Tip #1: Review available information
Review the Postcard Parties information on the Third Act website.
Tip #2: Order the postcards early
Of the materials you’ll need, the actual postcards take the longest, so get that going. There are other ways, but we downloaded the graphic design from the TA website and sent it to a local printer. We order 500 at a time and each order takes about 5 business days.
Tip #3: Choose a location
Someone’s house is nice, since you have more control, but a coffee shop, brewery, etc. can be fun. You just don’t want it to be too loud.
Tip #4: Order your addresses from Activate America
Go to Activate America, linked from the TA website, choose a campaign and order your addresses. 200-300 are doable numbers for around 20 people. You’ll get your addresses, script and instructions in an email, usually the same day. Print TWO copies of the addresses (one for a master list and one to cut up and distribute to the volunteers). Make 20-30 copies of the script (depending on how many addresses you get).
Tip #5: Recruit writers and new Third Actors!
Begin recruiting postcard writers, Third Actors and beyond. We make a different Canva graphic for each party to share on social media, emails, texts, etc. and so friends can easily invite friends. Cast a broad net. People are in the mood to “Do Something” and it’s a great way to introduce new people to your WG. That being said, have a way to RSVP so you can plan.
Tip #6: Create packets for volunteers
Before the party, put together packets of materials for the volunteers. Each packet contains addresses, postcards, and a script. The addresses are cut from one of your two copies of addresses. This may seem like a lot, but it makes everything so simple at the party. We label the packets according to which addresses they contain, e.g. Packet 6B contains the second group of 10 addresses (group B) on page 6 of the master list.
Tip #7: Develop a texting system to confirm mailed postcards
Attendees take the packets with them after the party and mail the postcards they have written. They put their names and date mailed on the packet. Then they take a photo and text it to us. The person who is getting the texts also has the master list, checking off the addresses that have been mailed.
More tips:
- Have pens that don’t smear.
- Have name tags.
- Have a sign in sheet and next to each name put the packet they are taking, e.g Nancy Harvill, 2D
- Have refreshments.
- Be able to answer questions like, Why this election? Why this message? How did Activate America choose these people? Does this even work? All of this is in the information provided by Activate America.
- Keep it fun. This should not be joyless.
Happy postcarding!