MOMENT FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS.
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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER | 2020
PURPOSE-DRIVEN LEADERS PARTNER WITH
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DRIVEN BY THE MISSION
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The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is committed to transforming the lives of individuals with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases through innovations in science and innovations in care. As the largest and longestestablished organization for people with neuromuscular diseases, MDA works tirelessly on behalf of the neuromuscular disease community. We’ve done so for 70 years!
Offering virtual care center support and proactive outreach to patients and families at MDA’s National Care Center Network, a system of multidisciplinary medical clinics across the US at more than 150 top medical institutions.
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Creating MDA Frontline, an interactive Facebook Live program for patients and their families to ask questions about COVID-19.
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Advocating for our community: Working with policymakers to ensure they understand and represent the unique needs of people living with neuromuscular disease.
MDA has never been more vital to the protection of the highly-vulnerable community of neuromuscular patients, their caregivers and clinicians. MDA is an essential charity; we are on the front-line delivering care to over 50,000 patients and bringing critical education and resources to over 250,000 patients. The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and DECA are incredibly proud of their more than 30-year partnership to empower young people to continually impact and improve their local and broader communities. To date, DECA members have raised both awareness and more than $5 million to help MDA serve hundreds of thousands of individuals.
ELEVATING SUPPORT OF THE MDA COMMUNITY
INNOVATING CAUSERAISING AND FUNDRAISING PROGRAMMING In a world where many in-person events have been put on hold, MDA seized the opportunity to get creative by virtualizing its fundraising and causeraising platforms. Here are a few examples of how MDA has adapted its programs. •
MDA Let’s Play - MDA Let’s Play is a family game night with thousands of families and A-List gamers participating via Twitch and YouTube to help our families stay connected.
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Virtualized MDA Events - For events that would normally happen in-person, MDA has created an innovative approach to host events like Make Your Move – a weekend of movement to support MDA, the Virtual Muscle Walk, the Virtual Gala and even a Virtual “Fill the Boot” to give our supporters opportunities to join us from home.
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The MDA Telethon - MDA is re-imagining the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon with Kevin Hart as the host, creating a multiscreen cultural moment that entertains audiences and drives charitable contributions and awareness.
During the pandemic, MDA has had to think creatively and use innovation to ensure our community of kids and adults living with neuromuscular diseases continue to have access to the care and support they need. MDA has elevated our support by: •
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Transitioning our traditional in-person MDA Summer Camp to an innovative virtual all-inclusive Summer Camp experience including programming featuring Music, Art, STEM, fashion design and even virtual tours of NASA facilities and the International Space Station.
SERVICE-LEARNING OPPORTUNITY: MDA MUSCLE CORPS PROGRAM The MDA’s Muscle Corps Program gives DECA students the opportunity to positively impact the community.
Benefits of the program include: •
Students will earn 40 hours of community service upon completion of the program.
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Teachers are provided four weeks of course content and activities to facilitate on-demand with students.
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Enhance capacity, ability, and skills in intellectual development (e.g., problem-solving), basic skills acquisition (e.g., communication), career preparation and personal growth.
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Build relationships, value a sense of community and gain self-awareness.
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Impact MDA mission by cause raising $1,000/student.
Twenty-one DECA members successfully completed the pilot program this summer and raised over $7,000 for MDA, each earning 40 hours of community service. How much will you raise this year? To learn more about this program and potentially participate in an upcoming session, contact the MDA at studentservices@mdausa.org. To learn more about MDA or to donate, go to mda.org.
WHY DECA/MDA PARTNERSHIP IS IMPORTANT AND WHAT IT MEANS TO ME. Jessica Hetzel, MDA/DECA Ambassador DECA causeraising for MDA allows children living with muscular dystrophy the opportunity to attend summer camp, funds clinics where MDA patients can visit their health team all in one visit and provides funding for research for new treatments. MDA camp is an experience like no other; it truly gives youth a week to reach their next level and grow their independence. I’m lucky enough to be on the first-ever treatment for SMA, and that would not be possible without MDA’s funding for research. There are so many different types of muscular dystrophy and there are only a handful of treatments available. We cannot stop causeraising until every person with muscular dystrophy has the option to be treated. Causeraising for MDA is unlike any other because truly every dollar makes an impact. During my time as a DECA member, I hosted multiple causeraising events including a miracle minute that raised $1,000 in 60 seconds during a high school basketball game. To celebrate Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month in March, my school district hosted a “Green Week” full of fundraising events called where we sold shirts, brackets, shamrocks and pins, with all proceeds going toward MDA. I had so much fun causeraising for MDA through my DECA chapter because I know how much these dollars impact lives like mine.
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER | 2020
Through the MDA Muscle Corps Program, students will grow and connect by exploring topics such as Purpose Led Activation, Causeraising and Social Influencing for Good. One of the sessions included in MDA Muscle Corps is called “Leading for a Cause”. In this session, students learn that a significant part of feeling value and purpose in life is working on something bigger than ourselves. As humans, we strive for something that gives us a sense of meaning and purpose. Purpose-driven leaders know what they do, but more importantly, why they do it. To cultivate a purpose-driven life, lead for a cause and make a difference in this world, you must first decide what you stand for and why – your ultimate purpose.
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SHAWN MATTHIJETZ | Collegiate DECA Vice President
LEADERSHIP IS NOTHING NEW. The concept of leadership has been around since the days of Aristotle and Plato and has evolved countless times throughout the centuries. But in 1970, a new theory emerged. Developed by Robert Greenleaf, servant leadership is the idea that empowered leaders serve their followers and to enable them to live and work to their full potential. For more insight, I turned to the President and CEO of Concordia University Texas, Dr. Donald Christian, to get his thoughts on the topic. A servant leader himself, Dr. Christian has had a significant influence on my leadership journey.
“Servant leadership is leading in such a way that, by giving ownership, freedom and power to others, provides the opportunity for them to become servant leaders themselves.” Servant leadership is the belief that there is a natural feeling for someone to serve others first. One individual serving will inspire others to serve as well, and this movement should grow as long as the servant-leader is focused on the growth and well-being of their followers. 28
“Servant leadership is one of the hardest things we have to do – empowering others to lead does not come naturally. By practicing it, we can develop a habit to think this way, learn why it is more or less natural for some and understand what our blind spots are.” Like all DECA members, I love a challenge. Hearing Dr. Christian’s words was empowering for me. As emerging leaders, we strive not just to be “good”, but to be the best. Knowing that something is one of the “hardest things we have to do,” serves as a call to action for us to step up to the challenge of servant leadership.
“At Concordia University Texas, I am building a strong bench of leaders so that I am not consistently being drawn into the details of decision making. My leadership is more consistent over time because others feel empowered and believe their work is meaningful.” I started my leadership journey as a DECA high school chapter officer and was immediately drawn in by the feeling of being a leader. However, it wasn’t until I started a Collegiate DECA Chapter at Concordia University Texas that I realized why I enjoyed it – I have a desire to serve others. Realization helped me refocus my leadership strategy based on the principles of servant leadership.
While this all sounds great, knowing where to start can be tricky. Fortunately, Dr. Christian shared his top suggestions for putting servant leadership to use in your daily life.
When doing chapter or group projects, observe how you and your teammates defer to other members, allowing them to use their gifts and skills before offering your own. •
When asking others to join or participate, are you giving them options on their participation or providing a real opportunity to say “no” – and to feel okay about saying it.
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Regularly reflect on how you think about and feel about leadership, especially on how you see others responding to your leadership.
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Ask others for feedback, especially from those whom you respect and who will be honest with you. Don’t ask, “How am I doing as a leader?” but more specifically, “How do you see me empowering others to lead and serve?” and “What might I do differently next time when working with others?”
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Create your own servant leadership rubric and do a self-check every week.
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Read everything you can about servant leadership so you can be clear about what servant leadership is.
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Interview respected leaders about their relationship with servant leadership.
I love DECA because of the opportunities to lead and serve at the local, association and international levels – whether you are elected to a position or not. Through serving, we inspire others to follow in our footsteps. Even if you only impact or inspire one student, that same student can follow your example and possibly impact thousands in the future. I encourage all DECA members to lead groups more effectively by deferring to others’ opinions first before stating your own. Focus on others before yourself and do not just run for a leadership position to boost your resume, but run for office to inspire and help others. If you want to take your leadership to the next level, explore servant of leadership. It has changed how I lead ten-fold and I know it will do the same for you!
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER | 2020
Good leaders must first become good servants.”
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TAKE YOUR COMMUNITY SERVICE TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH
FOR MANY EDUCATORS, the inspiration to teach comes from a desire to make a positive difference in students’ lives. As they seek to guide students toward their big goals through trying times, teachers need resources that strengthen social and emotional skills. Facing this very challenge, Allison Silverman, a teacher at Port Chester Middle School in New York, turned to the lessons in the Lead4Change program. Lead4Change is a free student leadership curriculum that provides opportunities for student engagement through collaboration, critical thinking, problemsolving and reflection. Resulting student-led, service-learning projects can be submitted to the Lead4Change Challenge contest. Each year, winning teams are awarded grants of up to $10,000 for their charity or school.
The Lead4Change Leadership programs offer numerous benefits for students. An independent research study found that participating in Lead4Change contributed to significant growth in areas such as leadership skills (60% of students improved), respect for others (54%) and ambition and innovation (53%). Teachers can have equally transformative experiences.
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When Silverman and her students formed the “PC Hunger Fighters,” they began by studying the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Then, they came to a consensus about creating a vertical garden using upcycled materials, to help the 200,000 food insecure individuals in the U.S. Then, Silverman heard from a student participating in the program. “I received a very desperate call from one of our students,” she recalls. “There had been a shooting the night before and a 26-year-old Port Chester resident was killed. The student knew this man. I remember sitting on the bench next to my school garden and crying. I cried so hard. I had no idea what to do, or what to tell the students. I thought about how insignificant our ‘little gardens’ would be alongside challenges like poverty and violence.”
IDEAS TO START YOUR PROJECT Each year, we are humbled and amazed at what students will do when they are empowered. They find and feed the need in communities across the globe. Draw inspiration and ideas from some of the projects we’ve received in the past. •
A high school team worked with code.org to organize Hour of Code events. They taught computer coding skills to the elementary students through games. Teaching computer skills to all grade levels addressed the need for students to be able to find jobs outside of their rural, low income community.
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Adopting a town in need of dental care, a high school team spent months collecting and assembling dental care packages, along with business cards of dentists and providers willing to assist residents.
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High school students decided to feed the firefighters fighting forest fires in the Northwest. But first, they had to figure out how to fund, prepare, transport and then safely store the meals at the fire station over two hours away. They brought enough meals to feed the firefighters three meals a day for 30 days!
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A high school team worked with the art department students to decorate wheelbarrows. They placed the “Meal-Barrows” around town as collection spots for donated food items. After donating the food to the local food pantry, they auctioned off the painted “Meal-Barrows” to raise more money for their local food pantry.
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Several schools created or took over the backpack program in their school or district. Collecting and packaging food for students to have on weekends, students learned the extent of the food insecurity in their neighborhood.
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Teacher Holly Hartman in Lebanon, Pennsylvania continues to experience the program’s benefits after years of participation. “This journey not only helps my students grow but also somehow manages to help me become a bit wiser with each experience,” she says.
A team of students drew attention to bullying and how to stop the trend. They worked with their local Gay & Lesbian Community Center to understand and teach others how to identify bullying, how to stop it and how to prevent it in the future. Teaching peaceful behavior and acceptance were important messages in a difficult environment.
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A leadership curriculum not only prepares students for a future of increasingly complex social issues, but also serves as a catalyst for helping teachers and students alike find purpose and meaning. The Lead4Change Student Leadership Program is helping to fill a gap in middle and high school education by allowing students to lead, create and implement team projects designed to meet a need in their local community.
A team of students worked with a local senior living facility and sat (individually) outside the windows of seniors to read books, talk or sing via cell phone. The seniors inside dialed in to listen while seeing the smiling students outside.
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A team of students record themselves reading books or singing songs for children to follow along. The campaign was a great way for young children to be entertained and maintain connects to others while social distancing.
The students responded to the tragedy by using the Lead4Change’s lessons in communication, overcoming barriers and working as a team. They knew more could be done because of what they’d practiced. “I canceled our celebration scheduled for the following day and instead met in the boardroom with the students. For three hours, we talked about injustices and inequalities, pledging to work together to make a real difference. We realized our project was important,” said Silverman. In recognition of the team’s efforts, they were selected as one of the grand prize-winning teams for 2019, earning a $10,000 grant. In truth, their participation was a reward in and of itself because of the leadership skills they mastered. Around the United States, hundreds of similar stories can be told about students building and using their leadership skills through the Lead4Change program.
NEXT LEVEL LEADERSHIP For those who teach the Lead4Change Student Leadership Program, we see a commitment to “Next Level Leadership.” It takes the willingness to educate with innovate resources and the desire to develop teens into prepared emerging leaders. No matter how you “go back to school” this fall, we encourage you to be inspired by your peers — and to share your story to inspire others. “The Lead4Change experience was as valuable to me as it was for the students,” shares Thomas Loner, a teacher from Bates Middle school in South Carolina. The “Bates’ Bodacious Bantams” student team helped a local homeless shelter by collecting supplies. “This program forced me to give up ‘control’ of my classroom and let students become leaders.”
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The “Corona Relief Crew” students from Garner High School in North Carolina | Published in The Garner News in July 2020
As learning became virtual to help curb the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, educators and parents were concerned about how the experience would impact social and emotional development. “The pandemic is having profound effects on children’s mental well-being, their social development, their safety, their privacy, their economic security and beyond,” a policy brief by the United Nations stated. “While children are not the face of this pandemic, its broader impacts on children risk being catastrophic and amongst the most lasting consequences for societies as a whole.” While maintaining progress in core subject areas is imperative, a curriculum that develops leadership skills is equally essential to ensure that emotional development continues virtually. Leadership programs can be completed virtually by adapting projects to address current concerns, and they can not only succeed without physical contact, but offer unique challenges that help students to grow as leaders. Students at Mohave High School in Arizona, reconsidered their project when social distancing began, choosing to create a recorded read-aloud library of developmentally appropriate books for preschoolers. With high schoolers reading to preschoolers and teaching them literacy and social development skills, this resource allowed an early childhood program to continue virtually. “The students developed a ‘can-do attitude’ while working collaboratively to adapt to their new normal,” said teacher, Michele Leyendecker. “With so much uncertainty, this project truly gave them purpose.” The “T-Bird Readers” team was awarded Lead4Change’s grand prize, a $10,000 grant for a nonprofit of their choice.
In Garner, North Carolina, students participated in servicelearning and emerged as community leaders by directly addressing the local impact of the pandemic. The “Corona Relief Crew” collaborated with volunteers and vendors to create and distribute kits with essential food and supplies for the homeless and those in nursing homes who have been severely impacted by the pandemic. “Being an adult leader for the Corona Relief Crew has caused a paradigm shift in how I view youth strength and their ability to lead,” educator Dr. Cleopatra Lacewell shared. “This experience has taught me that when students have well-organized plans, identified goals, and established team structures, they can then perform as stellar leaders with minimum support.” The Corona Relief Crew was also honored in 2020 with Lead4Change’s $10,000 grand prize for their initiative.
LEARN MORE For more information about the Lead4Change Student Leadership Program, visit lead4change.org. With a service-learning project, students can gain a sense of purpose, lead real change in their local community and maintain a sense of unity that is integral during challenging times. Lead4Change offers equitable solutions across all student platforms through printed, PDF or Google Doc lessons. Choose one or a combination to ensure all students have the lessons in the format they need. To register, for FREE access to lessons and resources, visit lead4change.org/register.
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER | 2020
LEAD4CHANGE DURING THE PANDEMIC
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CHAPTER BUZZ ALMA DECA ARKANSAS Alma DECA’s action team’s first meeting looked a little different this year. While the officers are learning the ropes of meeting virtually, they are ready to go to the next level and work with their members this year.
PALMER RIDGE DECA COLORADO Palmer Ridge DECA hosted a “Thanking Our School District” drive where members made cards to thank their school’s staff that makes learning possible—especially during the COVID-19 era. DECA members wrote cards for everyone from current teachers to the custodial staff. In total, the chapter collected 100 cards and put smiles on many faces!
COOPER CITY DECA FLORIDA Each week, Cooper City DECA hosts Manual Monday session to help prepare their members for competition. Focusing on written events, the prep sessions teach students tips and tricks to impress the judges. Their first event of the year had over 50 members participate.
CENTRAL GWINNETT DECA GEORGIA Central Gwinnett DECA is off to a great start this year! Focusing on taking their chapter to the next level, their leadership team has embraced flexibility as they navigate school virtually. For the first time, their chapter officer selection was conducted online. Candidates submitted pre-recorded speeches that were viewed by members during a Zoom-style kickoff meeting.
MOUNTAIN VIEW DECA GEORGIA Mountain View DECA found a way to make their virtual kickoff meeting one of their best meetings yet! Their kickoff event included an icebreaker game in which teams brainstormed a business that would aid people during or after the pandemic and help people return to normal life. Their leadership team also consulted with a local life coach to create a survey to check in on students’ mental health.
NAPERVILLE NORTH DECA ILLINOIS
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Naperville North DECA reached out to over 80 local businesses over the summer to ask for sponsorship. Chapter members learned critical business skills while canvassing and learning to utilize a CRM spreadsheet.
After receiving over $1,000 in sponsorships from generous partners, the chapter secured funding to cover the costs of competition prep material, transportation to major events and member incentives.
WEST CAREER AND TECHNICAL ACADEMY DECA NEVADA West Career and Technical Academy DECA recently formed a new partnership with a local small business that aids with studying for standardized tests. As part of an ongoing opportunity that began in April, chapter members can use the test prep service to encourage positive habits for the SATs and ACTs, and a portion of the profits will be donated to the chapter. Officers and advisors are proud to ensure successful futures for their members.
CHATHAM CHARTER DECA NORTH CAROLINA
Alma DECA
Mountain View DECA
Chatham Charter DECA hosted a mask and water bottle sale to kick off the school year. All sales happened online and proceeds will go to helping the chapter offset costs for its members. The sale was a great success and brought the Chatham Charter School community together.
TRIANGLE MATH AND SCIENCE ACADEMY DECA NORTH CAROLINA This past school year, Triangle Math and Science Academy DECA started a school snack. Their SBE received bronze level certification and raised nearly $1,000. The money raised helped offset competition fees, allowing more students to attend conferences. Their store sold snacks such as muffins, cookies and pocky during lunch, and became their primary fundraising source.
West Career and Technical Academy DECA
Triangle Math and Science Academy DECA
AKRON NORTH DECA OHIO Nicholas Reese and Amaree Clark from Akron North DECA placed first in the state in a summer pitch challenge sponsored by the Ohio Afterschool Network. Together, they produced a 90-second “There’s Still Hope” video sharing a student’s perspective on a world in turmoil where everyone does not get an equal chance at success. Their business idea, There’s Still Hope, provides students with oneon-one tutors to ensure they understand classroom lectures and homework directions. Nicholas and Amaree won a $500 Amazon gift card and a coaching session with a successful entrepreneur.
Akron North DECA
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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER | 2020
BRING DECA TO YOUR HOME CLASSROOM SHOPDECA.ORG
