So You’re Going to Host an Austin CHILDFREE! Event...

So you want to host an event? Excellent.

But what if you don’t know where to start? Follow these easy instructions and you’ll be hosting your event in no time!

• Choose a theme for your event. Or not. A themed event is a great way to get together with your fellow Austin CHILDFREE! friends, but a theme is not necessary. And remember, if you don’t have a new event that you wish to host, you are always welcome to host one of the monthly or special events that are already on the calendar. (See http://www.austinchildfree.org/monthly_events.htm or http://www.austinchildfree.org/SpecialActivities.htm for the lists.

• Some examples of previous special events:

	Star Trek Party	Plant Swap	Open Screen Night
	Book Swap	Spoetzl Brewery Tour	Chocolate Party
	Wine Tastings	Storytelling & Stargazing	Canopy Tour
	Classic Movies	Spies: Livegame Party	Cocktail Explorers

• Secure a location… The location can be your house, another private residence, a public area, or anywhere else you choose. Make sure the location fits the event; you can limit the number of attendees if space (or the event) doesn’t allow. But remember: Austin CHILDFREE! does not charge for organization-sponsored events, so if the event will be at a place that imposes any kind of fee or that charges for parking, this must be a part of the information you communicate to the Calendar Organizers to put into the Austin CHILDFREE! calendar. (Or the event might be better for the more casual Enthusiasts List.)

• … and a co-host if you want or need one. You don’t have to do all the work by yourself! If you want or need to, ask one or more of your fellow Austin CHILDFREE! to co-host the event. Extra eyes, ears, hands, and brains go a long way to ease some of the anxiety of hosting.

• Choose a date and get the event on the calendar. Check the Austin CHILDFREE! calendar at http://www.austinchildfree.org/calendar.php before choosing a date for your event. Then e-mail your date and event information to Calendar@AustinChildFree.org. The Calendar Organizer will work with you to gather all the information needed for posting. If you need attendees to RSVP for the event, make sure the due date is part of your event description. (To protect members’ privacy, the location of events is usually e-mailed at a later date to those who RSVP.)

• If you need party paraphernalia, send out feelers to the Enthusiasts List. If your event doesn’t need specifically-themed party supplies, ask your fellow members for their stashes! Fellow members of Austin CHILDFREE! have accumulated an amazing array of paper goods and decorations; ask them for their extras before you go out and buy party stuff.

• Other host responsibilities. Put your best foot forward. Hosting an event means that you are representing Austin CHILDFREE!, and a great event means great karma for everyone. However, it doesn’t mean that you have to put up with disrespectful or rude guests. The event is in your space, and if a guest is behaving inappropriately, you have every right to ask them to stop or leave.

• And have a good time... The important part of being in Austin CHILDFREE! is having a good time. It's the participation of our members that makes us one of the best and friendliest social groups you'll ever find, and that is why we encourage everyone to have a go at hosting an event...

Your Responsibilities as a Guest.

If you attend Austin CHILDFREE! events, you, too have responsibilities:

• Always RVSP. ALWAYS. If you do not RSVP to an event that requires one and you show up anyway, there is the possibility that you will not be able to fully participate. It's also rude...

• If the notification says to bring an item, bring the item requested or e-mail the host to ask what you can bring. If you do not bring the item requested, there is the possibility that you will not be able to fully participate. (If the notification does not mention items to bring, it might be nice to ask anyway.)

• If the event is time-sensitive, show up on time, and always be prepared to leave when the host asks you to leave. The start and end times for the event were chosen for a reason. If you want to show up early to help with the event, clear it with the host first. If you show up late, there is the possibility that you will not be able to fully participate. There is always the chance that the host might allow people to stay beyond the end time, but when the event is over, it’s over. It would be polite to ask if you could help clean up or take away leftover food and drink.

• Always have a ride to the party, and always have a ride home. The host of the event does not have the responsibility of finding you a ride. This goes double if you overindulge in alcohol. Watch your intake, or if you drink too much, have a friend drive you home or have the number of a cab company (and the money to pay for it).

Austin CHILDFREE! encourages all members to give hosting a try. Being a host may feel overwhelming, but other members are always available to help. And hosting events gets easier the more times you do it! Start out with a simple event (book club, picnic, movie night), and one day, you could be hosting the Halloween Party!