New York DECA

The DECA Exchange

Do you have questions about competition? Or how about running for state office? Well you have found the right place! The DECA Exchange is an opportunity for you to ask the Executive Council questions, or view questions and their answers from other individuals. Simply click on the link below to send an email with your inquiry, or scroll down to see if it has already been asked. This is a place for you to voice your opinions, concerns, or confusions.

Click Here to send a question.

What are the qualifications for forming a new chapter? What kind of leadership opportunities does DECA offer? What kind of qualities is the Nominations Committee looking for in candidates running for State Office? What is the campaign budget for State Officer Candidates for 2006-2007? How do I prepare for competition? What kinds of scholarships does DECA offer?

Q	What are the qualifications for forming a new chapter?
	10 student members, 1 advisor. For more information visit http://www.newyorkdeca.org/membership/membership.htm


Q	What kind of leadership opportunities does DECA offer?
	DECA offers a variety of leadership positions, on the national, state, regional, and local level. National Officer Candidates are usually seniors in high school and must qualify to run by passing the New York State Officer Exam offered three times per year. These candidates must be interviewed and endorsed by the New York State Nominations Committee and certified by New York State Board of Trustees. Candidates then apply and once qualified at ICDC may campaign at the International Career Development Conference. A Candidate from New York can run for National President or Vice-President of the North Atlantic Region. If a candidate qualifies, runs, and wins, they are making a huge commitment to DECA. The position lasts for a year, and most officers opt to take a year off of college or attend a local community college because the workload is so time consuming. It is the highest leadership office a student can hold within the DECA organization. State Officer Candidates can be a freshman, sophomore or junior in high school and must also qualify to run by taking the officer exam offered three times per year. Candidates must fill out an application before the State Career Conference, submit by the posted deadline to the State Advisor, and then Campaign at States in March. This involves going through interviews and giving a speech for the New York DECA membership. Being a State Officer is an extremely demanding role and not one to be taken lightly. Students can visit http://www.newyorkdeca.org/officers/elections.htm for more information. The individual regions of New York DECA select regional Officers. Regional Presidents are considered State Officers and are responsible for reporting back to the State Vice President every month on their Region’s activities. Chapter Officers are selected by individual chapters and help promote DECA in their schools and communities. Speak with your own chapter advisor about the requirements of holding a chapter office.


Q	What kind of qualities is the Nominations Committee looking for in candidates running for State Office:
	The Nominations Committee is comprised of one representative from every region of New York DECA and two State Officers. As a candidate, you will go through two separate interviews. The Committee will be looking for your knowledge of New York DECA and National DECA, your creativity, and your ability to carry yourself with poise under pressure. Everything that goes on within these interviews is confidential and is not to be shared outside of the interview. Check out page six of the election packet for more information: http://www.newyorkdeca.org/officers/content/ElectionsPacket0506.pdf


Q	What is the campaign budget for State Officer Candidates for 2006-2007?
	The budget was set at the December Board Meeting and is $200.


Q	How do I prepare for competition?
	Although official competition doesn’t begin until Regionals in January, you can start preparing yourself well before that. The best way to assure success is through practice. If you are competing in a Role Play, work with your advisors and fellow members on sample Role Plays (the more you do them, the more comfortable and confident you will be for the actual thing). Take practice tests as well. If you are doing a manual for State Competition, make sure it is well written without typos or formatting errors, and practice your 10-15 minute presentation before you go into competition.


Q	What kinds of scholarships does DECA offer?
	National DECA offers a variety of scholarships. Some are based on DECA involvement, while others are based on employment by a specific sponsor in addition to DECA involvement. Check out the national DECA website for a listing of scholarships available: http://www.deca.org/schol.html