Tabling is an excellent way to reach the university community. It’s also one of
the most fun. You get to meet and talk with people face to face and know that
one more person has been exposed to your message. You don’t have to table with a
group to reach people effectively; you can reach lots of people on your own. You
do, however, have to be with a registered student organization to table on
campus.
Table regularly. Have info. on all topics, an email signup, meeting fliers,
petitions.
To table on campus, you must reserve a table for your group. The reservation
can be made at the CCI office on the fourth floor of the SSB.
Table reservations are good for two week increments and can be renewed over
the web at http://www.utexas.edu/depts/dos/cci/index.html. Click on Room
Reservations. Then click on Online Booth Installation Application and fill out
the form. You must keep a copy of the reservation document and give one copy to
the information desk on the first floor of the tower. You will check out your
table at this desk.
In order to get a good tabling spot on the West Mall, set up your table early
(around 10 a.m. or before). The best spot is the area under the trees directly
across from the West Mall steps. This spot has a lot of pedestrian traffic.
There are regulations you have to follow when setting up a table on campus:
- You have to have your group name on a sign or banner on the front of your
table.
- You are not allowed to accept money (i.e., selling merchandise or food, or
accepting donations) without reporting it.
- There are many regulations in the Student Group handbook. Read through it.
Some regulations are worthwhile and some are worth working around.
Things to have at your table:
- Make sure you have plenty of copies of each piece of literature you are
handing out. Remove the rubber bands from pamphlets so people can take them
easily. If you run out of something people are interested in, let them know
when you will be tabling next and get some more!
- Always have a donation jar. Put some change and some dollar bills inside
to encourage people to give you some dough.
- Make sure you have plenty of sign up sheets (for your mailing list) and
plenty of pens that write.
- Don’t forget your rocks! Yes, your literature will blow away if you don’t
have anything to hold it down, so get some rocks.
- Always have something people can take with them that has your group name,
contact info., and meeting times on it. A small quarter-sheet flyer is
perfect.
- Props and displays are good to have. They get people’s attention and draw
them to your table.
Table Manners
If visitors to your table seem interested, ask them to sign up on your
mailing list. Make sure they take the most important pieces of literature on
your table. Ask them to get involved in some way, like by calling a company you
are targeting or writing a letter. Always say thank you and be friendly.
Don’t spend too much time on one person. You could miss contact with others
who may be interested. Be especially sure not to waste time on someone who
disagrees with you. You could alienate people who overhear the argument.
Instead, clarify your position briefly, express regret at your disagreement,
direct the person to related literature (or recommend books or websites they
could check into), and turn to someone else as quickly as possible. You may feel
like you’re “backing down” but arguing at a table is a waste of time and could
cause you to miss potential supporters.
Don’t get frustrated if you feel you haven’t reached someone. You never know
what seeds you’re planting. Talking to you may be the first time someone ever
considered that there might be something wrong with the way they perceive the
issues raised at your table. Most people won’t change overnight, but even if
someone seems unsympathetic, you’re planting seeds that can lead to a change
later.
Above all, remember to smile, be friendly and be patient. You, too, were once
unaware of the abuses you are working to remedy. Let others know that your
background is much like theirs, but that once you learned about various abuses,
you decided to take action.
Tip
Tabling is easy so it's a good way to get members
involved with your group. Set up a weekly tabling schedule and ask members to
commit to tabling each week.
Tip
The Texas Union provides lots of services for student
organization, like lockers and a limited number of offices. You may need to get
on a waiting list for a locker (and you definitely will for an office) so do
this right away. Go to the Texas Union Program Office (4th floor of the Union).
For information call 475-6630.
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