How to Host a House Party to Protect Students and Strengthen Public Schools

Pre-Party Checklist 

Here’s your simple, step-by-step plan: 

1. Pick a Date & Invite Your People 

• Choose a date. 
• Invite educators, family members, local leaders, and trusted community partners. 
• Use phone calls, flyers, text messages, and social posts—on your feed, on your stories, and in groups. 
• Sample Facebook/Threads/X/Bluesky post: Friends, are you free on [insert date: e.g. Saturday night at 7pm]? I’m hosting a house party in support of our public schools. Join me! You can RSVP here: [link] 
• Sample Facebook/Threads/X/Bluesky post: There is a lot of chaos going on. But we are NOT powerless to stop it—we have to to defend our public schools. Sign up now to join me at a house party on [insert date: e.g. Saturday night at 7pm] : [link] 

Tip: Keep it cozy. 6–15 guests is great. It’s about quality conversation and planning the next steps. 

2. Register Your Event 

• Let us know you're hosting! Register your gathering here. 
• This helps us support you and tell the bigger story about people like you who are building a movement to protect students and strengthen public schools. 

3. Plan the Space 

• It doesn’t have to be your home—use a backyard, community space, or library room. 
• Make it warm and welcoming (snacks and music go a long way!). 
• Consider making space and planning activities for kids who join their parents. 

What to Cover at Your House Party 

Use the 3 T’s: Truth, Testimony, and Take Action 

1. Truth 

• Use NEA’s fact sheets to explain: 
• What's happening at the federal level. 
• The local and personal impact of proposed education cuts. 
• Why protecting public education matters for our families and communities. 

Talking points available in the NEA Communications toolkit 

 2. Testimony 

• Share member and community stories. 
• Ask guests to reflect: “How would these cuts affect your family or students?” and “What would our schools look like and feel like if we had the support we deserve?”  

3. Take Action 

• Remind participants how powerful we are when we join voices and build a movement.  
• Ask everyone to:  

1. Text ACTION to 48744 to stay updated with news and actions from NEA 
2. Write a physical letter or postcard to their member of congress (You can dedicate 15-20 minutes for this activity, and collect the letters to mail at the end of the event) 
3. Commit to sharing what they’ve learned with 3 other people. 

Make it a Collaboration 

Partner with: 

• Your local PTA, UPLAN, Red Wine & Blue, MomsRising, NAACP other allies. 
• NEA Aspiring Educators (on campuses!). 
• Regional U.S. Department of Education staff (if geographically feasible). 
• Small business owners, religious leaders, athletic boosters, neighborhood associations. 

Tip: If you’re not sure who to invite, think: Who do I trust to care about kids and fairness? 

After Your Party: Report Back 

Fill out the House Party Report Form so we can: 

• Lift up stories in the press and on social media. 
• Count your event toward national goals. 
• Follow up with more support. 

Optional Extras 

• Invite a speaker, like a local educator, parent leader, or Department of Education staffer. 
• Create a shared message board where people write what public education means to them.