What do charter associations consist of?

Charter associations are made up of local school chapters within a specific area. This structure allows DECA to connect with students and schools directly, fostering engagement in business and marketing education at the grassroots level. Each charter association operates under the broader national framework of DECA, tailoring initiatives to serve the needs and interests of its localized student membership.

The composition of charter associations is essential for maintaining grassroots involvement, encouraging local leadership, and facilitating participation in competitions, conferences, and events that are relevant to those specific chapters. This local focus promotes a sense of community and collaboration among students from various schools, reinforcing DECA's mission to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.

Other choices do not accurately describe the makeup of charter associations. National officers and leaders typically represent the broader organizational structure rather than a localized chapter setting. Regional competition committees focus on organizing events rather than forming the foundational structure of charter associations. Fundraising and marketing teams can exist within local chapters but are not an inherent characteristic of what defines charter associations. Thus, local school chapters being the core of charter associations perfectly aligns with DECA's mission and operational framework.