During my relatively short tenure here on DKos I've seen numerous comments from individuals obviously frustrated, feeling that influence is weighted towards those with money.
Unfortunately, any candidate running a serious campaign needs the green. Newspaper ads, television time, travel, yard signs, etc. all cost and there is no discount for candidates who will actually represent the common man and work towards a progressive agenda.
The good news is that anyone can play the game.
I’ve hosted or co-hosted loads of fundraisers...from local city council and judicial races to Presidential candidates. I’ve gotten pretty good at it and I think more people should be involved in the process. With that in mind I thought I would offer some of the basics and a few warnings about what can go wrong.
For your first event be realistic and think small. Look around at the City Council or State Representative races and identify someone you would really like to help, that you would feel good about working for.
Next, identify a few friends or associates that you believe would be good co-hosts. I issue this warning. All fundraisers should be approached with the idea that it is NOT about the co-hosts, it is about the candidate and the donors. Egos have to be set aside. I can tell lots of stories about co-hosts from hell whose total contribution to an event was showing up when it started. Select individuals to approach whom you feel will be hard-working, honest and properly motivated. You don’t need a crowd but remember that you will need help so provide yourself with enough co-hosts so that you are not overwhelmed with tasks.
Contact the candidate’s staff and tell them you would like to host a fundraiser and ask for interest and possible dates. Accept no date that does not come with a guarantee of the candidate’s presence. Not a problem in most smaller races. Give yourself enough time to be thoroughly prepared prior to the event. I prefer at least two months notice. Once you have a date....
Set you first meeting with the other hosts with these points in mind:
• You need to identify the individual in the candidate’s office you will be working with. Depend on email for most communication. Ask for the staff member to IMMEDIATELY send you all rules and regulations relating to that candidate’s fundraising activities. Make a copy of this for every single co-host.
• Identify an individual who will keep all information and records. I maintain a spreadsheet for each event that identifies the Contributor, a Guest, Amount pledged, Paid, Att (for 1, 2, or whatever number will actually be attending the event), and a comment section.
• Ask each co-host to arrive with a minimum of 15 contact names, including addresses and phone numbers.
• At your first meeting you should decide your venue, minimum donation, time (both start and end), theme (cocktail party, barbeque, dinner, etc.) and a menu outline. There are many themes that can be done at a VERY reasonable cost with volunteers and without the use of a caterer if you have a host or two who are used to entertaining.
• Identify an individual who will keep the candidate’s office informed of progress, etc. Ideally this is the record keeper.
• Keep a master "to do" where items are listed and when resolved, that is noted.
• At then end of the initial meeting place all notes in the hands of your record keeper and make arrangements to meet again within ONE WEEK. This is important as long lapses between meetings are likely to produce a lack of momentum. Ask all hosts to produce additional names at the next meeting.
Before the next meeting the record keeper should have notes of the meeting, a master sheet of potential donors with each potential donor assigned to a particular host, a spreadsheet with all potential donors listed, and a draft invitation that has been approved by the candidate’s office.
If the event is scheduled during an active campaign a request should go out during this time to the campaign for yard signs, bumper stickers, buttons, etc.
The second meeting should start with each host having a copy of any letters, lists, etc. Additional names should be obtained, the invitation should be approved with arrangements made for each host to obtain copies of the invitations within the next few days. The record keeper gathers all additional names and information and a date is set for the next meeting.
Printing nice invitations is easy these days. Just get a ream of high quality paper with envelopes and print them off of any printer that does a decent job, or if you have a good quality copier available that works also.
Now, this is where the "fun" starts. Each host should start contacting individuals on their list and whenever possible PICK UP THE CHECK WHEN THE INVITATION IS HAND-DELIVERED. Hosts can do this themselves or use designated runners but I can’t emphasize enough what a difference pre-collection makes.
Checks are delivered to the record keeper at each meeting. The record keeper then adds the contribution to the spreadsheet.
Two weeks out make sure your meetings increase in frequency. I’ll call them every other day for some efforts. You should have your arrangements made for food, introductions, etc., etc.
The day of the event each host should be available for any help needed, last minute collections, set-up of tables, etc., etc.
A table with a list of contributors, name tags, and a collection box should be set up at the front of the event. Hosts arrive at least 45 minutes before the start of the event, greet individuals and steer them towards these tables. Personally, I like to have these tables manned by at least one individual from the campaign and a host if possible. I make name tags beforehand ONLY for those that have already contributed their funds. They are placed in a stack that is in alphabetical order. If there is no name tag, the individual manning the desk knows that person has not yet contributed and can collect the money at that time. NO ONE ENTERS WITHOUT STOPPING AT THAT DESK.
All hosts help with making sure that people are mixing and will refresh drinks, make introductions and keep people involved. These people have paid hard earned money to support your function and your candidate. Show them respect by paying attention to them. Make them know you appreciate their attendance.
I generally like to have the candidate make their appearance about 30 minutes after the starting time of the event. A short introduction is made and the candidate is given time to address the audience.
After the candidate speaks a host will briefly address the attendees, thanking them again, stating that yard signs, etc., are available and will encourage the guests to continue enjoying themselves. Depending on the race and schedule, some candidates will continue visiting, some will have to leave fairly early.
All checks and a copy of the guest list are given to the candidate’s aide towards the end of the evening.
At the time designated for the event to end the hosts should start thanking people for attending, tables should be cleared and people should be escorted to the exit.
When all are gone except for the hosts pour yourself a Ketel One and tonic, break out the cigars for the gentlemen and congratulate yourself for doing a good thing.
Plan a meeting two days after the event to wrap up loose ends, prepare a final memo for the campaign, etc.
There are other tricks to be explored. How to decorate on a very tight budget and still have an event that looks great. Alcohol or no alcohol and how to make that happen. How to spoil your guests without breaking the bank, etc., etc.
The important thing is to get involved. Political campaigns cost money and you don’t have to be a "fat cat" to make a difference.