How does DECA approach diversity and inclusion?

DECA embraces diversity and inclusion by actively encouraging participation from all students, recognizing that a diverse membership leads to a richer exchange of ideas and perspectives. This approach is fundamental for fostering an inclusive environment where every member feels valued and can contribute to discussions, challenges, and competitions.

By inviting participation from a wide range of backgrounds, DECA helps students develop critical skills such as teamwork and cultural awareness, which are essential in today’s global economy. This focus on inclusivity not only enhances the experience for the individual members but also strengthens the organization as a whole, making it more representative of the community it serves.

In contrast, limiting participation to certain groups would restrict opportunities for learning and growth, which goes against DECA’s mission. Focusing solely on competition over collaboration would diminish the importance of building relationships and learning from one another, which are key aspects of the DECA experience. Similarly, promoting only local businesses would overlook the broad range of viewpoints and experiences that diversity brings, which is integral to DECA’s objectives.