House Party/Fundraiser Tips

Preparing

• Make sure to choose a date that you know will work for people you'd like to attend.
• Consider asking a few friends or colleagues to help you plan. You can even list them as a "host committee" on the invitation to attract more people who will recognize the names.
• Send invitations at least 3-6 weeks in advance and ask for an RSVP.

Raising the Money

• Set a fundraising goal ($300, $1,000, $5,000, etc), and don't be afraid to ask for money. People will appreciate your appeal for a good cause!
• Offer people the opportunity to donate funds through their written RSVP in response to the invitation (whether or not they can attend the event) and at the event. Passing around a hat or leaving a basket by the door works in conjunction with someone actually making the pitch verbally.

Being Creative

• The event does not have to be a dinner or a brunch; it can be a wine-tasting, chocolate tasting, tea party, etc.
• The event can be in your home or at church or other community setting.
• If you cook, consider recipes from mine-affected countries such as Afghanistan, Mozambique, Vietnam, or Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Cutting Costs

• Get food and other materials donated. You'd be surprised how many companies (restaurants, florists, party stores, etc) are willing to help.
• Have a potluck meal for which guests bring the food. Make sure to coordinate who brings what so you don't end up with all desserts!

Generating Turn-Out

• A week or two before the event, call people you haven't heard from to encourage them to come.
• A few days before the event, call those who have said they will come to remind them of the date and time and to make sure they have directions.

Providing the Information

• Show the new U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines 10 min., inspiring video, which gives a great overview of the landmines problem and the United States' position. The footage of landmine victims in mine-affected countries is quite compelling. Call 617-695-0041x228 to order the video, which is typically $8.00, but free for those using it to raise money for the U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines.

• The USCBL can also provide you with posters and brochures.
• Consider inviting a speaker -a doctor, veteran, or humanitarian worker in your area who has seen the effects of landmines first-hand. Naming a speaker on the invitation will also help with turn-out.

Calling to Action

• In addition to donating money, encourage people to write letters to their legislators or letters to the editor. Encourage them to sign any relevant petitions. Visit www.banminesusa.org for up-to-date action alerts and sample letters.
• Make sure to provide people with samples for the above advocacy activities.
• Make sure to encourage people to write the letters or sign the petitions at your event; if they take the materials home, they will likely forget to take action. Taking 10 minutes to write letters will allow you to send them yourself and to know how many you generated.

Following Up

• Make sure to take down all participants' names and contact information (including email) and to ask if it is okay to pass it along to the U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines. In particular, if they would like, the USCBL can send your guests the bi-weekly email newsletter to keep them informed of landmine campaign activities. At the very least, the USCBL would like to send thank you notes to people who donate money to the campaign.
• Stay in touch with the USCBL!

Sample Planning Timeline for a House Party/ Fundraiser

To help you ensure a successful event, we’ve provided an example timetable for a small to medium-sized houseparty/fundraiser. Keep in mind that depending on when your event takes place, its size and its type, your timetable will be different.

4-8 weeks before -When you decide you want to host an event:

Determine the where, when, who, why and what of the events — Write out an action plan and a to-do list.
Create invitation list.
Arrange for a friend to help or develop a committee.
Develop a budget (how much you have to spend and estimated costs) and a list of things to purchase.

3 to 6 weeks before:
Mail invitations with directions and a request for RSVP.
Reserve any necessary equipment.
Order USCBL video, action alerts, sample letters to legislators, and other materials from the USCBL by calling 617-695-0041 or emailing landmines@fcnl.org.

1 to 2 weeks after mailing invitations:

Call invitation list to encourage people to come (this will increase your turnout).
For a potluck dinner — develop a menu and assign certain dishes to individuals (this will ensure you do not end up with all desserts and no main course).

1 to 2 weeks before:
Plan the meal or refreshments.
Purchase beverages and supplies.
Prepare speakers with background materials and an outline of what you would like them to say.
Prepare your own presentation or remarks.
Make sure all guests have directions.
Secure all needed volunteers for greeters, bartenders, servers, cooks, and people to hand out information and collect checks.

1 to 5 days before:
Obtain rented or borrowed equipment.
Clean the house.
Prepare make-ahead food.
Set up the beverage area.
Select music.
Decorate.

Day of event:
Set the table or arrange the room to accommodate the amount of people and the type of event.
Have a place for your guests to place their coats.
Ask all volunteers to arrive two hours before the event to help with last minute details and receive instructions for their job at the party (have refreshments for the volunteers).

Physicians for Human Rights
100 Boylston Street, Suite 702/ Boston, MA 02116
ph: 617-695-0041
e: landmines@fcnl.org
web: www.banminesusa.org