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Planning Your Potluck
Plan it and They Will Come
Each potluck should aim for 25 to 100 guests, depending on where it is held. Hosts should concentrate on inviting their neighbors who may be friends or passing acquaintances or even complete strangers. The purpose of the potluck is to reach out to people who have not been involved in the anti-war movement so far. We don't want to preach to the choir. We want to help people find their voice and express their concern.
Each host should recruit a committee of half a dozen friends, neighbors or associates to help in planning and recruiting. Most of the potlucks will be small and in somebody's home. But a church basement, a union hall or a school cafeteria are appropriate too. And some people may want to plan a potluck around co-workers, members of their union, or members of their church.
One of the best and easiest ways to invite people to your potluck is to write a simple invitation flyer, and hand it out door to door in your neighborhood. It's even more effective if you knock on doors and introduce yourself as you make the rounds. If no one's home, leave the flyer, and try to come back later to make a personal contact.
When an ad hoc peace committee in Ballard (Seattle) held a cider press for peace in October 2002, they passed out 400 flyers at houses in their neighborhood. Over 60 people came to the event and signed a petition opposing U.S. war plans.
One of members of the host committee should say a few words explaining the purpose of the gathering, but there should be no long speeches. The important thing is for people to have a chance to talk to each other about their concerns about approaching war. Your guests should be encouraged to express their views, ask questions, share ideas.
You can also try to arrange radio broadcast focusing on Potlucks for Peace, or even perhaps have an event recorded for broadcast (live coverage on commercial radio is unlikely) or podcast via Potlucks for Peace (sponsorship required; inquiries).
This part is very Important you should arrange to have a computer with Internet access so that each guest can e-mail government leaders with a CC to Potluck Central. It's best that each person write a personal message. You should have a list of emails of officeholders.
Ready? Start by posting your event in our calendar.
Each host should recruit a committee of half a dozen friends, neighbors or associates to help in planning and recruiting. Most of the potlucks will be small and in somebody's home. But a church basement, a union hall or a school cafeteria are appropriate too. And some people may want to plan a potluck around co-workers, members of their union, or members of their church.
One of the best and easiest ways to invite people to your potluck is to write a simple invitation flyer, and hand it out door to door in your neighborhood. It's even more effective if you knock on doors and introduce yourself as you make the rounds. If no one's home, leave the flyer, and try to come back later to make a personal contact.
When an ad hoc peace committee in Ballard (Seattle) held a cider press for peace in October 2002, they passed out 400 flyers at houses in their neighborhood. Over 60 people came to the event and signed a petition opposing U.S. war plans.
One of members of the host committee should say a few words explaining the purpose of the gathering, but there should be no long speeches. The important thing is for people to have a chance to talk to each other about their concerns about approaching war. Your guests should be encouraged to express their views, ask questions, share ideas.
You can also try to arrange radio broadcast focusing on Potlucks for Peace, or even perhaps have an event recorded for broadcast (live coverage on commercial radio is unlikely) or podcast via Potlucks for Peace (sponsorship required; inquiries).
This part is very Important you should arrange to have a computer with Internet access so that each guest can e-mail government leaders with a CC to Potluck Central. It's best that each person write a personal message. You should have a list of emails of officeholders.
Ready? Start by posting your event in our calendar.