RESOURCE:
      Tips for Hosting a House Party  

Having a group of friends, co-workers, or neighbors to your home is a wonderful way to not only better get to know each other, but to provide a fun and interesting way to have conversations about challenging issues around just and humane immigration reform.

Before you invite people, it is helpful to decide what it is you want to do at your House Party.

• Show a movie on immigration with time for discussion.
• Provide a safe place for people to have a conversation concerning their questions/fears regarding immigration.
• Experience NETWORK’s “Engaging Impasse on Immigration” - a process where participants explore feelings, fears and insights about immigration through reflection, role-playing and discussion. All the instructions and information can be downloaded here.

What you will be doing at your House Party may determine who you want to invite.

A good number for a House Party is 6-8 people.

What is your desired outcome?  What do you want to have happen because of this event?

Be specific.  While a larger goal may be to pass immigration reform, a more specific goal may be for those gathered to write a letter in support of immigration reform to their members of congress, or it might be helping those who did not understand the plight of immigrants to have a better understanding. 

Other Helpful Tips:

• When inviting people, be very clear what the purpose of the party is and the beginning and ending time of the party.
• Have all the materials you need ready and make sure you test ahead of time any AV equipment you will be using.
• Will you have food and drink at the event?  If so, what and how will the food be served?