Open House Planning

Hosting DAP Open Houses at Your Lodge

A DAP open house invites the community into your lodge to learn about drug prevention. Well-planned open houses build relationships, demonstrate your impact, and recruit support for DAP.

What Is a DAP Open House?

A DAP open house is:

• A community event hosted at your lodge
• Focused on drug awareness and prevention
• Open to families, educators, and community members
• An opportunity to showcase your DAP program

Planning Your Open House

Define Your Goals

• Educate the community about DAP
• Build relationships with schools and partners
• Recruit volunteers
• Demonstrate lodge community involvement

Choose Your Format

• Drop-in style with displays and activities
• Structured program with presentations
• Family-friendly with activities for all ages
• Combination approach

Key Elements

Information Stations

• What is DAP and what do we do?
• Drug prevention information by age group
• How to request presentations
• How to get involved

Activities

• Hands-on activities for children
• Pledge wall or commitment board
• Photo opportunities
• Giveaways and materials

Refreshments

• Light snacks appropriate for families
• Consider dietary restrictions
• Keep it simple

Promotion

• Invite school contacts personally
• Post on social media and community calendars
• Send flyers home with students
• Contact local media
• Invite elected officials

Logistics

Space Setup

• Welcoming entrance with signage
• Logical flow through displays
• Accessible for all visitors
• Clear wayfinding

Staffing

• Greeters at the entrance
• Volunteers at each station
• DAP leaders available to answer questions
• Someone to collect contact information

Follow-Up

• Thank attendees who provided contact information
• Follow up on any requests or questions
• Add contacts to your outreach list
• Log the event in CLMS
• Plan your next open house