HOUSE PARTY PLANNING STEPS
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GOALS:
Raise money and grow support
The goal for each party
is to raise money in support of Congressman David Wu. Each host should set
a fundraising goal that is reasonable for them. This goal is something to
aim for, but should not be limiting. Additionally, we want to grow support
through the house party movement. To accomplish these goals we ask that each
host create and send to campaign headquarters three separate party lists:
- A list of everyone who attends
your party
- A list of invited guests who
were unable to attend but are very interested in staying connected to the
campaign; and
- A list of contributors who donated
with a check during the party.
Due to federal guidelines, you
will need to collect the contributor's name, address, phone-number, email
address, place of employment and occupation.
If your fundraising goal
is $500, below is a simple breakdown showing how easy it is to meet that goal:
- 50 people @ $10 =
$500 (collect name, phone, address, email, employer, occupation)
- 25 people @ $20 = $500
(collect name, phone, address, email, employer, occupation)
- 10 people @ $50 = $500
(collect name, phone, address, email, employer, occupation)
- 5 people @ $100 = $500
(collect name, phone, address, email, employer, occupation)
STEP
1: Contact the Campaign
- The campaign staff
will establish your file, and will be helpful throughout the entire process.
As your planning progresses, keep in contact with the headquarters. Make
sure to keep accurate RSVP lists and update the campaign regularly. We
can help with any problems you might face along the way.
STEP
2: Establish a host committee
- A host committee
can help you with planning the event, and provide you with a list of potential
guests.
- If you plan on using
a host committee we suggest that you gather a diverse group
of people willing to share unique ideas and contacts.
- A host committee can
also help with asking for and collecting contributions.
- Everyone on the host
committee should agree to help raise the minimum of $500
or more.
STEP
3: Build attendance
- Each host committee
member should develop an invitation list of family, friends,
colleagues and anyone else who will support Congressman Wu. I
- Invitations can be
delivered by email or postal service. However we encourage email
as a faster and more efficient way to communicate with larger groups.
- Be sure to include
the suggested donation on your invitation.
- Consider an
alternate venue. Most parties will be held by supporters in their
homes, but local pubs, theaters, community centers, and union halls are
all ideal locations. Wherever you hold your event, make sure you have access
to a speaker telephone for the conference call.
STEP
4: Follow-up
- Personal email and
phone follow-up is ESSENTIAL within 7 to 10 days of your
invitation.
- Keep an accurate
RSVP list and a separate list of people unable to attend but interested
in staying connected to the campaign.
- Contact the campaign
with this list, and update the campaign on the planning progress.
STEP 5: Collect
contributions
- Encourage
your guests to contribute before the party, preferably online.
Online contributions will make welcoming your guests easier and reduce paperwork
after the party. When guests contribute online, ask them to include a reference
to the house party they plan to attend or give the name of the host that
encouraged their donation.
- Checks are always welcome,
but cash donations are discouraged (federal guidelines
prohibit cash donations over $100).
- Checks can be donated
before the party, and should be accompanied with a note referencing
the house party they plan to attend or giving the name of the host
that encouraged their donation.
- Contact the campaign
with a list of donators who gave before the party. Report this and the final
RSVP list to the campaign.
- For those who bring
checks to the event, make sure the contribution requirements are
followed.
CONTRIBUTION
REQUIREMENTS
- All written
material pertaining
to the event, including your invitations must have the following
disclaimer text boxed in the bottom center of the page:
"Candidates
are required to report the name, mailing address, employer and occupation
for individuals with aggregate contributions over $200 in a calendar year.
Contributions to federal candidates are not deductible for income tax
purposes. Corporate checks are not acceptable for federal campaigns. Contributions
are limited to $2,000 per individual for each election."
- Printed items must
also include the disclaimer, "This invitation was authorized by
David Wu for Congress and paid for by (Host Name)."
- For more information,
please see "Guidelines
for Raising Funds."
STEP
6: Throw your party
- Each host will need
to report the cost of his or her party to the campaign office.
There are exemptions and limits to spending for these events. For example,
we recommend light refreshments.
- You will need:
- Sign-in table
- Contribution forms
- Wu stickers and
other paraphernalia
- The host committee
should determine who will be responsible for various tasks during the evening:
- Staffing the sign-in table
- Making the follow-up contribution request
During
the Party
- Welcome your guests
and thank them for supporting Congressman Wu.
- SIGN-IN: Make
sure that everyone has signed in and that you have clear and correct
contact information (name, address, telephone, email).
- Enjoy yourselves!
House parties should be a fun and engaging time with friends.
- Follow-up and ASK
FOR A CONTRIBUTION.
STEP
7: FOLLOW-UP AGAIN
David
Wu for Congress
818 SW 3rd Street #1182
Portland, OR 97204
- WITHIN 48
HOURS:
Send a brief note of thanks to all of your attendees.
- CELEBRATE your
success!
| Paid
for by David Wu for Congress |
