The Libraries can be more than just private meeting spaces! Our public spaces can be utilized for larger groups to mingle and enjoy the atmosphere of the library between meetings as well. We love seeing our spaces busy with educational events and activated with students in our community. In October 2022, the Central Library hosted the Washington State DECA members! Here are some details of the event and feedback from the coordinator from Shadle Park High School, Erin Ruehl.
“WADECA is one of the largest member states with just over 10,000 high school DECA members in our state. Eastern Washington is area 11 and this event is a competition Boot Camp. We are gathering just over 200 of our members to practice competition skills that they will use at our area competition at SFCC on December 12, 2022. From there, members can qualify to go the state competition in Bellevue, WA in March 2023 and the national competition in Orlando, FL in April 2023.”
“DECA’s mission is to ‘prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.'”
“In addition, as an integral part of the classroom curriculum, DECA’s industry-validated competitive events are aligned with the National Curriculum Standards in the career clusters of marketing, business management and administration, finance, and hospitality and tourism. DECA’s flagship evaluation process involves students in both a written component such as an exam or report, and an interactive component with an industry professional serving as a judge. DECA’s competitive events directly contribute to every student being college and career ready when they graduate from high school.”
“Our student members agree to follow a conduct and professional dress code for competitive events so they will be dressed professionally [at the event]. We will have close to 20 advisors and 20 professionals from our community judging, so there will be a few adults with us as well!”
“Again, we so appreciate the Spokane Public Library for hosting our event and hope this will give our students the opportunity to learn more about the fantastic resources you offer to all.”
Post-event, we received feedback that “today in class, one of my students commented on a resource that he had heard about in Mark [Pond’s] presentation so hopefully they all listened and will use the great resources.”
“… There was so much positive feedback I received from both staff and students. The space was wonderful-thank you again for letting us take it over.”
We at the Spokane Public Library hope to continue inviting members of the community into our buildings and creating the community-minded, educational atmosphere we strive to uphold.
