House Party Toolkit - A Host's Guide

Who can host a House Party?

A House party host is anyone interested in supporting Mallory and Brittni’s campaigns and is ready to bring people together to invite them to support them, too. The house party does not need to involve a large number of guests and does not even need to be at a house - a cafe, park, or other quiet meeting place can work, as well.

What is a House Party?

House parties are about building community around shared ideas and goals. House parties are meant to be a time for like-minded people to get together and share about what drives them to action, to learn about the candidate and the candidate’s positions on issues, and have an opportunity to get involved.

A house party can be a great way for participants to get involved in the campaign by volunteering or making a donation and maybe even develop new relationships with others wanting to do the same. While the candidates have committed to attending house parties, it may not be possible for them to participate in all events. A campaign volunteer will be present to speak to the candidate’s positions on issues, unless the host prefers to do this.

Invitation language examples

I’m supporting the Democratic candidates for State House Representatives. I’m having a get together to discuss local needs and challenges and how to make a difference. Would you like to come? I’m calling it: (Choose a flavor). It’s about who will represent us the best in Denver. 

OR

I’m having a get together to discuss the unique needs and challenges facing the western slope and what we want the legislators in Denver to know about us. I am supporting Mallory Martin for 54 and Brittni Packard for 55. Would you like to come? You can tell us what’s on your mind and what you would like to see happen in the Colorado state house. 

What’s My “Why”

This exercise is designed for participants to really think about why they are motivated to participate in an event or campaign. Understanding their personal experience gives people clarity about their motivations and goals and helps them clearly communicate with others. It can also motivate folks to take action!

1. Offer the sharing exercise

Possible scripts:

Format 1 (Sharing “Whys” with group):

The key point is, “Why I am I here today?” What event(s) in my life led me to become involved, to come today and to want to learn about how to make change?  I will tell you my “Why” to serve as an example. (Tell the group your “Why” or have the candidate model a response)

One example: I am the parent of two neurodivergent kids and finding care and resources for them in this valley has been all but impossible. I want a healthcare system that can support complex care and think that a universal healthcare system would better support that - not care for profit but healthcare to fit the need. I am interested in sending state representatives to Denver who hear the needs of my family and want to turn that into action at the Capital building.   

You have in front of you a note card and a pen, and I invite you to write down your “Why” I will ask any who would like to, to share with the group, but you do not have to share if you prefer not to.  What questions do you have about this exercise? Great!  I’ll give you about 2 minutes to write down your “Why” and then those who wish to can share.

Format 2 (Sharing “Whys” in pairs):

The question is, “Why I am I here today?” What event(s) in my life led me to become involved, to come today and to want to support change?  I will tell you my “Why” to serve as an example. (Tell the group your “Why” - see above)

You have in front of you a note card and a pen, and I invite you to write down your “Why”. Please then pair up with another person here and share your “whys” with one another. What questions do you have about this exercise? Great!  I’ll give you about 5 minutes to write down and share your “Why” with your partner. 

Rather than pair up, this can be a good time for the host to listen to the conversations in order to think about the next step.

Format 3 (Identifying issues - if the ask for the Why is too awkward, perhaps it is best to start by discussing what issues people keep track of and why. This works best as a paired exercise.)

What issues do you keep track of? What big challenges are you facing?

For example, I am having an incredibly difficult time finding resources and care for my 2 neurodivergent kids. It seems that what they need just doesn’t exist here in GJ and we find ourselves going to Denver all the time. I wish there were more specialists here in the grand valley.

You have in front of you a note card and a pen, and I invite you to write down your biggest concern. Please then pair up with another person here and share your biggest concern with one another. What questions do you have about this exercise? Great! 

Rather than pair up, this can be a good time for host to listen to the conversations in order to think about the next step.

2. Connect the why to the potential for change by electing Mallory and Brittni. 

Make it clear that this campaign can be a way to work towards change for the better. It is important that the sharing of the “whys” and concerns doesn’t turn into despair or only a session of complaints. To avoid that, point the discussion to the hope that sending Brittni and Mallory to office has the potential to address concerns and hopes. Once folks have given an answer in any format, connect the challenges to issues legislators can take action around. For example: 

Our healthcare system can be really unhelpful and I’m interested in what Brittni and Mallory could do to change how it works here in Colorado. Having people at the Capital asking the questions that matter to me seems to be a step in the right direction. We need people at the state level working for us, especially when the direction of the Federal government is so uncertain.

3. Closure of the “Why” exercise:

After sharing in any format, thank everyone for sharing and validate the reasons that they are in the room. Tell them how much you appreciate their honesty and passion. Explain that so many people have “Whys” and big concerns, especially now. When those of us in the room are willing to talk to others about our whys and really connect with people, we can show others that they can have a voice. They can take action with like-minded people who care about the future for all of us.

This is an appropriate time to invite the candidate to speak, or to speak on their behalf about the positions they hold. 

4. Offer opportunities for Action

Then move on to opportunities for action on a sign in sheet or the links on the campaign webpages. Again, make the connection between the potential for Mallory and Brittni to address the need for change and the actions we volunteer for today. Use the sign in half pages or online sign in page for folks to choose what actions they are interested in and making sure we have contact information to follow up.

What if my group only identifies concerns about the Federal government actions and policies?

It can be hard to shift from fear, worry, and concern about the policies and actions of the Trump administration to an idea that everyone has agency that can lead to change. This is where your relationship of trust and respect can have an impact. We can build power through connection! Use “I” statements to talk about your own journey to taking action to encourage others to try the same. For example:

I often feel scared about how the world is changing. It helps me to focus on what I can control and local campaigns can have a big impact on what our community looks like. That matters. When communities across the U.S. work for local change, that matters. And this campaign gives us a chance to work toward the change we want for ourselves and neighbors.