DFI and Manners-Yes I do both

OK, it seems I'd written a document for candidates about manners and such... I guess I'd been to a series of parties and seen some appalling behaviour.

Having recently attended a series of fundraisers and Holiday events, I feel compelled to make a few comments. I’m beginning to get the sense that wolves raised many of you.

This is a “progressive” post; if you can’t successfully apply yourself to the first one, don’t bother to move on to the next step.

Party Guest: Let’s start by focusing on those 2 words.
”Party” as in having a good time, an opportunity to meet new people, an opportunity to wear a pretty blouse or dress, an opportunity to bring a friend along to introduce to a group or community.
“Guest” as in accepting some responsibility for your behavior. Arriving on time, greeting the host or hostess, RSVP if asked, making polite conversation, be prepared to introduce yourself to some one you don’t know, offer to help the host if it looks like they need it. Stay in the designated party space, thank the host and leave on time.
If this is a “Fundraiser” you are by default obligated to contribute something. This can be money or if possible, it can be your time or talent. This also assumes that some money needs to be left over at the end of evening; it can’t all be spent entertaining you.

Things you are NOT allowed to do as a Party Guest: Arrive well after the party has “peaked”, use any personal belongings of the host, whip out a book from the book shelf and plunk yourself down in a chair in the middle of the party and start reading it, place glassware on furniture without a coaster or napkin, leave your food plate behind for some one else to pick up, get drunk and obnoxious, assume anyone wants to chase, hold or baby-sit your uninvited children, look like you don’t want to be there. If you are not having fun, go home, we won’t miss you.

Host and Host Committees: Again, I stress, if you haven’t mastered Party Guest, don’t attempt this. The only exemption is if you hire a party planner and contract out the whole event. If this is the case, you probably have too much money, and we don’t know you.
Planning: The who, what, where, and when. Each of these deserves it’s own committee and attention. They work as a symbiotic relationship, some time the “who” determines the “where”, sometimes the “when” determines the “who”. Do not try to plan any important event “on the fly”, unless you are very good and very organized something will turn tragic, assume these events will not be successful. Successful events are always planned months in advance. Have enough seating for at least ¾ of your guests, especially if many are over the age of 50. Young folks can stand for 2-3 hours; the rest cannot be expected to do this.

Host and Host; you too have responsibilities, foremost is greeting your guests and making them feel welcome. Do not stand in clumps and only speak to those you know, make an effort to introduce yourself, and offer to introduce people who don’t look comfortable.

Candidates: You are by far the “ultimate” party guest and host/hostess. All above rules apply to you at all times. You are obligated to be polite make introductions, arrive on time (or arrange before hand with the host to be “ a little” late) Brief your surrogates, have business cards, wear your name badge, shine your shoes, do not bring husbands or wives who don’t want to be there, always RSVP even if the invite doesn’t require it, how else will the organizers know to recognize you? Also, what if your opponent is going to be there, it makes it very awkward for everyone. Don’t pass anything out unless you have cleared it with the host first, unless it’s a business card.

If there is an “entry fee” you must pay it, just because you are a candidate you are not exempt, unless you are someones guest. I have to tell you, some of you candidates are getting a bad reputation for not paying, we don’t care that your just stopping by, you brought your Mother and husband, and they are eating and drinking. If your campaign is strapped, ask if it’s ok to contribute later or pay a reduced rate. DON’T expect to just show up and not pay, remember you are a Party Guest first, then a candidate, not the other way around.