We appreciate your stepping in to Get Out The Vote (GOTV) in such a fun way. Why do this? Postcards are an effective way to increase voter turnout (+2% – which seems small but can shift election results) and win in tight races. One of the best parts of Postcard Party hosting is the gathering of friends to take action.
Start with this great video on how to host a Postcard Party
Checklist for your Postcard Party
Preparation
- Get Supplies
- Postcards (10-15/anticipated guest)
- Stamps (beware of scams!)
- Addresses/Scripts (see “supplying your party” below)
- Decide on number of guests
- Choose location, date and time
Invitation Email: Include event details and expectations – Your guests will need to know:
- When & where
- What you are asking them to do and that you will provide the postcards, addresses, scripts and stamps
- Ask for donations for stamps so no one is surprised by the request at the party (¢56 each)!
- How long the party is (we suggest 1.5 hours with a flexible end time)
- Let them know people usually do between 10 and 15 cards
- If you plan on having some snacks/drinks available. (Be sure these snacks will not easily smudge the postcards)
Party Setup
- Print and prepare materials
- Prepare Postcard Packets
- 15 addresses, postcards and stamps
- One script each
- Have extra supplies ready
- Snacks
The Event – Party Suggestions
- Start writing immediately
- Implement “Library quiet” for focus
- Share hopes at the end
- Encourage guests to host their own parties
Follow-up
- Email guests with total postcards written
- Ask guests to follow up on reaching out to the broader community
- Ask how they can be supported in their efforts to Get Out The Vote
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Additional Info:
Here are two options for supplying your party
- NOTE: Order between 10 and 15 postcards per anticipated guest
Choose your focus:
SWING STATES:
The Progressive Turnout Project will send postcards, scripts and addresses to you. Be sure to order right away so you get your postcards before the party – this might take a few weeks! Once you have the postcards, you can set your party date.
OTHER STATES:
ThirdAct’s National Postcards Campaign—the one in the video—will email you addresses and scripts but DOES NOT supply postcards! You can order postcards from here for the cost of shipping. They should arrive within a week.
Party Suggestions
- Start your guests writing right away. This helps focus the party and keeps to your time frame.
- Letting your guests know that the first hour is “library quiet”; silent or quiet voices so people can concentrate
- Have a few sets of colored markers and/or colored pencils in order to highlight candidate names or important information on the postcards.
- Have some time at the end to connect: Guests each share fear(s), then hope(s). It can be a helpful and energizing experience when you end on a hopeful note.
- If you know the final number of postcards written, share with the group.
- Invite everyone/anyone to host their own “Postcard Party” and/or a “Writing to Friends and Family party”
- HAVE FUN!
After the party, follow up with a quick email to your guests to:
- Share the number of postcards written
- Ask guests to follow up on reaching out to the broader community
- Ask how they can be supported in their efforts to GOTV
- Share the Third Act Website and invite them to join
- Ask that they consider hosting their own Postcard Party
- (If you are up for it) see if they would like to come to another party where you would all write to friends and family, encouraging them to vote for Climate Conscious candidates. See “Letters to Friends and Family Party”