Street Tabling for Geniuses

Street tabling is so easy any dummy can do it. These instructions are for the rest of you!. 

THE GOAL: tabling can help get the word out about an upcoming event. raise a little money, and educate the general public. Perhaps the best use of tabling, though, is to identify sympathetic people and to let them to take their first step to becoming active in the movement.

THE SITE: look for a place with lots of pedestrians. You should be able to set up on any sidewalk. "Blocking" pedestrians is illegal, but ill defined. Seattle police have arrested one man for standing on Broadway with a clipboard gathering signatures. The state Supreme Court upheld his right, but a table is more likely to be seen as obstructing. Find a spot where you aren't a nuisance, and you'll probably be OK. If police tell you to leave, you should probably leave. Private property, such as store entrances, may work. Ask store personnel. Malls are generally not worth the trouble.  It's winter, so keep an eye out for locations with protection from the weather.

WHAT TO BRING: 
A table. SNOW has several available if you don't have one of your own. 
A sign, or several, to help make you an event. 
Petitions, to get people's contact info and to impress politicians with the size of our movement.
Several ballpoints. Only use ballpoints, which are waterproof.
A couple clipboards. A piece of cardboard and two rubber bands works great.
A donation jar. Clear plastic is best. Put a couple bills in to give people the right idea. 
Scotch tape.
Literature, including an invitation to an upcoming event and one or two basic flyers. Don't cover the table with stuff-you're looking for activism, not shopping. 

WHAT TO DO:
Different people have different styles, so follow your own notions, and feel free to try a variety of approaches. An excellent method is to step toward someone as they're approaching, look straight at them and directly tell them what you want, "Hi, I'd like you to take a stand against the war in Iraq." Either hand them a clipboard or use your hand to wave them toward the table.  Explain what you want them to do (sign the petition), and how it will help save lives. As they're about to finish signing, say, "We need your help in other ways. Can you donate $5 to help us get the word out to others?....I'd like to invite you to our next (meeting, action, etc.)

Different people will take you in different directions. I try to keep a few things in mind: first, always look for what we agree on.  Second, there are people who'd love to talk for hours. That's not your goal. When you aren't going to get more from somebody, end the conversation. Politely. Third, when you meet someone who wants to do more, make sure you contact them in a day or so, to remind and reinvite them, and to give them any more information that's appropriate.

Got questions? Suggestions? Ideas? Contact me: Fred Miller, fredisfree@1sp.com 206 789-6863