PROCEDURES: HOUSE PARTY EVENTS
There are several kinds of house parties. House parties tend to be less targeted and the campaign has less control over effectiveness, As we get closer to election, the candidate will want to prioritize house parties where there’s a higher confidence for receiving contributions, votes, and/or endorsements. That said (and especially if there is a long lead time to the election), there can be a role house for parties that simply allow a strong community/neighborhood “influencer” to introduce and validate their endorsed candidate. In those circumstances, the host may prefer a less formal, low pressure “meet and greet” — and the host is always the “boss.”
PRE-EVENT PHONE CALLS
If the host is okay with it, consider this a great opportunity to make phone calls into your targeting “universe.”
- Make phone calls to the targeted universe, inviting people to the house party
- Leave messages if there is no answer, leaving a message with the invite and contact information.
- The phone calls are very likely to have virtually no impact on the final event participation numbers.
PRE-EVENT
The host should extend personal invitations
- The invitation list may be:
- their own personal list of friends
- a list that we provide, based on neighborhood likely voter data
- some combination of both of the above (the preference)
- Invitations can be sent via an email blast or snail mail, but for the
best results, should also include a follow-up by phone (even if it is
simply a voice message reminder). (Samples on the next page.)
Make sure you and the host(s) are clear on the intention:
- Clarify that they’re comfortable with any “ask” — you’re in their home!
- Will they can help to whatever extent they’re willing. (Preferably they will make a money/endorsement “ask” at the end of the event.
- Clarify whether this is this a private/general-invite event?
Refreshments/snacks
- Who is responsible for refreshments/snacks?
- Is there catering/service?
- Is this part of an in-kind contribution that needs to be recorded?
How will guests RSVP?
- Online event management tool (like EventBrite)?
- Reply to a coordinator from the campaign? (via phone or email?)
- To the host directly? (via phone or email?)
- Clarify the maximum number of guests the host(s) will feel comfortable having in their home
WHAT TO BRING
- Remit envelopes
- Campaign literature
- Voter Registration forms (It’s possible the host will invite friends who may not be registered to vote where they currently live, and we want them to be able to vote!)
- Volunteer forms
- Contact information (ie. business cards)
- Pens/Clipboards
THE EVENT
- Use the previous (see Event Quick Check) for additional event guidelines
- Remember to send follow-notes and THANK THE HOST(S)!!!
