Success Notebook

Libertarian Party of Michigan

Success Notebook

Title:

How to Build a Party: 5-1/2 Rules for Libertarian Party Success

Note:

Notes taken from a workshop presented by Bill Winter at Success '97 (notes taken by Stacy Van Oast)

Type:

Notes from Success 99

Article:

Why are some Libertarian Party organizations stagnant while some are thriving?

Make sure your organization is thriving by following these 5-1/2 rules for success!

(Bill Winter's 5-1/2 Point Vowel Program)

Infrastructure (I) - no LP can go about the business of politics if they don't go about business first; what is Infrastructure?

accurate database of supporters and prospects
prompt, professional inquiry packet and renewal program; inquiry packet should include:

a cover letter which

says thanks
gives an overview
provides a progress report
is optimistic
asks specifically "please join" and explains how (sign here, enclose check)
stresses that they should join the LP

an issues position sheet
accomplishments and successes
response/membership form

a bank account

Activity (A) - now that the structure is in place, fuel it and go somewhere

Internal activities

raise money

ask for it (have a plan and projects)
make it a priority/goal - nobody likes to ask for money, but when you accomplish your goals (ie getting money) it's easier for people to give it (you'll feel good asking and they'll feel good giving when you're achieving goals)

newsletter is an ongoing conversations with your members, must be regular and decent, stressing activity and progress
organized media outreach: publicity doesn't automatically create success; success drives publicity
regular public meetings
regular leadership meetings

External activities

allow us to illustrate what we believe by doing things - not talking
increase political activity every year

Excellence (E)

every time we come in contact with the public it must be with excellence and professionalism
look back every year and see measurable improvement

Outreach (O)

everything we do must work toward goal of increasing membership
the more prospecting we do, the more members we'll get
outreach is like breathing: if we don't do it, we'll die
the party should be bigger and better after every project
what will this project accomplish?

will it increase membership?
will it raise money?

every step we take must get us closer to our goal of getting bigger and better

You (U): the LP is nothing without the support of people

everyone needs to make a personal commitment
what are YOU willing to do to make us succeed?

5 1/2. Why? (Y) Why should we listen to Bill Winter and these rules?
This is what worked in New Hampshire and it's working at the national level.

Notes on Prospecting:

It's better to get fewer high-quality names than lots of low-quality names Test the results of outreach events Regarding OPH booths:

Ask quiz-takers: "do you want to receive info on the LP?"
Only ask people who score 80 or higher on Nolan quiz
Purge your lists
20-25% of inquiries buy our product, so the more people we approach...

Notes on working with volunteers:

Be Nice
Follow up (call and make sure volunteer is all set and able to do or has done job; check along the way)
Reward ("Libertarian of the Month" award at every party -present a certificate, put picture and article in newsletter)

Attachments:

Created at 11/4/2006 8:01 PM by padmin

Last modified at 11/4/2006 8:01 PM by padmin