PLANNING YOUR EVENT
PICKING A LOCATION
- Venue: Consider the likely size of your event when selecting a location. Many people choose to host from home which is a fantastic option! Or you may wish to find a larger venue to use. Some ideas include: libraries, community centers, clubhouses, meeting rooms, or even a union hall.
- Accessibility: Consider the venue’s Public Transit availability & ADA accessibility.
- Pick a Date and Time: Try to pick a date that doesn’t have obvious conflicts, like holidays or a community event.
WAYS TO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND
- Offer food, snacks, refreshments, or make it a potluck!
- Ask a local musician or choir to play songs or lead a singalong at the end of the event
- Tell your guests children are welcome or even offer childcare!
LET LABOR NOTES KNOW ABOUT YOUR EVENT
- Reach out to labornotes[at]labornotes[dot]org to let us know as soon as you get an organizing committee together for a Fightback School. Once you have a broad group involved and a solid venue and date, we may be able to help outreach to a list of Labor Notes supporters in your area.
PROMOTING YOUR EVENT
These events are all about advancing strategies to meet the moment with people in the Labor Notes orbit. Reaching out to coworkers and other troublemakers who want to fight the boss. Here are some ways you can make your event a success:
PERSONALLY INVITE PEOPLE
The most effective method to get people to come to your event is personal outreach done by you! Asking in-person at work or union meetings is best. Where that isn't possible, phone calls go further than texts or group emails.
SET UP A PHONE BANK!
You can also get a group together to make a list of their own contacts, then call through together.
FINAL PREP FOR YOUR EVENT
- Make sure you’ve followed the steps outlined in this packet!
- Gather supplies that you will need: Sign-in sheets, nametags, pens/markers, relevant handouts, chart paper and easel or other way to take group notes, etc.
IMPORTANT: CONFIRM WITH YOUR RSVPs
- A few days before your event, call all attendees to tell them how excited you are for them to come to your event. Confirm that they are able to attend and answer any questions they may have.
- On the morning of the event, send a final round of reminder texts to all attendees.
HOSTING YOUR EVENT
SETTING UP FOR YOUR EVENT
- If using a meeting space: Be sure to arrive at least a half hour before your event, and check the space. Is the seating arranged well? Do you have a space for sign-ins? Is the space accessible to folks with disabilities? Are there signs to guide attendees to the correct room?
- Set up a sign-in table with sign-up sheets, pens, clipboards & nametags.
DURING YOUR EVENT
- Be passionate and respectful. Right now is an important time to build community and trust. Express your thoughts on a shared vision and next steps, but event hosts should not dominate the space. The point is for new workers to step up as leaders and creative planners!
AFTER YOUR EVENT
Amazing! You are amazing! You held a powerful, successful event. Thank you.
How will organizers help the group follow through on ideas and plans generated during the event?