How To Table : Activism 101

THE BARE BASICS:

- Table (didn't see that coming, did you?)

* lightweight, folding-tables are the best

- Literature

* Know your stuff! If someone asks you a question about your literature, you shouldn't have to reread it. This doesn't mean that there won't be questions you don't know, but you should at least know what you're handing out...

* Have a variety of documents available and remember that your audience is varied!

* A lot of organizations make it really easy for activists to get literature, so just contact an organization pertinent to your cause and see if they can't help you out.

- Donation Can

- Paper & Pen

* to write down the names of other activists who want to get involved

- Permission

I know, I know getting permission to express yourself?? But to maintain a peaceful and effective stand, I recommend asking permission first. It is not difficult to do, all you need is at least 2 weeks before your event. Contact your local government or police office for more information. Make sure to ask what the conditions of your permit are, and what kind of equipment is prohibited.

THE REST:

• Posters preferably at least one with your group's name on it in huge letters :) Doesn't need to be perfect, but a poster is almost a must.
• Petitions
• Email List of folks who want to get involved. (See Paper & Pen above)
• Paperweights (which could be as easy as having more pens)
• Tablecloth
• TV: crappy is fine. TV's are large enough that they capture the attention of the masses quite easily, especially for veg activism. (A laptop can be substituted easily, since they are ubiquitous. However, the mere size of a TV makes it appealing. Save up for one of these bad boys if you can.
• Tent: Makes your tabling experience a lot more bearable, for you, in heat, rain, or shine. Trust me.
• Chairs: This goes along with the whole idea of making your tabling experience comfortable, but it may as well be in the necessary category if you're planning on tabling for several hours on end. Folding chairs, naturally.
• Items to Sell (proceeds can go to whatever cause you're tabling for, or for equipment for better tabling.) Ideas include: Pins, Stickers, Posters, Wristbands, Apparel with your Logo (can be made at a DIY/Printing store). I am personally a fan of the pins, because it allows your org to make $ as well as your movement to grow!
• Food! (Please consider making vegan food because (a) its harder to spoil, since there are no eggs, milk, meaty, whatever, in it (b) it's better for the environment (c) it tastes just as good, if not better. Naturally I'm speaking to people who *aren't* already vegan and/or tabling for veganism, haha.)
• Books Pertinent to Your Cause, to decorate the table & because then you just look smarter...

THINGS TO HAVE HANDY

1. tape
2. rope/cord
3. scissors
4. fat marker and/or sharpie
5. BandAids? Activists mean business ;)

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Deciding where to Table: Find a central location with a lot of foot traffic.
• If you have not already formed a group, search around for individuals with the same activist interests as you, and see if you can help out. Otherwise start your own group and work on gaining interested activists!
• Do not clutter your table too much
• Smiling is good
• Tabling with 2-3 people is more effective than tabling with one person.
• Take breaks if you get tired out.
• Hand people literature. Do not wait for them to ask for it. People can be hesitant and shy... put yourself out there!
• Tabling around specific events is VERY helpful. Petitions can also be effective.
• Get ready for assholes. They are everywhere, but they make everyone else look better. Also it allows you to become a much more hardy activist.