Running the Event

This section provides event organizers with some recommended event structures and schedules based on the goals of the event.

Table of Contents

Possible Event Schedules

Ideas for Work Event Tasks

Possible Event Schedules

This section includes some examples of schedules that can be used for different flavors of social events based on the maturity of campaign as well as immediate goals.

Social-Focused Schedule

This schedule prioritizes creating connections and helping canvassers feel less isolated. Announcements and a breakout session are done early on to break the ice.

• 6:00-6:30 Event starts, people arrive & socialize

• 6:30-7:00 Icebreaker activity

• 7:00-7:30 Serve Food

• 7:30-8:00 Announcements

• 8:00-9:00 Open social and workstation

Work Party-Focused Schedule

For a social event centered around getting work done, the work itself can be a great icebreaker.

• 5:30-6:45 Kick off work tasks. As people arrive, they are sent directly to a workstation if they're interested in helping. Structure the station and tasks so that socializing is easy

• 6:45-7:00 Serve Food

• 7:00-7:15 Announcements

• 7:15-8:30 Casual socializing & continue work. Many people will be eager to continue working and that should be encouraged

Training-Focused Schedule

As the campaign and community matures, you are encouraged to introduce a training element into the social events. To protect the core goal of building community, trainings and teach-ins should not last more than 20-30 minutes.

• 6:00-6:20 Event starts, people arrive & socialize.

• 6:20-6:45 Icebreaker activity in pairs or groups.

• 6:45-7:00 Serve Food

• 7:00-7:15 Announcements

• 7:15-8:00 Training/teach-in

• 8:00-9:00 Casual socializing

Ideas for Work Event Tasks

• Creating petitioner kits

  • Stapling petition packets

  • Numbering petitions

  • Laminating petitioning sheets (for backs of clipboards)

  • Putting new petitioner clipboards together

• Deep canvassing & promotional tasks

  • Text banking

  • Making buttons & stickers

  • Folding leaflets

  • Cutting out spray paint stencils