Here are some common questions:

Who should I invite?

It's a fact that not everyone you know will be interested in your issue or political candidate. Even those who are supportive may have schedule conflicts and be unable to attend. This means you need to invite 4 to 5 times as many people as you would like to attend. When preparing your invitation list gather all of your directories, committee lists, holiday card mailing lists, stacks of business cards -- anything with contact information about people who will recognize you.

Here are a few other sources of invitees:

Family and friends

Neighbors and members of your homeowners association

Co-workers and former employee

School alumni and parents groups

Social clubs, hobby groups and community organizations

Holiday card list

One of the side benefits of sending invitations to a house party is that you have a great reason to reconnect with people you've not talked with in a while.

How do I create an invitation?

There are several ways to send invitations to your house party. You can either set up a facebook page, an Evite invitation or just the good old excel spread sheet. Don't forget to include the following details in your invitation: The date, time and location of your house party, the reason you are hosting the house party, the type of food or meal you will be serving, name and role of any special guest speakers, directions to your home, including a link to a map service, phone number so guests can call you

What do I need to do to plan the event?

As you plan your house party, think about how to make people who have not been to your home feel comfortable and enjoy learning about the organization you're supporting. Here are some other questions to ask yourself:

• Is parking clear and easy?
• Is it easy to find your home?
• Will it be easy and obvious how to move from the registration table to the food and refreshments table?
• Do you need to serve food in more than one location?
• Can the food be eaten with fingers or while standing up?
• Are there places to set food and drinks?
• Are there enough chairs?
• Will it be easy for everyone to dispose of their plates and glasses?
• Should drinks be on a separate table away from the food table to encourage people to move around and mingle?

What number do I call into?

First you need to register for the party. Once we have confirmed with you some basic details, we will email you the phone number and the passcode.

Is there an agenda?

It's helpful to have an agenda of what is supposed to happen and when. As your house party gets going you'll find this planning makes things go more smoothly.

What actually happens?

As your guests arrive they should be welcomed by your greeters and escorted to your registration table. Each guest should be given a name badge, packet of materials, and shown where the food and other refreshments are located.

Be sure to have guests register on the sign-in sheet so there will be a record of who attended. Many organizations request registration sheets from house parties so they can follow up with party attendees.

On your sign-in sheet ask for each person's name, addresses, phone number, and e-mail addresses. Also, ask guests if they'd like to be added to your organization's master mailing list to receive postal mailings and e-mails. It's important that there be a place on your sign-in sheets where they can "opt-in" for these mailings.

Introductions

Having each person introduce themselves is a great way to build a sense of community among your guests.

Introduce yourself

Have all guests introduce themselves giving their name and how they know you and any co-hosts

Thank people for attending

Explain the purpose and agenda of the party

Let them know why you decided to host a house party

Presentation

This part of the house party is sometimes called "the pitch" or "the ask" because this is when your guests are asked to take action to help the organization or candidate being featured.

It's important that your call for action be specific so your guests will know exactly how they can help. You can encourage your guests to take action by either becoming members of your group, making a financial contribution to a campaign/organization, or something else of value to the organization.

If raising funds is a priority let your guests know how the money will be used (e.g., "Tonight we're raising money to provide 72 at-risk kids with supervised after school exercise and study facilities."). And, let them know what your financial goal is for your house party.

Instead of asking for money, you can also take this as an opportunity to start a relationship with a new supporter by asking them to volunteer a few hours of time so the recruit can actually see the good work done.

Wrap Up

Following the pitch and a short period for people to write checks or complete volunteer sign up sheets, the host should thank everyone for coming and encourage them to stay, have more to eat and drink, and enjoy themselves.

Follow Up

After your house party, be sure to send the donor envelopes, contributions, and attendance sheet to the organization for processing.

Send every guest a note, thanking them for attending your party and taking whatever action you asked them to take. Be sure to send your thank you notes within two to three days after your party.

Enjoy the party - you are helping both your guests and your cause build a stronger community - one person at a time!

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