How do I host an EcoMom Party?

How do I host an EcoMom Party?

Hosting an EcoMom party is simple, fun AND educational. Imagine your book club or house party gone eco. You don’t need to be an expert to host an EcoMom Party, you just need to be passionate about inspiring change. Here are some basic instructions about hosting your EcoMom Party:

  1. First, email us so we can provide you with updated information, campaigns, products, etc. Send an email to our Community Leadership Director, Sherry@ecomomalliance.org and she will get back to you asap.
  2. Pick A Theme: You can come up with your own theme and a local speaker, or use the videos we webcast each month to use as a tool for inspired learning and discussion. Click here to view upcoming events and themes.
  3. Brainstorm with friends and colleagues to develop an invitation list. The point here is social connection AND bringing sustainability education out to your community. Offer to make your next book club meeting, or mom’s group an EcoMom Party. Even a lunch break in the back room of your offices can be turned into an EcoMom Party!
  4. Everyone deserves a break and we all know it’s easier to pay attention (and relax) if the kids aren’t around once in a while, so encourage moms to secure childcare -  but be supportive if they can’t.
  5. To invite guests to your EcoMom Party, use email, evite (http: //www.evite.com/ or recycled (and recyclable!) paper invitations. If you’d like a downloadable EcoMom Alliance logo to use in your invitation, we’d be happy to provide one for you.
  6. If possible, provide organic snacks and drinks for guests. We are currently working with Whole Foods Markets and Revolution Foods so if you’d like a box of Revolution snacks or live near a Whole Foods, please email us and we will help you coordinate a donation. Potluck also makes it easy and you’ll get a nice variety of foods.
  7. To minimize waste at your EcoMom Party, use re-useable or biodegradable service ware. Local party supply stores often rent utensils, dishes, wine glasses, napkins etc.
  8. Try to compost leftover food. (By the way, hosting an EcoMom Party in which you and your guests build compost bins is a fun way to begin composting if you have not already.)
  9. Start the event with socializing. We all need more time to catch up and connect.
  10. Introduce your guest speaker, or watch the EcoMom webcast of the month. Encourage conversation, questions and idea-sharing. (For first time EcoMom Parties, leading a discussion of the 10 Steps of the EcoMom Challenge provides a general introduction to the concept of sustainability and “going green.”
  11. Discuss the concept of monthly or bi-monthly EcoMom Circles and set the date and theme for your next gathering before everyone leaves. Encourage alternating hosts so no one burns out. This is a great way to keep connecting and sharing ideas on a deeper level as you all integrate green living into your daily lives.
  12. Encourage guests to join the EcoMom Movement! They can join online (having a computer available to guests so they can join before leaving is quite handy and fun) and very shortly, we’ll have all sorts of great community sharing on our website. There is power in numbers so please help us grow this movement. Your peers want to hear from you, companies listen to you, and so do our public leaders.

And a few more FAQ . . .

Can I endorse products at my EcoMom Party?
Please do not endorse any product under the EcoMom name without first checking with us at info@ecomomalliance.org. Sharing personal preferences, solutions and ideas is part of the EcoMom Party premise but any unauthorized distribution or official endorsement is not permitted at this time. We appreciate your cooperation.

Can I get someone to sponsor food or beverages for the party?
We understand budget restraints and don’t want anyone to decline hosting an event due to financial limitations. Therefore party hosts and leaders are welcome to seek donations of wine, food or venue. However, we ask that you let us know of your plans and be clear with vendors that you are an EcoMom Community Leader and if they would like to become an official sponsor of the EcoMom Alliance (i.e. to receive benefits such as tax-deductions), to please get in touch with us at headquarters, nicole@ecomomalliance.org
Do you have treats or favors we can give our guests?
We are growing our relationships with corporate partners and will on occasion have some organic treats we can send you. Please email sherry@ecomomalliance.org to see if we have any products available at the time of your event.