Click here to download our House Party Kit PDF.

Thank you for hosting a CALIFORNIA LIST house party! House parties are a fun and easy way to support CALIFORNIA LIST. Because we depend on the support of our members, increasing our membership base is a top priority.

House parties are a great opportunity to meet the candidates and learn about their respective campaigns for statewide office. It is also a good way for you and your friends to learn more about the work of CALIFORNIA LIST. Becoming a member of CALIFORNIA LIST is not a requirement for your guests, but these gatherings are an important way for us to expand our network. We will bring membership information to your event so that your friends may join a group of over 1,500 likeminded individuals who believe that women deserve equal representation in California state politics. Bettina Duval, founder of CALIFORNIA LIST, will also be on hand to introduce the candidate(s), talk to your guests about CALIFORNIA LIST, and facilitate the discussion.

Please feel free to contact CALIFORNIA LIST with any questions at 310.458.9355 or via email at info@californialist.org. Have fun at your event!

Event Checklist:

Step One: Getting Started

• Create a host committee of people who can help get attendees to the event and be listed on the invitation. Host committees are optional, but they can be the key to a successful event and are very helpful in splitting event responsibilities and following up with guests.
• Work with CALIFORNIA LIST to pick a date, time and place for your house party. Generally your home or office is the best location.
• Make a list of everyone you know who might attend (family, friends, neighbors, co-workers).
• Put together a guest list but keep in mind that on average only 30% of those invited show up. So if you want 30 people to attend, invite 100 people.
• Send invitations at least three weeks in advance. Tip: Evites are an easy and inexpensive way to invite and organize your guest list.

Step Two: Countdown to the Event

• Two weeks before the event, send a reminder notice to your guests.
• Call everyone on your list one week before the event and ask them to attend (This can be split among the host committee).
• Send a reminder email the week of the event.
• The day before the event, send one last email to your confirmed guests and let them know how much you look forward to seeing them.

Step Three: The Day Of

• Provide snacks and refreshments for your guests. Don’t worry about spending a lot of money – sometimes Trader Joe’s can be better than a caterer!
• Set up a table so that CALIFORNIA LIST can greet your guests. We will provide a sign in sheet.
• Once your guests have had a chance to mingle, gather them together with some brief remarks and introduce Bettina Duval who will present an overview about CALIFORNIA LIST, introduce the speaker, and lead the discussion. We will provide you with information to help you with Bettina’s introduction.

Step Four: The Wrap Up

• Call or send a note to personally thank your guests for coming to the event.
• Encourage them to stay involved with CALIFORNIA LIST.
• Work with CALIFORNIA LIST to provide missing contact information for any of the any guests who attended.

Sample script for your invitation:
I support CALIFORNIA LIST because they believe that women’s voices and views deserve equal representation in California state government. I would like to share with you my enthusiasm for this wonderful organization that supports pro-choice Democratic women running for California state government. Please join me at a party to meet some of the Democratic women making a difference in government.

• Event Details
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