Hosting a House Party for the
Minneapolis People’s Climate & Equity Plan
We’re so glad you’re interested in hosting a house party for the Minneapolis People’s Climate & Equity Plan! House parties are one of the best tools we have to build the relationships that support your friends and neighbors in taking action.
This toolkit will give you all the information you need to put on a great event. Once you fill out this form to schedule your party, we’ll reach out to see what kind of support you need. Feel free to contact organizing@mn350.org if you have any questions before filling out the form.
What will happen at my house party?
People’s Climate & Equity Plan house parties are designed to introduce people to our work, allow them the opportunity to give feedback on the plan and let their council member know they are in support. At the party, in addition to giving a brief presentation on the plan, we’ll have postcards with original artwork for participants to write a message for their city councilmember.
Who can host?
You don’t have to live in Minneapolis to host a house party - as long as you invite Minneapolis residents. And you’re welcome to host a gathering together with a friend. This lightens the load of organizing the party and increases the number of potential invitees.
Who can attend?
You can invite friends from all over the city as long as they are residents of Minneapolis.
Goals
The first thing to do is set goals for your house party. Your house party coordinator can talk you through setting a goal. Goals should be measurable and will include:
Where, when and what you provide
House parties usually happen in a host’s home or backyard - the outdoors is a great option now that the weather is nice! You are welcome to use another creative venue like a park picnic area. The most important thing is to invite people into a comfortable space where you are able to have a personal experience with your guests. House parties work best in intimate spaces. Most house parties last about 2 hours. As the host you will want to make sure you think about the following logistics:
Inviting guests
It’s your party, you get to control the guest list! Make a list of people you want to invite to the party. Remember that only ⅓ to ½ of the people you invite will be able to come, so make sure to invite 2 or 3 times as many people as you hope to attend.
Initial invitations are often sent via mail or email, but it is important to follow-up with invitees by phone. Calling to invite your guests adds a personal touch and dramatically increases the number of people who will attend your party.
Feel free to invite a range of guests from friends, family, neighbors & coworkers to influential community members, elected officials and anyone you think would like to learn more about the People’s Climate & Equity Plan.
Support from us
If this seems like a lot of work, don’t be daunted! A house party coordinator will support you every step of the way and can attend and speak at your house party. We can also provide the following:
Minneapolis People’s Climate & Equity Plan
House Party Checklist:
3-4 Weeks Out
2 Weeks Out
1 Week Out
Day Before
Day Of
Day After
interest in getting involved ___
Sample House Party Schedule (2 Hours)
Greet guests as they enter (20 Minutes)
Make sure to personally greet your guests as they arrive and thank them for coming. Introduce them to others at the house party. MN350 can provide activities to encourage guests to interact with one another. Have a sign-in sheet at the door to capture the information of people who come.
Activities, talk with your guests (20 Minutes)
At this point you are just hosting a party, put on some low music and make sure your guests have their needs met. Feel free to ask guests what questions they have about MN350 and what they are excited to learn about.
Presentation (30 Minutes)
Get everyone’s attention and make sure they are comfortable. Tell your guests why you support the People’s Climate & Equity Plan, and what will be needed in order to pass it. Your house party coordinator can say a few words as well, but it’s important for you to say why it’s important to you and why you’ve decided to be involved. Take a few questions and ask guests to fill out a postcard and give feedback.
Fill out postcards (40 Minutes)
Put on some low music again and mingle with guests. You can answer people’s questions, or note questions you don’t know the answer to next to your guest’s name on the sign up sheet. Check in with guests who asked questions during the presentation to make sure they were effectively answered. Make sure you thank guests for coming as they leave.
If you have any questions or need assistance you can contact Caroline and Isabel at organizing@mn350.org