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COUNTDOWN "CLOCKTAIL" PARTY TOOLKIT |
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WHAT IS A COUNTDOWN "CLOCKTAIL" PARTY?
Celebrate what you care about! And what you care about soars to the top of the agenda when women are fully engaged in the political process - as voters, as advocates, and as elected officials.
We may see our first woman President in the next year - or not. And if we are to shape a positive future in this vibrant country, we must support the state and local women candidates of today who will become the national officials of tomorrow. The mission of the Democratic Women's Political Action Committee of Maryland is to elect dynamic Democratic women to state and local office.
Throw a party on or near the 20th of any month in 2008 to celebrate the dwindling time until Democrats take back the White House! |
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HOW DO I HOST A PARTY?
We have created a party timeline and checklist ...
Guiding Rule: You've thrown parties before - make this your next one and do it in your own style! We'd like to send a Board member or two to guide the discussion and grow our network. |
1. Choose a date.
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2. Choose a venue - home, restaurant or hall?
If you choose a restaurant or hall, make sure to book the space and choose the caterer 1-2 MONTHS AHEAD OF TIME.
If not using a caterer, decide on snacks and beverages that you would like to provide, and/or ask your attendees to bring an item.
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3. Create a guest list.
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4. Register your party on our website so we know you are holding it. You may choose to close the party to people you don't personally invite, or provide whatever contact information you would like to open it to others in our network.
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5. 3 weeks to go...
DOWNLOAD OUR FLYER and customize it to your needs.
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6. 2 weeks to go...
Send invitations via email or mail
Invite your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers. Send them an email inviting them to your party. Also consider calling them to follow-up. Typically, half of the people who say they will attend are actually able to attend. So if you want 5 people to come to the party, invite 10.
Send out a reminder email to your attendees the day of the party.
Print out the SIGN-UP SHEET so your guests can sign-up to receive PAC News. Have them ready to sign at your party.
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7. 1 week to go...
Confirm Board member attendance / request materials if needed.
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8. Day of party...
Have materials (brochures, palm cards and contribution cards) in a convenient place for people to pick up and a safe place for checks that are written.
When guests arrive, make sure you welcome them. Introduce them to other guests or ask them to introduce themselves around.
Remind everyone to sign up for PAC emails.
If you have a chance, take photos.
Make sure to thank everyone for attending.
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| WHAT WOULD A SAMPLE AGENDA BE? |
1. Guests arrive (10 minutes). Welcome your guests.
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2. Meet and greet (10 minutes).
Once everyone has arrived, have everyone introduce themselves.
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3. Brief presentation by PAC Board Member on the purpose of the party and our mission.
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4. Food - Drink - Mingle
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5. Go around the room and have each person draw one of the Discussion Starter cards.
DISCUSSION STARTERS PAGE 1
DISCUSSION STARTERS PAGE 2
DISCUSSION STARTERS PAGE 3
Try to keep the conversation focused and encourage everyone to speak.
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6. Take Action! (15 minutes)
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7. Wrap-Up (15 minutes)
Thank everyone for coming. Remind guests they should sign-up for PAC News to hear about more ways to get involved.
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8. Post Party
PLEASE TELL US HOW IT WENT! Send us an email. If you took digital pictures, please send those too, and we'll post selected pictures online.
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MATERIALS NEEDED:
1. PAC brochure and palm cards
2. SIGN UP SHEET
3. Are you ready to run for office?
4. Contribution cards
5. DISCUSSION STARTERS PAGE 1
DISCUSSION STARTERS PAGE 2
DISCUSSION STARTERS PAGE 3
(you can print out on paper and cut yourself or this template is compatible with Avery Postcards - landscape #3263, 3380, 8383, 8577)
6. FIVE WAYS TO GET WOMEN INVOLVED & CHANGE THE FACE OF POWER
These are handouts.
(you can print out on paper and cut yourself or this template is compatible with Avery Postcards - portrait #3263, 3380, 8387)
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