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Host a House Party for the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy
What is a “house party”?
Invite your friends and family to your home to learn about teen pregnancy, parenting and prevention, while socializing and raising money for a good cause – the Alliance!
Why hold a house party?
Hosting a gathering in your home is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to build a network of support for a non-profit organization that you care about. House parties provide an opportunity to introduce new people to the work of the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy and to educate them about the important and sometimes complicated issues around teen pregnancy and early parenting.
It’s easy!
You provide the house, the guest list, and some refreshments. We’ll create invitations, help you set up, and arrange for an inspiring speaker to talk briefly about the work of the Alliance. We’ll also follow up with your friends who want more information or who make a donation.
“It’s a great idea, but I don’t feel comfortable asking my friends for money…”
House parties have proven to be a wonderful way for the Alliance to meet new people who care about preventing teenage pregnancy and supporting pregnant and parenting teens and their children. We’ve found that guests really appreciate learning how they can make a difference—by contributing their dollars, time and advocacy. Keep in mind: People who are interested in creating social change are happy to invest in an organization that does the work they cannot do on their own.
“I’d love to but I don’t have time…Besides, I’m not used to throwing big parties.”
Pick a date and get ready for a pleasant afternoon or evening. You won’t have to cook a gourmet meal or redecorate your home—just provide a comfortable environment, some light refreshments and a cordial atmosphere. Giving yourself and the Alliance eight weeks for planning makes for a successful and virtually stress-free event.
“Sounds like fun, but I don’t know enough people to invite...”
Get together a “committee” of two or three friends or colleagues to pool guest lists and share hosting duties. Think about churches, synagogues, your book group, your basketball team, professional organizations, work, relatives and neighbors. A great party can have as few as 12 people and as many as 40. Just keep in mind that the initial guest list should be at least three times the target number of guests to ensure a good turn out.
To find out how you can throw a house party in your home, contact the Director of Development 617.482-9122, ext. 107 or email info@massteenpregnancy.org.
House Parties – A “To Do” List
| Timeline |
Host’s Responsibilities |
Alliance’s Responsibilities |
| 8 weeks prior |
Provide a guest list, including names and addresses. |
Enter guest list into database. |
| 6 weeks prior |
Review and approve invitation. |
Draft invitation and, once approved, send to printer.
Arrange for speaker.
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| 3.5 weeks prior |
Provide directions and parking instructions for invitation.
Mail invitations.
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Help coordinate mailing.
Invite donors who live in area.
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| 2 weeks prior |
Consider logistics: Where will people park? Where will they put their coats? What will we serve and how will I serve it? Are there enough chairs?
Make follow-up calls to guests.
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Plan for short speeches and how money will be collected.
Recruit staff.
Make follow-up calls to guests.
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| Ongoing |
Collect RSVPs. |
Coordinate responses with host to estimate size of party. |
| At the Party |
Provide refreshments.
Welcome guests, introduce speakers and make a brief pitch: “I’ve invited you here tonight because the Alliance does important work that I know you’ll care about. I have just made a donation of $XX and I hope that you will be inspired to do the same.”
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Give compelling (brief) remarks and thank host.
Mingle.
Collect checks.
Collect addresses and email.
Recruit guests to host the next house party.
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| After the Party |
Thank donors in writing. |
Update database.
Send host a list of donors.
Evaluate the event.
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Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy
105 Chauncy Street, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02111
617.482.9122 Main, 617.482.9129 Fax
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