Tabling 101
Why Table?
It isn't enough for your student organization to hold regular meetings. If you are like many groups, your group is looking for a way to engage the campus and to have open dialogue about life issues. You want to change hearts on campus.
The best way to change hearts is through tabling. Tabling displays are great opportunities to reach students with your message. In fact, they are one of the most important activities you can do on campus!
This information is intended to help you become a better advocate for the pro-life cause. If you would like Protect Life Michigan to help you create a tabling display or prepare to table with an apologetics training, please contact us via email or call us at 616-294-8348.
Wondering how to have a great tabling display? Check out the guide below.
Tabling: Step by Step
Step 1: Book a table in advance in the busiest location on campus. Make sure it is during peak hours.
Step 2: Decide what your topic will be. Below we have a list of helpful topics that will spark a conversation!
Step 3: Before your tabling time, send out an email to your group and have them sign up to participate. Make sure they know the topic well and are prepared to talk about it. Protect Life Michigan recommends holding an apologetics training during one of your meetings.
Step 4: Create your display. Go to Meijer or Walmart and buy a trifold poster board that will stand on its own. You'll also want to get colorful markers, construction paper, sticky notes, stickers, etc. Make your display colorful, attractive, and visible from a distance. The goal is to have one main point or question written on the top in large letters so that people can see it from a distance. Tip: Make your display interactive by having people vote or write their thoughts on a sticky note and place it on your display.
Step 5: Finish off your table with relevant handouts. It is critically important that every student you talk to has something to walk away with. Examples of these materials include flyers, pamphlets, buttons, or booklets. Ask Protect Life Michigan for materials or create some of your own.
Step 6: Finally, never do a tabling event without flyers for your next meeting and a sign up sheet! ....And candy. Everyone loves candy!
A few other tips: 1) Don't sit behind the table- stand next to and in front of it. 2) Be proactive and engaging. 3) Smile when someone walks by and be bold in asking them an initial question to start dialogue.