Food Bank Drive
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Lend a hand to those in your community who are struggling by organizing a Food Bank Drive! This is an easy, powerful way for you to help! There are two way to collect donations: neighborhood canvas or stationary collection point.
Register your chapter below for this activity
NEIGHBORHOOD CANVAS - TWO DAY PROJECT
The neighborhood canvas is fun and easy to do. You can repeat it by targeting different neighborhoods. On Bag Drop-Off Day, your volunteers deliver paper grocery bags to homes in a targeted neighborhood. Attached to each bag is a flyer encouraging homeowners to place non-perishable items in the bag for the needy in their community. Your volunteers return to that same neighborhood on Bag Collection Day to collect any bags put out by homeowners.
| Prep Time | 2-4 hours |
| Event Time | 4-6 hours |
| Supplies | Grocery bags, flyers, post-it notes |
| Estimated Cost | Approximately $50 |
PLAN AND PREP
| Decide which food bank in your community will receive your donations. |
| Inform the food bank of your plans and ask for their input and advice. They will be very appreciative of your chapter’s efforts. Make arrangements to deliver your donations on Bag Collection Day if possible. You may need to deliver them at a later date if the pantry is not open |
| Choose neighborhoods to target for collection. You will want to pick areas where you feel safe and which will welcome this charitable activity. You may also want to select neighborhoods where the homes are close together so you can cover as much ground as possible! |
| Volunteers should never be alone in a neighborhood. Plan for them to work in teams of two or more. |
| Select dates for Bag Drop-Off and Bag Collection Day. We recommend Bag Drop-Off on a Wednesday or Thursday (although a Saturday will work), followed by Bag Collection Day on the following Saturday. |
| Check the check extended forecast when selecting a date. |
| Recruit others to join your project! Contact your state chairs for possible participation and/or names of other volunteers in your area. |
| Contact a local grocery store to see if they will donate bags. If they will not provide them, most stores will sell them for a few cents per bag |
| Prepare a flyer to attach to the grocery bag. Click here for a template. Print/copy the flyer on bright paper (yellow, orange or pink). |
| Plan a work session to staple your flyers to the bags. |
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Prepare “thank you” post-it notes. Just write “Thank you for your donation” and add your chapter name and email address. These will be placed on the doors of donors on Bag Collection Day. |
PROMOTE
| Spread the word about your chapter’s project to friends, family, church members, tea party groups, homeschooling groups, local GOP and veterans, neighbors and anyone else you think might like to lend a hand. Share via email, Facebook and personal phone calls. |
| Keep track of your volunteer signups so you can send reminders by phone or email about your work session, Bag Drop-Off Day and Bag Collection Day. |
BAG DROP-OFF DAY
| Plan a meeting place for your volunteers. This can be at the neighborhood entrance, someone’s home (have refreshments) or a local restaurant. |
| Ask volunteers to sign in. Click here for a sign-in sheet. |
| Go over a few safety guidelines and instructions |
| Tell your volunteers to place the bag on the porch where the homeowner will likely see it. Be respectful of the homeowner’s property rights. Stay on the sidewalk or driveway. Do not cut across grass or flower beds. Do not knock on the door. If a homeowner engages you, just take a few minutes to explain what you’re doing and ask for their help. If you encounter resistance, simply apologize and leave the property. You are representing Patriot Voices -- so be friendly! |
| Have fun and take lots of pictures to post on Facebook and Twitter (use @Patriot_Voices and #pvfooddrive)! |
| Send us an email report with photos: [email protected] |
BAG COLLECTION DAY
| Plan a meeting place for your volunteers. This can be at the neighborhood entrance, at someone’s home (have drinks and snacks) or a local restaurant. |
| Ask everyone to sign in. Click here for a sign-in sheet. |
| Go over a few simple safety guidelines and instructions. |
| Start collecting! Canvass the neighborhood where you left your bags. Consider leaving a “thank you” post-it note on the doors of donors. These will need to be prepared ahead of time. |
| Do not knock on doors and ask for donations. If a homeowner engages you, just take a few minutes to explain what you’re doing. If you encounter resistance, simply apologize and leave the property. Remember you are representing Patriot Voices so we want to be friendly! |
| After you are all done collecting bags, deliver all donations to your local food bank. Be sure and let them know ahead of time when you will be making your delivery. |
| Have fun and take lots of pictures to post on Facebook and Twitter (use #pvfooddrive and @Patriot_Voices)! Encourage all of your chapter members to take photos, but make sure you have a designated “photographer” so that you end up with good shots for social media and to email to our national team. |
FOLLOW-UP
| Send us an email report with photos: [email protected] |
| Thank everyone who participated – a follow-up phone call or email is a great idea! |
| To help promote your chapter, send one of your event photos to your local newspaper. |
| If your project attracts new people who are not yet members, ask them to join your chapter! |
| Encourage everyone to visit www.patriotvoices.com and sign up for email updates. |
| Ask folks to get connected on our social networking channels |
| Add your members/volunteers to our network using this grassroots tool. <link> |
COLLECTION POINT – ONE DAY PROJECT
For this project, you will select a stationary collection point and have people bring their donations to you.
| Prep Time | 2 hours |
| Event Time | 2 -4 hours |
| Supplies | Fliers, signs, containers |
| Estimated Cost | $25-50 |
PLAN AND PREP
| Decide which food bank in your community will receive your donations. |
| Inform the food bank of your plans and ask for their input and advice. They will appreciate your chapter’s efforts. Make arrangements to deliver your donations after your drive. You may need to deliver them at a later date if the bank is not open. |
| Choose a collection point – recruit a partner. Suggestion: local grocery store or business, farmer’s market, school, library, radio/TV station. |
| Select a date. Saturday works best. |
| Weather probably won’t affect your project, but you may want to check extended forecast when selecting a date. |
| Recruit others to join your project |
| Prepare signage. Click here for a Patriot Voices sign. |
| Prepare a schedule for volunteers on collection day and distribute it to everyone (schedule at least two people at all times). |
| Plan your collection site set-up. A pick-up truck is a great idea – it’s highly visible, easy to decorate and folks can drop their donations right in! If that’s not an option you will need several containers/bags. Be sure and use Patriot Voices signs so that your donors can see what your chapter is involved in. Click here for a sign download. |
| Plan to have a flier about Patriot Voices and your chapter to hand to folks as they drop off donations - click here for an example. A signup sheet is a great idea too. |
PROMOTE
| Spread the word about your chapter’s food drive to friends, family, church members, tea party groups, homeschooling groups, local GOP and veterans, neighbors and anyone else you think might like to lend a hand. Share via email and personal phone calls. |
| Create a Facebook event and invite all who live in your area. |
| Keep track of your volunteer signups so you can send reminders by phone or email about your work session, Bag Drop-Off Day and Bag Collection Day. |
| Check with your local news outlets to see if they will cover your event. |
COLLECTION DAY
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| As your volunteers arrive, ask them to sign in. Click here for a sign-in sheet | |
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| Have fun and take lots of pictures to post on Facebook and Twitter (use @Patriot_Voices and #pvfooddrive)! Encourage all of your chapter members to take photos, but make sure you have a designated “photographer” so that you end up with good shots for social media and to email to our national team. | |
| After you’re finished, deliver your food to your local food bank. Be sure and let them know ahead of time when you will be making your delivery. |
FOLLOW-UP
| Send us an email report with photos: [email protected] |
| Thank everyone who participated – a follow-up phone call or email is a great idea! |
| To help promote your chapter, send one of your event photos to your local newspaper |
| If your project attracts new people who are not yet members, ask them to join your chapter |
| Encourage everyone to visit www.patriotvoices.com and sign up for email updates. |
| Ask folks to get connected on our social networking channels. |
| Add your members/volunteers to our network using this grassroots tool. <link> |
Add your name below to register your chapter for this activity and a staff member will contact you soon. You must agree to donate all items collected to your local food bank and/or other organizations with similar missions to help those in need in your community.
Day at the capitol
Posted
· January 07, 2014 10:45 PM
Take your chapter to the state capitol for a day trip! Plan to visit your state legislators and other leadership, tour the capitol building, observe a legislative session or committee hearing, and tour other special buildings, monuments and museums. Cap off your day with dinner together!
This activity could also be used to lobby your representatives or express your appreciation for a job well done! As a way of inspiring the next generation of conservatives, encourage your members to bring their children, and if your chapter is sponsoring a Young Patriots group, invite them to join you.
Register your chapter below for this activity
| Prep Time | 2-4 hours |
| Event Time | 8-10 hours |
| Supplies | Sign-in sheets, palm cards, lapel stickers |
| Estimated Cost | Variable (meals, transportation) |
PLAN AND PREP
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Inform your state chairs that your chapter is planning to visit the state capitol so they can provide guidance. Invite them to join you! |
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Choose a future date that gives you enough time to create a good plan. |
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Prepare a trip itinerary and share it with your group. Ask for input from your members. |
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Discuss transportation. |
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Many capitol buildings are open for tours through the week, with limited schedules on weekends and holidays. Be sure to check their hours, as you plan your itinerary. |
| Call your legislators’ offices to schedule an appointment to meet privately. If they are in session, this may be more difficult to arrange. If this is an important part of your purpose for your trip, plan accordingly. |
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Ask your local legislator if there are any committee meetings or hearings which are open to the public. |
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Reach out to the committee chair/leadership to confirm your groups's attendance. |
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If your group wants to take an “official” tour of your capitol building, see if advance sign up is available. |
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Allow time in your schedule for meals, restroom breaks and security checks. |
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Check out your state’s website for tips, parking suggestions, and ideas of other places of interest. Don’t hesitate to call to get more information. |
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Encourage everyone to wear comfortable shoes and bring along an umbrella. |
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While at the state capitol, if you discover an important issue that needs to attention, contact your state chairs so they can inform Patriot Voices staff for consideration as a state-wide effort. |
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If you’re planning to lobby your legislators about a specific issue, prior to your trip please check in with our Political Director, Jessica Colón at [email protected] to discuss. |
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Take along Patriot Voices palm cards and information about your chapter to distribute to those you visit. |
PROMOTE
| Promote your chapter's visit to your state capitol well in advance. |
| Invitations can be delivered by personal invitation, fliers, email, text, phone, Facebook event, US Mail, or an announcement at church or GOP and tea party meetings. |
| Encourage your members to bring spouses, children, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Inviting others will help your chapter grow! |
TRIP DAY!
| Plan to arrive a few minutes ahead of your first scheduled appointment. |
| Pass out itineraries. |
| Check everyone in with a check-in sheet (make sure you have mobile numbers). Click here for a template. |
| Talk about decorum with your members. Ask everyone to remain respectful no matter what. |
| Have fun and take lots of photos to post on Facebook and Twitter! Use @patriot_voices and your state's GOP hashtag, e.g. #IAGOP, #ALPolitics #RedIN #PAGOP |
FOLLOW UP
| Send us an email report with photos: [email protected] |
| Thank everyone who participated - a phone call or email is a great idea! |
| Provide your group with a list of those you met with and encourage them to write a follow-up note. |
| Encourage your members to write a letter to the editor about your trip. |
| To help promote your chapter, send one of your photos to your local newspaper. |
| If your project attracts new people who are not yet members, ask them to join your chapter! |
| Encourage everyone to visit www.patriotvocies.com and sign up for email updates. |
| Ask folks to get connected on our social networking channels. |
| Add your members/volunteers to our network using this grassroots tool. Obtain the password here: [email protected]. |
Add your name below to register your chapter for this activity and a staff member will contact you soon.
PROMOTE PATRIOT VOICES AT a FESTIVAL OR FAIR
Posted
· December 06, 2013 7:50 PM
· 1 reaction
Is there an upcoming festival, fair or conference in your community where you could have a booth or table? This is a fantastic, low cost way for others to learn about your Patriot Voices chapter!
Register your chapter below for this activity
| Prep Time | 2 -3 hours |
| Event Time | 4 - 8 hours |
| Supplies | Signs, sign-up sheets, clipboards, pens, tickets for prize drawing, container for tickets, tablecloth, table, two chairs, individually-wrapped candy, palm cards, chapter flyer, flyers about your next chapter meeting, petitions (optional) |
| Estimated Cost | $25-100 |
PLAN AND PREP
| Research festivals and fairs held in your area. Check with your Republican headquarters, Chamber of Commerce, Visitor Bureau, Farm Extension office, and other civic groups. |
| Select an event and recruit chapter members or a few friends to help staff the booth. |
| Secure booth space through the organizers. Contact our national staff for help with this step: [email protected]. If a written contract is required, you must obtain this from our national staff. |
| Gather supplies ahead of time. Suggested supplies: 6 - 8 ft. table (maybe be provided by organizers – be sure to check), table cover (black, red, white or blue are great colors), patriotic decorations (red, white, and blue balloons, American flags), sign-up sheets, Patriot Voices flyer, prize tickets, signs, chapter flyer, petitions, candy, etc. Click here for helpful downloads. |
| Register your booth with Patriot Voices below. Once your event is approved, we’ll ship you a complimentary Booth Kit which may include the following: signs, palm cards, stickers and either a shirt or “Our Sacred Honor” DVD to give away! If you would like more prizes, check out our store: www.patriotvoices.com/store |
| Review Patriot Voices’ mission and other info on our website so you can answer questions. |
| Prepare two fliers: one about your chapter and one about your next chapter event/meeting. |
PROMOTE
| If your event has a Twitter hashtag, use it to help promote your booth ahead of time. Let your state chairs and our national staff know the hashtag so we can help! |
| Display Patriot Voices signs on the front of your table and/or back of display. |
FESTIVAL DAY
| Arrive early to set up. |
| Be friendly and smile! |
| It's important to collect contact info to help build your chapter and our national organization! Keep this in mind throughout the day. |
| Ask people to sign up to win a free Patriot Voices t-shirt or “Our Sacred Honor” DVD! Make sure they include their phone number and email address. |
| If your event has a hashtag, be sure and use it to help promote your booth throughout the day. Tweet photos of your booth, volunteers and visitors! |
| If you’ve printed out one of our petitions, ask people to sign! |
| Share about Patriot Voices and why you personally decided to get involved! |
| Avoid conflict and deep political discussion. Remember you are a grassroots organizer and not responsible for delivering policy/messaging. Encourage folks to visit our website if they want more info. |
| Invite people to attend your next chapter meeting. Give them a flyer about your chapter/meetings. |
| Toward the end of your event, draw a prize winner. Notify winner with request to stop by the booth to pick up prize. Take a photo to tweet and post on Facebook. If the winner has already left the event, arrange to meet them to deliver or mail it. |
| Have fun and take lots of pictures! Make sure you have a designated “photographer” so that you end up with good shots for Facebook and Twitter and to email to our national team. |
FOLLOW UP
| Share photos in your chapter’s Facebook group. |
| IMPORTANT: Follow up with signups with a phone call or email. Invite them to attend your next chapter meeting! If they are from another area of the state, connect them with your state chair. |
| Thank everyone who volunteered – a follow-up phone call or email is a great idea! |
| To help promote your chapter, send one of your event photos to your local newspaper. |
| If your project attracts volunteers who are not yet members, ask them to join your chapter! |
| Encourage everyone to visit www.patriotvoices.com and sign up for email updates. |
| Ask folks to get connected on our social networking channels. |
| Add your members/volunteers to our network using this grassroots tool. <link > |
| Send us an email report with photos: [email protected] |
Add your name below to register your chapter for this activity and a staff member will contact you soon.
HOST A FAITH AND FREEDOM COOKOUT!
Posted
· November 04, 2013 6:55 AM
· 1 reaction
A cookout is a great way to gather people together in a casual, friendly atmosphere to discuss freedom of religion and encourage everyone to get involved in protecting that freedom!
Register your chapter below for this activity
| Prep Time | 2 hours |
| Event Time | 2 -3 hours |
| Supplies | Food, paper products, drinks, and discussion print-outs. |
| Estimated Cost | Variable $25-35 (have a pitch-in to keep the costs down) |
PLAN AND PREP
| Choose a location. Suggestions: your backyard, community park or your church or make it a neighborhood block party! |
| Pick a date and time. Create an invitation. |
| Check the extended weather forecast and make back up plan if it rains (alternate date or indoor location). |
| Develop your guest list: friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and folks from groups (tea party, GOP, civic groups, church, and homeschool). Perhaps you make it an entire church event! |
| Plan your menu. To keep costs down, ask your guests to pitch-in and bring something to share! You should plan to provide meat, drinks and tableware. |
| To make your cookout even more special, download/print a special recipe to share with your guests. |
| Print a sign-in sheet for guests. Prepare a flyer about your chapter and one about your next chapter meeting. |
| Choose a discussion topic to get the conversation started about faith, freedom and family. |
| Plan and prepare your location. You might want to ask your guests to bring lawn chairs. |
| Prepare your food ahead of time as much as possible. This helps avoid that last minute stress and allows you to be a great host! If you plan to grill at your cookout, have someone else do the major grilling to free you up to be the host. |
| Decorate “Patriotic” style with red, white and blue balloons and streamers! Sign up here to have Patriot Voices’ signs and palm cards shipped to you. |
PROMOTE
| Invite guests! Click here for a sample invitation. Keep track of RSVPs so you can send a reminder the day before your cookout. |
| Put up flyers. If you plan to invite the public to your cook out, place fliers throughout the community and wherever there is a public bulletin board (library, bank, grocery stores, churches, your work place, your neighborhood). Always ask for permission before posting. Click here for a sample flyer. |
| Tweet about your event. Use: @Patriot_Voices and set up a Facebook event page. |
| If your cookout is a large event, consider providing name tags for your guests. |
COOKOUT
| Have fun and take lots of photos! Encourage all of your chapter members to take photos, but make sure you designate a “photographer” so that you end up with good shots for Facebook/Twitter and to email to our national team. |
| Greet your guests and ask them to sign in. Offer name tags. |
| Ask your chapter members to help welcome guests and engage them in conversation. |
| After your meal, talk about Patriot Voices and why you've gotten involved! Lead discussion about faith, freedom and family or another topic that might interest your your guests. When you're finished, invite your guests to your next chapter activity/meeting. |
| Be a welcoming host! Talk with each guest and make them feel comfortable. |
FOLLOW-UP
| Send us an email report with photos: [email protected]. |
| Say "thanks" to everyone who attended or helped with your cookout – a phone call or email is a good idea. Encourage everyone involved to visit www.patriotvoices.com and sign up to join us and also get connected on our social networking channels. Invite them to become a member of your chapter. |
| If your guests sign up, add them to our network using our grassroots database tool. Email Patriot Voices to obtain a password. |
| To help promote your chapter, send one of your cookout photos to your local newspaper. |
Register below and a staff member will be in touch soon!
Host a forum
Posted
· November 04, 2013 6:54 AM
· 1 reaction
Host a forum to help your community become more informed about an issue or election! The key to a successful forum is planning!
Register your chapter below for this activity
| Prep Time | 20 hours |
| Event Time | 2 hours |
| Supplies | Signs, sign-up sheets, clipboards, pens, tickets for prize drawing, container for tickets, tablecloth, tables, chairs, microphone/audio system, palm cards, chapter flyer, flyers about your next chapter meeting, |
| Estimated Cost | Variable |
PREPARE
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Decide what kind of forum you will host. Candidate forum:
Discussion forum:
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| Do extensive research so that you are adequately prepared. Seek guidance from those who have hosted these types of events in the past. Check with your state leadership for their help and guidance. |
| Select a date and time. Allow at least 6 weeks to adequately prepare. Check community and school calendars for potential conflicts. |
| Select a site that has adequate seating, sound system, and parking. Consider auditoriums, theaters, churches, libraries, and schools. |
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Form a leadership team and assign duties:
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| Draft an invitation letter to candidates/speakers. Click here for suggestion. Follow up with a phone call. |
| Invite local media and bloggers. |
| Select a moderator, timekeeper and someone to review questions during the event. |
| Prepare event “ground-rules” and “run-down.” Click here for suggestions. |
| Prepare a broad range of topics/questions. |
| Plan to have a team of volunteers “live tweet” during your forum; encourage all attendees to participate. |
| Select a Twitter hashtag for your event. |
| Prepare a set-up check list. |
| Prepare name tags. |
| Prepare signage. |
| Two weeks before your event, send a reminder to key participants (moderator, candidates/speakers). |
PROMOTE
| Be creative – you want great attendance, so recruit throughout the weeks leading up to your event. |
| Prepare a flyer to promote your forum. Click here for a template. |
| Spread the word to everyone! |
| Share via email, Facebook, Twitter and personal phone calls. |
| Ask your local news outlets to co-sponsor and/or promote. |
2 WEEKS BEFORE EVENT
| Re-confirm site arrangements |
| Send reminders to all key participants: speakers, candidates, moderator |
| Circulate questions to candidates/speakers for final selection; prepare "Run-Down" |
| Continue to promote |
| Make final volunteers assignments; check in with your leadership team |
48 HOURS BEFORE EVENT
| Confirm site set-up time/arrangements. |
| Check in with your leadership team. |
| Send reminders to candidates/speakers. |
| Send reminder to media outlets. |
| Send reminder and final instructions to your volunteers |
| Post reminders via email, Facebook, Twitter. |
| Make reminder phone calls to key individuals (local leaders, pastors, etc.). |
| Go over set-up checklist and finalize "Run-Down" |
DAY OF EVENT
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Post reminders on Facebook and Twitter. Make reminder calls to media. |
| Touch base with your leadership team. |
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Print out several copies of your "Run-Down" |
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Set up your event site two hours before doors open:
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| Greet media and show them where they may set up. |
| Greet speakers/candidates as they arrive; show them to green room and encourage them to informally engage attendees before forum. |
| Have a volunteer greet attendees at check in table; ask everyone to sign in and submit questions. |
| Ask your chapter members to circulate among attendees before and after event. This is a great time to engage folks. |
GO TIME!
| Step to microphone and give a warm welcome. |
| Introduce yourself and say a few words about your chapter; encourage everyone to join your chapter. Thank key individuals (site hosts, important guests, etc.). |
| Encourage attendees to live tweet during event; share your event hashtag. |
| Introduce your moderator, who will then introduce your speakers/candidates and go over ground rules. |
| Keep event on schedule using your rundown. |
| Encourage all of your chapter members to take photos, but make sure you have a designated “photographer” so that you end up with good shots for Facebook and to email to our national team: [email protected] |
| At the conclusion of your event, step to microphone again and thank everyone for coming, invite them to stay, visit and enjoy refreshments. |
FOLLOW-UP
| Send thank you cards to your moderator, speakers, candidates, distinguished guests and volunteers. |
| To help promote your chapter, send one of your event photos to your local newspaper. |
| If your event attracted new volunteers who are not members, be sure and follow up with phone calls/emails to recruit them! |
| Encourage everyone involved to visit PatriotVoices.com and get connected on our social networking channels. |
| Add your new members/volunteers to our network using this grassroots tool. |
Add your name below to register your chapter for this activity and a staff member will contact you soon.
Partner with A Pregnancy Center
Posted
· November 04, 2013 6:41 AM
· 2 reactions
We’re making a difference - the pro-life movement is gaining momentum! One reason is the unconditional love and support shown by pregnancy centers across the country.
Pregnancy center workers and volunteers are on the front-line fighting for each and every life - and doing it with love. So show your support by partnering with a pregnancy center in your own community. Find out where there is a need and see what you can do to help!
Register your chapter below for this activity.
| Prep Time | Variable |
| Event Time | Variable |
| Supplies | TBD |
| Estimated Cost | Variable |
PLAN AND PREP
| Identify a pregnancy center in your area. Click here to see if there is one nearby or do an internet search. |
| Contact the center's director and find out how your chapter can be helpful. Perhaps they need your chapter to organize a diaper or formula drive or provide volunteers for an upcoming event or fundraiser. |
| Report back to your members and discuss your project. |
| Make a detailed plan which includes realistic goals, a list of jobs/assignments and deadlines. |
| Recruit others to join! When folks see what you’re trying to accomplish, they will be inspired to help! The following is a suggested plan for a Diaper/Formula Drive. |
DIAPER/FORMULA DRIVE
| Check with your pregnancy center before you get started to get helpful details. Pick a project name. |
| Identify churches and/or civic groups who are supportive of the prolife movement. |
| Create a letter describing your project – ask if they would be willing to be a collection point. |
| Prepare a flyer. |
| Prepare collection boxes. Painting or covering with pink and blue is a great idea! Add signage about your project. |
| Deliver boxes and flyers to participating churches/locations. Make sure they know when you will return for pick up. |
| Provide a sample bulletin insert/announcement. |
| On collection day(s), return to collection point to gather donations. Some churches may be willing to leave collection boxes out on a long-term basis, so be sure to ask. |
| Keep track of donations collected – number of diapers/formula. |
| Deliver your donations to the pregnancy center. |
| Send a thank you note to the church/group. |
| Have fun and take lots of pictures throughout your project. Make sure you have a designated “photographer” so that you end up with good shots for Facebook and Twitter and to email to our national team. |
| Send us an email report with photos: [email protected] |
FOLLOW-UP
| Thank your members for participating in this project – a phone call or email is a great idea! |
| To help promote your chapter in your community, send one of your photos to your local newspaper. Send us the online link if there is one. |
| If your project attracts new people who are not yet members, ask them to join your chapter! |
| Encourage everyone to visit www.patriotvoices.com and sign up for email updates. |
| Ask folks to get connected on our social networking channels. |
| Add your members/volunteers to our network using this grassroots tool. |
Register below and a staff member will be in touch!
Sponsor Young Patriots High School Chapter
Posted
· November 01, 2013 6:31 AM
We need to encourage and inspire the next generation of conservatives. Your chapter can do this by sponsoring a Young Patriots high school chapter! This ongoing partnership with the teens in your community will help educate them about America's first principles, provide grassroots training and inspire engagement in the political process.
Register your chapter below for this activity
Click here to download a PDF version of this page
| Start-Up Time | 2-6 hours |
| Kick-Off Event Time | 2 hours |
| Initial Supplies | Patriot Voices palm cards, lapel stickers, bumper stickers, signs |
| Estimated Cost | $50 - 75 (pizza, chips, soda, door prizes for the initial meeting) |
PLAN AND PREP
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Decide at which high school you will start this chapter. Encourage your members to help select a high school in your area. |
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Research guidelines and procedures for student groups/organizations in your school system. Check with the administration office at the school district and the high school. Draft a letter to the Principal or Superintendent. (Click here for a sample letter). |
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Recruit a faculty member to sponsor your group. |
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IMPORTANT: Identify one or two student leaders to help get this chapter started. |
| Once your chapter is approved by the school administration, meet with your faculty sponsor and student leaders to map out a strategy. |
| Sign up below to sponsor a Young Patriots Chapter and we’ll provide you a start-up kit, which includes “Our Sacred Honor” DVD, Patriot Voices palm cards, lapel stickers and bumper stickers. |
| We suggest your kick-of event be a showing of the “Our Sacred Honor” DVD, followed by discussion about our Constitution and how our American Revolution was different than the French Revolution. Click here for discussion points. |
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Create a flyer for your kick-off event. Click here for sample. |
| Suggestions for future meetings/events: guest speakers (mayor, state representative, state senator, community business leaders); shadow elected officials (mayor), state house trip, attend school board meeting, host a forum and other projects found on our “What’s Next” page. Consider an essay contest for Young Patriots members, offering a prize for the best essay and an opportunity to read it to your Patriot Voices chapter (invite local elected officials, media and entire community to attend). |
| Check out the Patriot Voices online store to purchase door prizes for events. Ask local business to donate items or gift cards for meetings and events. |
| Always provide refreshments! It’s a fact that teens like to eat! You’ll be surprised at how hungry they can be, especially when you serve something they like! Suggestions: pizza, chips, soda (Mountain Dew will be gone within minutes). And don’t forget the paper plates, cups and napkins. |
| Check out our downloads! |
PROMOTE
| Promote your new Young Patriots Chapter by announcing its formation and initial meeting in the local paper and school newspaper! Perhaps you can arrange a special interview for your students leaders and faculty sponsor. Click here for a sample press-release. |
| Work through your school sponsor to distribute your kick-off event flier. Especially target the teachers in the Social Studies Department. Suggest that they offer extra credit to those who attend. Students could be required to provide a Patriot Voices’ palm card as proof of attendance. |
| Post fliers around your community (library, banks, grocery stores, churches, etc). |
| Contact your local Republican headquarters/leadership and tea party groups and provide them with fliers to distribute. Ask them to help get the word out! |
| Start a Facebook group: “Your town’s name Young Patriots Chapter” and add your student leaders so they can invite their friends to join. |
| Create a Facebook group event for your kick-off meeting |
| Ask your members to personally invite any teens at the school to the kick-off meeting. Make sure they share that there will be pizza, door prizes, and a movie and encourage them to bring a friend! |
KICK-OFF EVENT
| Greet students they arrive and ask them to sign up to win door prizes. Make sure they include their phone number and email. |
| Talk about Patriot Voices and why you decided to get involved! Be enthusiastic! |
| Introduce key people – student leaders/faculty sponsor. Encourage others to consider leadership roles. |
| Share about the new Young Patriot chapter and your future plans. Introduce “Our Sacred Honor” DVD or your guest speaker. |
| Afterwards, guide discussion, allowing students plenty of opportunity to express opinions and ask questions. Click here for “Our Sacred Honor” discussion guide. |
| Ask for ideas for the next meeting and future projects. |
| Have fun and take lots of photos! Tweet using: @Patriot_Voices and #youngpatriots so others can see your activity. Encourage all of your chapter members to take photos, but make sure you have a designated “photographer” so that you end up with good shots for Facebook and Twitter and to email to our national team. |
| Send us an email report with photos: [email protected] |
FOLLOW-UP
| Follow up with those who attended with a phone call or email. See who is interested in getting involved and invite them to attend your next Young Patriots chapter meeting! |
| Add your signups to our network by using this grassroots tool. <link> |
| Soon after your kick-off event, host a meeting with your school sponsor and students leaders to talk about next steps, goals and your vision for their student group. This is a great opportunity to mentor young conservatives. With guidance, your Young Patriots chapter can serve an important function. |
| Always work within the guidelines of your school, keeping them informed about your chapter’s plans and activities. |
| After you’ve viewed the DVD with your Young Patriots Chapter, ask the school’s American History teacher to consider showing it in the classroom. Check with the school librarian for placement in the library. |
Add your name below to register your chapter for this activity and a staff member will contact you soon.
Host a Coffee!
Posted
· October 30, 2013 10:58 AM
Hosting a Coffee event is a great way to gather together with friends to discuss a specific issue and/or share about a Patriot Voices advocacy project. This activity is easy to do and a great way to connect with others in a comfortable, casual environment. You may find that a Coffee event is so effective, that you repeat it on a regular basis!
You and your chapter members will find that this is the kind of activity grows your chapter exponentially – simply by each of you inviting one or two others each time you hold one. Your coffee location will be determined by the size of your group and your personal preference.
Register your chapter below for this activity
| Prep Time | 1-2 hours |
| Event Time | 1 hour |
| Supplies | Coffee, refreshments, petitions, handout/flyers, discussion topics |
| Estimated Cost | $10-$30 |
PLAN AND PREP
| Choose a location. Suggestions: coffee shop, restaurant, church fellowship hall, American Legion, your home or a friend’s home. |
| Pick a date and time. |
| Develop your guest list. Plan to invite friends, family, neighbors, members of groups such as your tea party, GOP, card club, church, homeschool, co-workers, or make it an entire church event! |
| Plan your menu. If you decide to host at a coffeehouse, you will need to decide if your guests will purchase their own coffee or you are treating. Make this clear in your invitation. If you’re hosting at home, plan to brew a pot of coffee, and have sugar and creamer for your guests. |
| Download and print off a special recipe to share with your guests. If you would like to make your Coffee event a little more special, get creative and offer some special refreshments. |
| Print this Sign-Up sheet to collect contact information to help build your local chapter. |
| Choose a topic or advocacy project to get the conversation started. If you decide to present a petition, check with our staff for a printable version. |
| Prepare your location for guests. Make sure you have everything you need, including plenty of coffee cups and small plates if you offer a food item. Feel free to use paper products to make for an easy clean up! |
PROMOTE
| Spread the word about your upcoming Coffee event. |
| Send personal invitations. Click here for a sample invitation. You can mail or email your invitations, or both. |
| Collect RSVPs for planning purposes. |
| If you plan to invite the public to your Coffee event, post flyers wherever there is a public bulletin board (library, bank, grocery stores, churches, at your work place, your neighborhood). Click here for a sample flyer. |
| Tweet about your event and remember to mention: @patriot_voices |
| Set up a Facebook event to invite others. |
| Send reminders to those who have committed to attend! |
EVENT
| Plan for your coffee to be ready to serve right before guests arrive. |
| As your guests arrive, ask them to sign in. You may wish to have name tags. |
| To help your guests feel instantly at east in your home, invite them to pour themselves a cup of coffee. |
| Encourage conversation and fellowship and be sure to introduce those who are new to the group. This will help them feel welcomed and a part of your group! Don’t assume everyone knows each other. |
| Once everyone has arrived and settled in with their refreshments, start with an introduction about Patriot Voices and explain what issue or petition you’ll be discussing today. |
| Encourage open discussion, but also help guide your guests to not only talk about their concerns, but to turn their beliefs into action by signing up to become a part of our grassroots team at Patriot Voices. |
| If you are presenting a petition, have it ready to sign before they leave! |
| Print extra copies of the petition for your guests and chapter members to take home to get signatures. Plan to have them return signed petitions on the next date your chapter will meet. |
| Have fun and take lots of pictures to post on Facebook and tweet! |
| Before your guests leave, invite them to upcoming chapter events and encourage them to bring a friend next time! |
FOLLOW UP
| Send us an email report with photos to: [email protected] |
| A few days after your event, phone or email each guest to thank them for coming. Remember to invite them to your next event. |
| If your coffee event attracts new folks who are not members, ask them to join! |
| Encourage everyone involved to visit www.patriotvoices.com and sign up to join us and also get connected on our social networking channels. |
| Add your members/volunteers to our network using this grassroots tool. Send us an email if you need the log-in info. |
| Mail your signed petition(s) to PO Box 1826, Warsaw, IN 46581. |
| To help promote your chapter, send one of your Coffee event photos to your newspaper. |
Register below and a staff member will be in touch!
Host an "Our Sacred Honor" Party!
Posted
· October 08, 2013 12:04 AM
Hosting an "Our Sacred Honor" party is a great way to rally conservatives in your area and launch a local chapter!
Invite your friends and family to watch this Citizen's United documentary which is narrated by Rick Santorum and features special appearances by Mark Levin, Michelle Malkin and Allen West. At your party, encourage your guests to help you make a difference by starting a chapter in your community!
Register below for this activity
| Prep Time | 2-3 hours |
| Event Time | 2 hours |
| Supplies | Complimentary "Our Sacred Honor" kit; refreshments |
| Estimated Cost | $20 |
PREP
| Sign up below to receive your complimentary "Our Sacred Honor" kit. A Patriot Voices staff member will be in touch to confirm information and guide you through the process. Your host kit includes: DVD, signs, stickers, and literature. Allow 7-10 days for your kit to arrive. |
| Choose a date and time. |
| Determine if your party will be public or private, then select a location. Your party can be at home or someplace public like a library, community building or restaurant. Just make sure you have the capability to show the "Our Sacred Honor" DVD. |
| Recruit a co-host. |
| Plan your refreshments. |
| Preview the DVD and review this discussion guide. |
PROMOTE
| Spread the word about your upcoming party! |
| Send personal invitations. Here's a sample invite. |
| Collect RSVPs. |
| If you plan to invite the public to your party, post flyers wherever there is a public bulletin board (library, bank, grocery stores, churches, at your work place, your neighborhood). Also consider sending a press release to your local newspapers. |
| Tweet about your event and remember to mention: @patriot_voices |
| Set up a Facebook event. |
| Send reminders to those who have committed to attend! |
PARTY-TIME!
| Plan to be set up and ready to go one-hour before your guests are scheduled to arrive. |
| Re-test your DVD player, connections, etc. |
| Prepare your welcome table - sign-up sheet, palm cards, stickers, name tags, etc. |
| Prepare your refreshments table. |
| Greet your guests. Ask them to sign in and take a lapel sticker and name tag. |
| Offer refreshments. |
| Welcome your guests and introduce the DVD with this special video message from Rick Santorum. |
| Play the DVD, then guide discussion using the OSH Discussion guide. |
| Announce your new chapter and encourage your guests to join you! |
|
Encourage all of your chapter members to take photos, but make sure you have a designated “photographer” so that you end up with good shots for Facebook and Twitter and to email to our national team. Tweet using #OurSacredHonor and @Patriot_Voices. |
FOLLOW-UP
| Send us an email report with photos to: [email protected] |
| A few days after your event, phone or email each guest to thank them for coming. |
| Invite your guests to your next chapter event or activity. |
| Encourage everyone involved to visit our website and sign up to join us and also get connected on our social networking channels. |
| Add your members/volunteers to our network using this grassroots tool. |
| To help promote your chapter, send one of your party photos to your local newspaper. |
