Guide to Becoming an Activist: Information Stalls

Sections: Introduction Getting Started Information Stalls Making Displays Producing and Distributing Leaflets Starting a Group Public Speaking Lobbying Working With the Media Campaigning Fundraising Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

You don’t have to form a group to accomplish your goals; you can do a lot on your own or by working with existing local and national groups. Setting up an information table in a busy area of town is a great way to reach a large number of people. Choose a spot with a lot of pedestrian traffic. Find out where other groups in your community set up tables, and get a list of festivals or fairs from your local council. If you are planning to solicit contributions, check the local regulations first.

ASKING PERMISSION

Once you’ve selected a good, high-traffic location for your table, call the council or police station to find out about the regulations. Try asking the following questions:

• Do I need a permit? (Permits are usually easy to apply for but may take two to three weeks to process.)
  
• How often can I use this spot?
  
• Are there restrictions on the type of equipment that I can set up?
  
• Are there any regulations on selling items, such as badges? If so, can I ask for donations instead of charging for the merchandise?

Ask for several copies of the application form to save for future use.

SETTING UP

The following items will help you set up a successful information table:

• One wallpaper-pasting table
  
• Plenty of informative leaflets
  
• Posters, some of which are mounted on plywood and covered with plastic (See the ‘Making Displays’ section of this guide.)
  
• A plain tablecloth or clean sheets to cover the table (They should be long enough to reach the ground.)
  
• A donation tin
  
• Sign-up sheets (so that you can contact activists for future events)
  
• A clear plastic sheet (in case of rain)
  
• Lots of small, heavy, clear paperweights

Arrange your table neatly and attractively. Tie your donation tin to one leg of the table – don’t let someone walk off with it. For more help, order a table pack that includes literature, sign-up sheets and posters from PETA.

TABLE MANNERS

If visitors to your table seem interested in learning more, ask them to sign your mailing list, and encourage them to help by writing to their Member of Parliament (MP) and Member of European Parliament (MEP) about a particular issue or company that you are targeting. Don’t spend so much time with one person that you miss contact with others who may be interested, and don’t 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 an information table is a waste of time that can cause you to miss out on the opportunity to speak to potential supporters.

Above all, remember to smile and be friendly and patient. You, too, were once unaware of the abuse of animals. Let others know that your background is much like theirs but that once you learned about animal suffering, you decided to take action. Tell them that lifestyles and attitudes are easy to change – and that you’re living proof! Encourage them to show others how to be more compassionate, too.