Host a House Party

As Iowans who believe in equality, we must be engaged within the community and have personal conversations about Why Marriage Matters.

In April 2011, One Iowa launched a massive statewide public education campaign to get the word out about why marriage matters. We know that by telling our stories and talking about equality for our families, we can win the hearts and minds of our fellow Iowans. A house party is a great way to gather friends and family to talk about these important issues.

What is a house party?

A house party is opening your home to friends and neighbors who haven't had a meaningful discussion about Why Marriage Matters yet. These conversations can be difficult, especially at rallies or forums. Opening up our homes provides a neutral and comfortable environment to have an honest and relaxed conversation about marriage and what it means to committed, loving gay and lesbian couples.

How can I host a house party?

It's easy. Simply contact Molly at molly@oneiowa.org to get all the tools you need to host your own house party.

Host Testimonies: 

Jon and Lisa Merkle hosted a house party in Des Moines where family, friends, and friends of friends came together to discuss why marriage matters for gay and lesbian couples. 

Jon and Lisa's guests were treated to tasty treats including butterscotch cookies, pretzels, chocolates, and soda. With a full living room, Jon and Lisa helped drive the discussion. Having been married since 2009, Jon and Lisa began the conversation with why marriage matters to them, and then talked about why marriage matters for committed, loving gay and lesbian couples.

Jon and Lisa's testimonial:
"We thought the party was a success! It was great to mix people we know from different aspects of our lives all together to talk about marriage. There were some great conversations and we think everyone learned something.
Hosting a house party doesn't have to be a big deal. If you get people together with some munchies and get the conversation started, things will snowball.
We hope that by having this house party we have connected some people with more knowledge and resources so that when the scenario arises, and they have the opportunity to talk about why marriage matters with someone, they are equipped and feel prepared to successfully advocate for what they believe in." 

Cindy & Ed McConnel hosted a house party in West Des Moines. They invited friends, families, and neighbors to come together to have a conversation about Why Marriage Matters in Iowa. Cindy prepared an assortment of goodies for her guests, from pizza to homemade bread and pretzels. And, of course, what house party wouldn't be complete without a little wine? Click here to view more photos from Cindy & Ed's house party.

Cindy's testimonial:
"The message I hope that people take from our house party is that marriage in so important to our family. Our daughter and her wife have made a lifetime commitment in their relationship. They are an important part of our family and have given us two wonderful grandchildren that bring us great joy. Our grandchildren are being taught that you treat people the way you want to be treated. It is important that they have married parents who are respected just as their friends parents are respected. Our family continues the same traditions that we always have had and we love our daughter and daughter-in-law as much as any parents could love a child.
"The One Iowa house parties are important because of the 'ripple effect'. When you bring people together for a conversation, you don't know what ripple you have started that will make a difference in the lives of gays and lesbians. If we talk about why marriage matters, it may help others to realize that gay and lesbian couples just want to have the same loving relationship and to grow old together just like they do."

Pro-equality host with the most and One Iowa supporter Mary Beyerhelm Huey hosted a house party at her home in Nora Springs. The purpose of the house party was to invite people to discuss marriage equality in the comfort of her home. 

Mary’s guests were treated to food, drink, live music, and even livelier discussions on why marriage matters. The evening was a huge success and culminated in a group commitment to protecting marriage equality.

“I was pleased with the house party. I believe people who are in support or leaning towards freedom to marry enjoy talking about the issue, and are eager for effective ways of discussing it with others. We wanted the party to feel fun and comfortable, but also wanted to have serious conversations, and I think we achieved that through an informal atmosphere, good food and drinks, knowledgeable guest speaker, and our passion for the issue,” said Mary about the event. “I think the house party gives us the venue to discuss an issue that most people want to know more about, but most of us don't feel very skilled discussing it - especially with someone who isn't in agreement with us. I believe the experience gives us the confidence and some useful tools to use in everyday conversations with others.”

Supporter Lisa Henze threw a house party in Marion, Iowa. Lisa says the party was everything she hoped it would be--and more!

"The planning was incredibly easy and any questions I had were answered. The party itself was a huge success and brought people together with a common goal. After talkingt to people who were there, I feel much more informed and ready to defend marriage equality."