* How to Hold A 'Meet and Greet'

Recently I hosted a candidate 'Meet and Greet'. Craig asked me to let his readers know about how these 'Meet and Greets' work.

Blog Disclaimer:

If I were just a regular voter, I'd take him up on the offer without hesitation. But I'm publicly listed on Chris' website as part of his campaign team - photo, capsule bio and all - so it probably won't sit well with some of the readers if they think I'm presenting myself in a neutral light. Clearly, I'm not neutral. If he's is willing to take that risk, I guess I am, so here goes.

Here's how I did it.

You call or write to the candidate or candidates you are interested in and tell them a few dates/times that work for you that they can choose from.

When they confirm the date, you just tell your neighbors, friends and so on, and if you are open to it, you ask them to tell people they know.

You choose who you want; you don't have to invite strangers if you don't want to. You might put some notices in neighbor's mailboxes or send email asking them to save the date. You might even post it on a blog or two ;o) You don't have to have a crowd.

4-10 guests is a perfectly fine size. It can be in your home, or your condo or apartment meeting room.

Then you just put out some chairs and maybe some cookies or fruits, some coffee or tea, or water for people. When the candidate shows up, they introduce themselves and share what they are about, then the group introduces themselves one by one and talks about what's on their mind.

The candidate responds and if things are going well, there is a lot of give and take. Eventually, after everyone has had a chance to introduce themselves, if things are going well, the group will discuss things of common interest and the candidate will talk about how their platform addresses these concerns.

It is very interesting. Everyone has a different story and point of view and yet we have many common concerns. These events really humanize the whole process. You get to meet new people - there are so many fascinating people living in Rogers Park. It's really a good thing to do - I don't see any down side to it.

You feel like you can actually make a good decision after you've talked to the person who might do the job.

See you around at the candidate forums,

Rebecca

Blognotes:

If you want a chance to attend another one of Chris Adams - 'Meet and Greets' - there's one on January 30th. The Adams for Alderman campaign will be hosting a 'meet and greet' like the one discribed above.

Click here for Chris Adam's campaign schedule or email him at, chris@adamsforalderman.com