A tablecloth perhaps, a variety of colorful books, shirts, eye-catching signs, posters, etc., will draw people over. Make the table display as attractive as possible. Keep careful records of financial transactions while tabling – it might be a good idea to keep a record of donations, memberships, sales, and sales tax, separately.ģ. Do not neglect to do this, so that the risk of theft can be kept to a minimum. As the day goes on, if you are accumulating a considerable amount of money in the cash box, take out all cash except what you need to make change and put it in a safe place. The cash box should also contain pens, pencils, tape, scratch paper, etc. If you are selling merchandise: Have an appropriate amount of change in a cash box or other suitable container. Be sure that the name of your group appears on a sign or banner prominently displayed and visible from a distance. Guidelines for setting up a stall (free literature and merchandise)ġ. This is yet another benefit of setting up an table. Petitions and Pledges of Solidarity are also useful to have.
So, it is not a bad idea to produce some basic literature explaining what your group is working on and/or has accomplished.
If your table is full of neat stuff for sale, you will be able to distribute a great deal of organizing literature for free, because folks who come to the table, whether to browse, buy, or ask questions, will inevitably accept any free information you provide. Airport luggage carts are flimsy and will fall apart due to wear and tear. But get one that is durable and will last. These can usually be found for very little money (less than $50) second hand. Literature Racks (not essential, but highly useful, especially if space is limited)Īnd, a durable hand truck with straps for transport is essential. Clip Boards (for petitions and sign-up sheets) A Cash Box and $20 in Small Bills for change (round your prices off to the dollar it's much easier)į.
Rubber Bands (wind is always a nuisance)Į. Milk Crates (for transport can double as chairs)ĭ.
Portable Tables (if none are available, a tarp laid out on flat ground will work)Ĭ. In order to successfully table and accommodate your volunteers, you should obtain the following (lightweight, yet durable materials are the best)Ī. Tabling at big political events, on the other hand, while not especially conducive to organizing, is nevertheless much more conducive to raising money for the group and letting active folks know of your group's existence.
The least likely to succeed (in terms of raising money or general outreach) is establishing a table in front of a supermarket or a transportation center. It is best to start with no more than one event or tabling effort per month and build up your momentum. Big political events, demonstrations, and marches They are listed in decreasing order of likely success (based on observations made by experienced East Bay IWW members):Ī. And, if your group is not active, and you do not plan any events, your members will drift away.Īll of the following events and locations are useful and beneficial to some degree. It is important, especially when you are not involved in a local organizing drive, to generate activity and be seen. Tabling provides activity for members looking for something to do.Īll of these benefits are essential for building your group, and making it strong. Tabling provides outreach for your groupĬ. Setting up a literature table at events is a lot of work why should you put so much energy into this? Answers:ī. A guide with tips and advice for running a stall for a political or campaign group to distribute literature and maybe raise funds.