Arrange your table neatly and attractively. Remove rubber bands from pamphlets so people can pick them up easily. Keep an eye on your donation can — don’t let someone walk off with it. Leave at least ten or fifty rupees and some change in the can to encourage people’s generosity!
You don’t have to form a group to accomplish something; you can do a lot by yourself.
A great way to reach a large number of people is to set up an information table in a busy area of town, or in your school or college. Choose a spot with a lot of pedestrian traffic where people will see you. Find out where other groups in your community set up tables, and get a list of festivals or fairs.
ASKING PERMISSION
Once you’ve chosen a good location for a table, call the mayor’s office, municipality or police station to learn about regulations you need to follow. Here are some questions to ask:
• Do I need a permit? Permits are usually easy to apply for, although they may take time to process.
• How often can I use this spot?
• Are there restrictions on the type of equipment that can be set up?
• Are there any regulations on selling items such as buttons and bumper stickers at a table? If so, you can ask for donations instead of charging for the merchandise.
• Ask for several copies of the application form to save for future use.
Here’s what you need to set up your table:
• one or two card tables or a folding display table
• folding chair
• pamphlets
• posters — some mounted on plywood and covered with plastic (Click here to see tips for making displays)
• an easel (or other support for the posters)
• clean sheets or a plain table cloth to cover the table, long enough to reach the ground
• a donation can
• sign-up sheets (so you can contact activists for future events)
• a cardboard or wooden sign with your group’s name
• a plastic drop cloth (in case it rains)
• lots of clear paperweights — small but heavy
You can request materials for your table from PETA.
Arrange your table neatly and attractively. Remove rubber bands from pamphlets so people can pick them up easily. Keep an eye on your donation can — don’t let someone walk off with it. Leave at least ten or fifty rupees and some change in the can to encourage people’s generosity!
TABLE MANNERS
If visitors to your table seem interested, ask them to leave their telephone number and sign the mailing list. Say, “Thank you. We’ll keep you posted.” Encourage them to help by asking them to call their political representatives about a particular bill or company you are targeting.
Don’t spend so much time with one person that you miss contact with others who may be interested. Be especially sure not to waste time and attention on someone who disagrees with you; you may alienate people who overhear the argument. Instead, clarify your position briefly, express regret at your disagreement, and turn to someone else as quickly as possible. You may feel as if you’re “backing down,” but arguing at a table is a waste of time and can cause you to miss potential supporters.
Above all, remember to smile, be friendly, and be patient. You, too, were once unaware of animal abuses. Let others know that your background is much like theirs, but that once you learned about animal suffering you decided to take action. Lifestyles and attitudes are easy to change — you’re living proof! And you can show others how to be more compassionate, too!
