Tabling

Tabling

What is it?  A group display, often at an event such as a student involvement fair, in which you have an opportunity to promote your organization to the student community.

 
SOMA table

The Society of Open-Minded Atheists and Agnostics at the University of Kansas go a’Tabling

Tabling can be a great way to reach out to your fellow students and be visible on your campus.  If you have been attending college for longer than the past twenty minutes, you are probably exceedingly aware of the concept of tabling.  Religious groups, academic clubs and annoying credit card merchants all employ the almighty table as part of their marketing tactics.  They do this is because it is effective.  You too, should harness the power of the table for the good of your group.

Goals of a Table


SFF Table

Members of Students For Freethought at the Ohio State University have a pleasant exchange with some passers by.
Using a tabling event to attract new members is of paramount importance.  Always have an email sign-up sheet so you can add people to your email list or Facebook group.  If you've got wi-fi and a laptop, you might even consider having people sign-up online right there and then.  (Be sure to get a lock for your laptop and lock it to the table!)  

You may run across people who want to argue with you about the merits of your worldview.  Feel free to engage them in a friendly debate, but remember that many bystanders who may be experiencing their first and only encounter with a secular organization will view your discussions.  Many of these people will go on to become politicians, teachers, business leaders, voters, etc.  The image they develop of your group that day may affect how they one day will vote on, legislate, or influence issues relating to the rights of secularists.  Your public relations demeanor should always be in the back of your mind during a tabling event.

Keep in mind that while tabling you have tremendous power to either do a great deal of damage or a great deal of good to the secular movement.  

Hemant Mehta

Hemant Mehta
Hemant Mehta of friendlyatheist.com and the current chair of the Secular Student Alliance Board of Directors has compiled a few tips on how best to do this.

He says that a friendly atheist:


The good news is that it isn’t too hard to make a good impression. Simply don’t lose your cool.  Don’t get emotionally involved in arguments with outraged opponents fired up for a debate. No matter how well you articulate your opinions, it is unlikely you are going to convert a person strong enough in his/her beliefs to argue with you in public. However, they and other passersby might at least remember that the godless student behind the table was very friendly, respectful and willing to listen.

Where to Table
Tabling opportunities vary with the specific policies of each university.  Some universities may allow students to easily set up shop any time they wish in student union facilities or in public outdoor areas.  Other schools have strict limits on when and where tabling events can occur.  Politely work within the regulations the school administration sets forth.  If you are unsure if your chosen location is kosher, ask.  The last thing you want to do is make a bad impression for your group and consequently, your secular beliefs. If you have several options as to where to place your table, the more people that pass by your location the better.  Try to locate next to high traffic areas (pedestrian, not vehicular).

One thing practically all universities have in common is a student involvement fair.  These events have many names, but the theme and characteristics are all nearly the same.  They tend to take place during the beginning of an academic term, especially in autumn.  They are intended specifically for student groups and they are generally well attended by freshman and sophomores who are looking to become involved in campus activities.  These events are critical for student organizations looking to increase the size of their member roster.  Find the date for your school’s “student involvement fair” and sign up!

 Organized Table
A beautifully organized table!
What Materials Should Be at your Table?

Eye contact makes people much more likely to come up and talk with you.

Excuses to Table