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Arianna Huffington for Governor: House Party Kit

Dear Friend of Arianna,

Thank you for being part of our California “100 House Parties - $100,000+” fundraising campaign.

House parties are a key part of our grassroots effort to spread Arianna’s message, and to raise funds for the campaign. They also allow you and your friends to talk about your relationships to government, what you believe, and what you would like to see change in California. They help you learn what you need to know to decide to support a particular candidate, and they help build momentum for Arianna’s platform and her campaign. They can also be a lot of fun.

The information in this packet will help you put on a successful event. We have included a checklist of things you’ll need, and step-by-step instructions. There are sample invitations, flyers, thank-you notes, a window sign, sign-in sheet, evaluation form, and a list of Frequently Asked Questions. Feel free to use our materials in whatever ways are helpful to you.

If you have downloaded this packet from the web, you can contact either the Northern or Southern California Arianna for Governor State Headquarters to get campaign materials, donation envelopes, and the video, “Arianna: Fix the System?” If you have any questions, please feel free to call the California House Party Team at (415)392-9300 (Northern California) or (310)477-6900 (Southern California). Someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

A few housekeeping details: Please review the “Financial Procedures for Fundraising Events” flyer. In order to comply with state election laws, all donations must be sent promptly to either office. We also ask that you return the sign-in sheet, completed evaluation forms, video, and any unused campaign material as quickly as you can after your party.

Let us know how you did. And thank you again for your support of Arianna for Governor. Together, we can transform California!

Sincerely,Sarah Shanley, Suzie KidderNorthern California House Party Team (415) 392 - 9300

Northern California Headquarters 580 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94104, House Party Team Phone 415.392.9300

Southern California Headquarters 1575 Westwood Blvd, #301, Los Angeles, CA 90024, House Party Team Phone: 310.477.6900

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ARIANNA HUFFINGTON FOR GOVERNOR HOUSE PARTY MATERIALS

• Checklist for House Party Hosts

• House Party Planning Guide

• Sample House Party Agenda

• House Party Sign-In Sheet and Evaluation/Feedback Form

• Sample Invitation, Sample Flyer, and Guidelines for Creating your Own Invitations

• Sample “Thank You” Note

• Scripts and Tips – Scripts for RSVP phone calls, Introductions, Sample “asks” for donations, tips for a successful house party, FAQ’s

• Arianna for Governor House Party Window Sign

• List of Campaign Contact Numbers

• Financial Procedures for Fundraising Events

You may need to obtain the following materials from your Local Area Coordinator or from the California House Party Team at (415) 392 - 9300. There is an order form included in this packet.

• Name Tags

• Arianna Issue Handouts. If you need handouts of Arianna’s positions on particular issues of importance to your guests, you can download them from the campaign website at www.votearianna.com

• Video: Arianna: Fixing the System

• Bumper Stickers and Buttons

• Voter Registration Forms

• Donation Envelopes and Return Envelopes

You supply:

Invitations and Guests Location Basket for DonationsTV/VCR, chairs Food and drinks, plates, cups Pens

ENTHUSIASM!

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http://www.votearianna.com/


CHECKLIST FOR HOUSE PARTY HOSTS

7-10 Days Before Your Party__ Put your “team” together and divide up tasks__ If needed, order your house party campaign materials and video from your Arianna for Governor House Party Team__ Make guest list, send invitations; follow up with phone calls__ Ask friends to bring folding chairs (if needed)__ Decide what refreshments to serve. Serve food that is easy to eat while standing up: finger food.

2-3 Days Before Your Party__ Make reminder phone calls to your guests, including guests you haven’t heard from__ Get the food ready!__ Remind the folks who are bringing folding chairs__ Download additional materials on specific issues from www.votearianna.com __ Call Local organizer/or California House Party Team with any last minute questions__ Watch the video “Arianna: Fixing the System” and review campaign literature__ Meet/Talk with your “team” to review who will do what at the Party

The Day of the Party__ The “team” arrives early to set up and review the “flow” of the party – i.e. what happens when, who says what.__ Set up campaign materials, name tags, donation basket and sign-up sheet on a table accessible to guests__ Set up refreshments__ Put up Welcome sign outside; turn on your porch light (if you have one)

The Party!__ Welcome guests, allow guests to mingle for 15-30 minutes__ Welcome and Introductions (10-20 minutes)__ Show the video (30 minutes)__ Guests’ reactions to the video/Q&A (10-20 minutes)__ Call to Action: Ask guests to contribute to the campaign (15 minutes)__ Call to action: ask for additional house party hosts, volunteers, endorsements (5 minutes)__ Make sure everyone has signed in/pass around sign-in sheet again. __ Thank guests for coming, wrap up (5 minutes)

The Day After The Party__ Please place your initials on the sign-in sheet and the donation envelopes, so we can keep track of the success of our House Party Campaign. __ Make a copy of your sign-in sheet for local use. Complete your evaluation form and mail it, the sign-in sheet, video and extra campaign materials to the House Party Team __ Mail donation envelopes to Northern California State Headquarters in San Francisco WITHIN 24 HOURS!__ Send thank you notes to your guests.

One Week after The Party. Have a great time! Thank you for your help!__ Follow up with guests who indicated they would send donations themselves.

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— GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR HOUSE PARTY—

GET YOUR “TEAM” TOGETHER!

Even a little house party has lots of tasks. A friend, a spouse, a colleague to share the work and bounce ideas off will help you tremendously.

ORDER YOUR MATERIALS

If you downloaded this kit off the Internet, you will need to obtain campaign materials and the video either from your Local Coordinator or the House Party Team. A checklist is enclosed.

INVITE PEOPLE!

•Make up your guest list, set a date, time, and place, then send your invitations. (Written invitations work well, and email with a follow-up phone call also works well). Consider friends, neighbors, co-workers, members of your church or synagogue, professional groups, local peace or social justice groups. 12-50 people works best.

•Hold your fundraiser in your home or apartment, a friend’s house, a church hall, community group room; anywhere that is large enough and is convenient. Figure on 1-2 hours. Evenings and weekends are best for working folks.

•Figure that 1 out of 4 or 5 invited people will attend. We have included a sample invite: feel free to create your own using the guidelines we have included. Send out the invitations a minimum of 1-2 weeks ahead of your party date. Follow up your invitations with a phone call a few days later.Remember, a house party is a fundraiser; mention this in your invitation, so that your guests aren’t surprised when you ask for money! And, remember to tell them in your follow up phone call that you will encourage them to give, but that, whatever they choose to do, no one will put them on the spot or make them feel uncomfortable.

SET A FUNDRAISING GOAL – BE AMBITIOUS!

If 10 people each contribute $100, you can raise $1000 in one evening! Don’t be afraid to “think big”. Arianna’s message is compelling, and the stakes in this potential recall election are enormous. Some successful “asks” are included in your materials.

WE LOVE FOOD!

Hey, this is a party! Music, food and drinks break the ice and put people in a good frame of mind. Veggies and dip, crackers and cheese, water or wine, it’s up to you.

CALL YOUR GUESTS TO REMIND THEM A FEW DAYS BEFORE

A reminder phone call is always appreciated by busy folks, and can make a BIG difference in attendance at your party.

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ONE DAY TO GO!

Meet with your “team” the day before to plan who will do what at the party. Make sure that your TV/VCR works, the volume is right, and that the tape is good! Make sure you have enough chairs/places for people to sit.

--THE DAY OF THE PARTY--

SET THINGS UP

• Your “team” should arrive early to establish a common understanding of the “flow” of the event, i.e., who does what and when.

• Set up two tables: one for refreshments and one for the materials we have sent you, including sign up sheet and name tags. Be sure you have enough pens. Set out a basket or bowl, clearly marked, for contributions on the table.

• Post a “house party” sign outside where your arriving guests can see it.

PARTY TIME!

• Greet your guests as they come in and thank them for coming. If name tags are appropriate, have your guests put them on.

• BE SURE EVERYONE SIGNS IN.

• Let folks mingle and chat for 20-30 minutes after they arrive. People are here because of Arianna and the issues she is raising. They will be eager to talk about how they feel about how Gray Davis’ administration and the 2-party system in California have supported/not supported them, the issues they feel are most important, Arianna’s candidacy, and what changes she might bring.

• Host and Guest Introductions (See attached agenda for details)

• Show the video: “Arianna: Fixing the System” (20 minutes). Let your guests express their reactions to the video (10-20 minutes)

• Call to Action: Ask for contributions. (see sample “Asks”, included) (15 minutes)

• Pass around the sign-up sheet again. Ask for two people to volunteer to hold their own house parties; brief explanation of questions about voter registration (4-5 minutes).

• Thank people for coming, wrap up. (5 minutes)

• Congratulate yourselves!

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--AFTER THE PARTY--

• Send donation envelopes to The Simon Group, Attention: Arianna for Governor within 24 Hours

• Send the feedback/evaluation form, sign-in sheet, and unused campaign materials and videos to the either your local coordinator or the Northern/Southern California Campaign Headquarters.

• Send Thank you notes to guests (sample included)

FOR ASSISTANCE AND COACHING, CALL YOUR LOCAL AREA COORDINATOR OR THE CALIFORNIA HOUSE PARTY TEAM AT (415) 392 – 9300.

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SAMPLE HOUSE PARTY AGENDA

SocializeWelcome

Guest IntroductionsVideo

Q&A/CommentsAsk for Donations

Ask for House Party Hosts and Volunteers Wrap up and Thank You’s

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ARIANNA HUFFINGTON FOR GOVERNOR HOUSE PARTY

FEEDBACK /EVALUATION FORM

Please fill out this form at the end of the house party and mail it to the California Campaign Headquarters. YOUR FEEDBACK IS CRITICAL IN HELPING US IMPROVE OUR FUTURE HOUSE PARTIES!

HOST(S)__________________ADDRESS:____________________________________

DATE OF PARTY___________

Facts and Figures: __________ number of guests$_________ total donations __________ number of new volunteers enrolled__________ number of volunteers who helped you__________ number of endorsements received__________ number of new house party hosts recruited

Did you receive enough guidance in organizing your house party? Yes____ No______Please explain how it could have been better.

Did you find the campaign materials helpful in conducting your house party? Yes_____ No____ What other material would have been helpful?

What worked well? Do you have any suggestions or advice for future house party hosts?

Do you have any great stories or quotations to share with us? What were your guests/friends most important issues/concerns?

Are you willing to do another House party for Arianna? Would you be willing to help someone else organize a party?

Other comments:

Thank you for hosting the party!

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INVITATION GUIDELINES

Assume that only 1 out of 4 or 5 people who are invited to your house party will actually attend. The response rate drops even lower (1 of 10) if you use email only. The most effective way to get good attendance is to mail out invitations, and follow up a week later with a personal phone call. 1 to 2 days before the party, make a second reminder call. It will greatly increase the attendance at your party.

Be sure your invitations include:

1. The date, time, and address of the house party. 2. Include good directions to your house (a map is very useful). Include your phone

number.3. Ask your guests to RSVP so you have an idea of how many people are coming. 4. This is a fund-raiser. Be direct in mentioning this in your invitation so that people know

they will be asked to contribute to Arianna’s campaign.

Sample Invitation

Dear Friends,

Please join me at a house party for Independent Gubernatorial candidate Arianna Huffington.

I’m sure that many of you, like me, are troubled by the direction California has taken in the last two years. Arianna Huffington is the only Independent candidate. She is calling for “No” on 54, publicly funded clean elections, schools not jails, sustainable energy, and single payer healthcare.

Where: ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ *

When ___________________________________________ What 10-20 people, food and beverages, a 20 minute video, discussion of the issues, and a

request for contributions to help spread the word about this remarkable candidate

Arianna’s campaign is truly a grassroots campaign – no corporate money, no special interests. Please come and learn more about her, and help support a truly democratic campaign!

RSVP PLEASE: (Your) Phone - Number or [email protected]

* Directions: Take Main Street to 3rd street; turn right on 3rd. Proceed 1/4 mile to Elm Street. Make a left on Elm. There is plenty of parking on the street.

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Sample Flyer You are Invited

To a HOUSE PARTY To Learn AboutIndependent Gubernatorial Candidate

ARIANNA HUFFINGTONAuthor, Columnist, and Outspoken Advocate

for Election Reform

Sunday, September 28th 5:30 – 8:00PM El Cerrito

at the home of You, Your Phone NumberYour Address

(Brief Directions)

Arianna Huffington is an amazing candidate: a passionate, intelligent advocate for electoral reform, tax equity, a balanced state budget, schools not jails, and sustainable green energy. Unlike any

Democrat or Republican candidate, Arianna offers a clear alternative to the current corporate controlled 2-party system. She is not beholden to any corporate or special interest contributors. Her commitment to a “level playing field” includes a “No on 54” vote for social justice, an electoral and tax reform vote for economic justice, and a sustainable green energy and school not jails vote for human and environmental rights. She brings the perspective and commitment of a mother to her vision for

California.

We will show a video of Arianna addressing a wide range of issues that are important to all of us in these difficult times. Bring your friends, family and neighbors. There's no charge (but please bring

your checkbook or credit card in case you're as inspired to back her as we are!)

If you are interested, but can't make it on this date, please let us know. We can talk to you about her ideas, support you in having a house party of your own, or let you know about future house parties.

Contact Sarah Shanley or Suzie Kidder, Northern California State Campaign Headquarters, 415/392-9300, [email protected] or [email protected]. For more information on Arianna, go

to www.votearianna.com

************************************************

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mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


SAMPLE THANK YOU NOTE

. Dear [first name]

Thank you for your generous $______ donation to the Arianna Huffington for Governor.

We are supporting Arianna because she offers a different vision for California, one that separates her from all of the other candidates. A grassroots campaign like ours, with thousands of volunteers, relies on donors like you. We are showing that a campaign based on a progressive issues agenda can resonate with voters and gain momentum despite those in the media who want to write us out of the race.

We hope you will continue to support Arianna’s campaign by volunteering and spreading the word to your family and friends. If you need further information regarding volunteer opportunities or hosting a house party, please call: Sarah Shanley or Suzie Kidder at 415.392.9300.

Looking forward to working with you to reclaim California!

Sincerely,California House Party Team

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SCRIPTS AND TIPS

House parties should be fun. We have included some “tips” on frequently asked questions, and some sample “scripts” you might want to review for various tasks in doing your party.

REMINDER CALLS:

Hi, this is Suzie Kidder, just calling to remind you about our House Party for Arianna Huffington, the remarkable Independent Gubernatorial candidate on Thursday, July 17 at 7 p.m. The party is at 123 Main Street in Tiburon. If you need directions, please give me a call at (415) 555-1212. I’m looking forward to seeing you. Thanks so much!

INTRODUCTIONS:

My name is Jane Smith and I am thrilled that so many of you have come to my house to hear about Arianna Huffington’s candidacy. Let me tell you why I am volunteering my time to support her platform, her initiatives, and her candidacy . . .

Why don’t we go around the room and introduce ourselves, say where you are from, and just say a sentence or two about:

a. What are the issues you see in California that have the most impact on you, your family and your friends? What would you like to see done about these?

b. Why you are excited about Arianna as a candidate? What made you decide to take time out of your busy schedule to come to this house party or

c. What do you think about this Recall? What are your fears, and what are your hopes? d. It’s six months after the election. Arianna Huffington was elected Governor. What has changed in

your life? What has changed for other people about whom you care?

Sample “ASKS” For Volunteers and MONEY$$$$$$$!

The Arianna for Governor campaign is a grassroots campaign driven by the energy and resources of citizens like you and me. As you may know, Arianna does not accept corporate contributions. That means she depends on us.

3 things you can do - Volunteer Host a house party like this one Donate money

Each and every one of you faces a choice right now – a choice of whether to get involved at this historic moment and support the candidate who speaks to the highest and deepest values we hold dear. You have a choice of whether to participate in a fundamental change in the ways elections are held in California, and the range of choices its citizens have.

I have made the choice. I am spending a lot of hours and donating as much as I can to Arianna’s campaign. This campaign truly relies on the people who share her vision to run the campaign. What will you do?

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Arianna Huffington for Governor: House Party KitNow I’m going to stop talking for just a minute and let you think about what you can donate. What I’d really like is for you to take out your checkbook and write the biggest donation of your life to the Arianna for Governor Campaign. If you were thinking of giving $10, think about $50. If you felt you could spare $50, how about $150. How about $300? $500? Here are the cards and envelopes. Please make out the checks to “Arianna for Governor.” Let’s have a few quiet moments while you think about it.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR HOUSE PARTY

I AM NOT AN EXPERT ON ARIANNA’S POSITIONS ON EVERY ISSUE. WHAT SHOULD I DO TO GET READY FOR THE HOUSE PARTY?

We don’t expect you to be a political expert. The video and the campaign literature speak for Arianna. You are a concerned citizen who supports her. While we have some training for you, please don’t feel you have to know everything about Arianna to host a party.

To familiarize yourself with questions that might come up, you might want to:• Review the 10 issues piece included in your materials. • Go to votearianna.com and read up on her positions on the issues you know concern your friends.• Watch the video before the party so you know the key message(s).• If you need information on Arianna’s stand on a specific issue that is not covered on the website, call your House Party Team and we will get you the campaign’s answer.• Think about why you will vote for Arianna – write a few paragraphs so you can share your passion and excitement with those who attend the party.

• If someone asks a question that you do not know the answer to, don’t worry about it. The concerned person can contact the website, or the office, to get further information.

HOW CAN I KEEP TRACK OF ALL THE QUESTIONS MY GUESTS HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT?

It’s impossible for one person to run the party and also keep track of what’s going on. Have a “team” member take notes, so people’s questions are answered to the best of your ability. Also, if there are funny moments or stories that really move you, your team member can make sure these are jotted down so they can be shared with us and passed on to everyone else.

CAN PEOPLE WHO ARE REGISTERED AS EITHER A REPUBLICAN OR A DEMOCRAT VOTE FOR AN INDEPENDENT LIKE ARIANNA?

IN A WORD, YES. Anyone who is registered to vote in California can vote on whether or not to support the recall AND regardless of whether or not they vote “no,” on the recall – they can vote for the candidate of their choice should the recall happen. September 22nd is the last day that Californians who are not registered may do so if they wish to vote in the recall election. Voter registration forms are available at the DMV, through the Secretary of State’s Web site, AND on www.votearianna.com.

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MISCELLANEOUS TIPS

The key to a successful house party is to let your enthusiasm and excitement for Arianna’s candidacy shine through, and to focus on your guests’ concerns. All of you have gathered in a group to talk to each other about a candidate and the issues she stands for. Get people to say one or two sentences about why they are at your party, what they want in a gubernatorial candidate, and/or what issue(s) deeply concern(s) them about the state. Listen to your guests, and then reflect back to them how Arianna might meet their concerns. This is not about preaching, but about listening and “facilitating”. Keep the group focused and the video will answer most of their questions.

In terms of asking for money, it is important to let people reflect and talk after the video. People are excited that there is a candidate who is honest, forthright, unafraid, and who cares so deeply about issues that are important to them. The discussion will often turn automatically to the question, what can we do to help Arianna’s campaign?

Ask people to give more than they had planned to give. Be the first to write a check. And give people 10 minutes to think about this and act on it.

Please be sure to add YOUR comments and thoughts to your Evaluation Form. We would like to know what worked and did not work for you, so we can pass it along to others! If there are other FAQ’s which you would like to see addressed, PLEASE let us know.

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Financial procedures for fundraising events

The job of The Simon Group, the team that handles finances for the Arianna for Governor campaign, is very labor intensive and time-consuming. Your assistance is invaluable in making the process as smooth as possible. To that end, here are some suggestions you can adopt to help us in our goal of having Arianna Huffington become our next governor.

Please keep checks in the envelope in which they are placed. If you need to open envelopes to record donors for your own records, return checks to envelopes before sending them to The Simon Group.

All donations should be accompanied by the donor’s name and address, if the check is imprinted with a PO Box as an address please ask donor to write in a street address.

Please, no cash donations

For ALL donations of $100.00 and over we must acquire the donor’s occupation and employer. This is mandated by the State Elections Commission.

All shipments to The Simon Group/San Francisco Headquarters/Los Angeles Headquarters should include an event date, an event name, (such as Jones/Smith Dinner), an event location, (Irvine, Berkeley, etc.) and a contact name and number in case there are questions or issues we need to communicate with you about.

For credit card donations, please ask that the donors fill in ALL the data fields.

Credit card and contributions by check are limited to $21,200 per person.

The campaign does not accept corporate checks.

Checks are to be made payable to “Arianna for Governor.”

Regarding Joint Accounts, the person signing the check will the person credited with the donation. If both parties wish to donate in their name we require separate checks. The signed name MUST matched the imprinted name.

Please send checks to The Simon Group, 5855 Green Valley Circle, Ste 205, Culver City, CA 90230, Attention: Arianna for Governor

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Compliance Information for Contributions

Thank you very much for your interest in our campaign and for your support. Please make your contributions payable to ARIANNA FOR GOVERNOR.The law requires this committee to have contributor name, street address (other than a P.O. Box) and occupation and employer information on file. If you are self-employed, please provide the name of your business.

NAME:________________________________________ Preferred First Name: _____________________

STREET ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________________

CITY, STATE, ZIP: _____________________________________________________________________

HOME PHONE: _______________________ WORK PHONE: __________________________________

EMAIL:_______________________________________________________________________________

OCCUPATION (required by law): __________________________________________________________

EMPLOYER (required by law): ____________________________________________________________

AMOUNT: ______________________________________________ DATE: _______________________

CREDIT CARD CONTRIBUTION

Credit card (choose one) ___VISA ___MASTERCARD ___ DISCOVER ___ AMEX

AMOUNT: ______________________________________________ DATE: _______________________

NAME AS IT APPEARS ON THE CARD: __________________________________________________

CREDIT CARD NUMBER:_____________________________EXPIRATION DATE: _______________

SIGNATURE OF CARDHOLDER: ________________________________________________________

A maximum of $21,200 may be contributed to this campaign from the same entity. Contributions to ARIANNA FOR GOVERNOR, are not considered charitable for income tax purposes. FPPC ID # 1256959 Contributions from foreign nationals are prohibited by Federal Law.

Contributions and compliance information can be mailed to:

ARIANNA FOR GOVERNORc/o The Simon Group

5855 Green Valley Circle, Suite 205Culver City, CA 90230

If you have any questions, please call Molly Stein at (310) 477-1163.www.VoteArianna.com.

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ARIANNA FOR GOVERNOR

HOUSEHOUSE PARTYPARTY

WELCOME!

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CAMPAIGN MATERIALS ORDER FORM

If you downloaded this house party kit from the Internet or need additional materials, please call your local area coordinator or the California House Party Team at (415)392-9300, Attention: House Party.

Name of Host:_____________________________ Phone No.______________________

Address: _____________________________________ Fax No.________________________

Email address:______________________________

Date of Party:________________________________

How MaterialsMany?

_____ 10 POINT ISSUE FLYERS

_____ BUMPER STICKERS (ask for small donation)

_____ BUTTONS (ask for small donation)

_____ NAME TAGS

_____ DONATION ENVELOPES

_____ VIDEO, “ARIANNA: FIXING THE SYSTEM”

–––– VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS

_____ BOOKS: PIGS AT THE TROUGH & HOW TO OVERTHROW THE GOVERNMENT (ask for a $20 to $50 donation)

_____ OTHER MATERIALS (Please specify)

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ARIANNA HOUSE PARTY SIGN IN SHEET

NAME ADDRESS PHONE EMAIL ADDRESSI want

tohelp!

I want tohost a

house party!

Can we Use Your Name

For an Endorsement of Arianna?

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Arianna for Governor

HOUSE PARTYHOUSE PARTYWELCOME!

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