HOW TO HOST A TNT HOUSE PARTY

A Guide for Team In Training Alumni

Overview

"House parties" are a useful fundraising and recruitment tool.  They allow you to communicate a message in a casual, friendly atmosphere and to pique people's interest in a subject without making them feel pressured. Your house party won't be that different from any other party, except that it will have a specific purpose; i.e., to get guests to register to participate in Team In Training.  For those who attend, the party will take the place of a Chapter Information Meeting.  The following steps will provide you with information you will need to plan your party and execute it with success. 

Step One: Set the Date

Determine the location (if not your home, be sure to scout the venue personally) and identify 10-15 guests/prospects.  These could be friends, family, neighbors, co-workers or professional contacts who you think would be receptive to doing TNT.

Step Two: The Flow and What to Cover

Each TNT alum will host the party with the help of a TNT mentor.  You will need to identify and meet with your mentor to organize and rehearse the "flow" of the party and to decide who will be responsible for each part.  The party should include a time for arrivals and socializing prior to starting the program.  Key elements to cover in the program are:

§         Training

§         Fundraising

§         Mission

§         Closing the Deal

(see suggested talking points below)

Step Three: Invite Your Guests

Remember that TNT offers a walk, half marathon, cycle, run and tri program...there is something for everyone! Send an email (with RSVP).  Follow up with a phone call to those who have not responded.  A reminder email a day or two before the party is also a good idea.

Step Four:

Make a checklist of things you need to have/do before the party*:

§         Equipment (TV and DVD player)

§         Refreshments

§         TNT promotional materials (posters, pins, brochures, etc.)

§         Fact sheets on TNT and the Society

§         Sign up table with registration forms and pens

§         Gifts for guests (provided by chapter)

*Chapter will provide a cash stipend to cover expenses.

Step Five: The Presentation

Allow 20-30 minutes for guests to arrive, socialize and enjoy refreshments. Then begin the presentation part of the program in which the Key Elements (above) are covered and the TNT video is shown.  At the end of the presentation, the host should re-cap the reasons to join TNT and let guests know that registration forms and pens are on the table so they can sign up. Finish by thanking the guests for coming, invite them to spend a few more minutes enjoying the party and signing up, and make yourself and the mentor available to answer questions any of the guests may have.

Step Six: Follow Up

Follow up with the chapter and give them the signed registration forms.  Email a quick "thank you" to the guests and include a link to www.teamintraining.org for those who want additional information. Also, be sure to include your chapter's kickoff date, time and location so that those who have joined can get started and those who are on the fence can meet coaches, staff, honored heroes, etc.

Tools Supplied by the Chapter:

§         E-invitation template

§         Recruitment DVD (same as from Chapter TNT Information meetings)

§         Promotional materials

§         Registration forms

§         Small gifts

§         Stipend for expenses

House Party Talking Points:

As a TNT alum you have a strong passion for the work of the Society and the TNT program. The following talking points will help you convey this passion to your house party guests. Remember, this is just a guide and you are free to tweak this, however all policies about fundraising must be covered:

• How I got involved in TNT
• What participation in TNT and working with the Society have meant to me
• Overview of the Society's mission
• Show DVD
• Explain how the training works

• People of all abilities can join
• Coaches and mentors are there to help
• Train with a team

·        Explain how the fundraising works

• How have you raised the funds in the past?
• Important deadlines and policies

·        Ask people to join you this season.

·        Pass out registration forms and answer questions.

·        Next steps: Invite all who registered and those who are still on the fence to the kickoff. Have the time, date and location available to share.

TNT's best recruiting tool is you the alumni. We couldn't do it without you!! Contact the LLS Office at 559-435-1482 today to get started hosting your party!