Pick a location: A public space with regular foot traffic (e.g., shopping center, park, library) or identify an event to table at (e.g., political talk, church service, sports event).

The table: Folding tables are convenient and you can find different sizes at stores like Academy. You'll probably decide that buying a folding chair or two is worth it also.

Materials: We encourage you to make use of the materials we've provided here. And given your understanding of the community you're tabling in, you might consider adding materials that complement those offered here.

The essential materials for a table are these: 1- current fact sheets and articles that are brief, well-written, and provide good analysis; 2- flyers or handbills that promote upcoming events of interest to the progressive community; and 3- sign up sheets for the Nowar email list.

It costs a bit more, but photocoying different flyers and articles onto different colored paper makes a big difference in the look of the table.

An optional component, that goes over very well with passers-by, is to maintain a letter-writing campaign. For example, currently there's a campaign to urge Congress to vote for open hearings on the Bush Administration's handling of pre-war intelligence regarding Iraq. At the table you can supply envelopes, stamps, and pre-printed letters that anyone can sign and add comments to.

It's also a good idea to have a labeled donation jar for contributions toward photocopies, stamps, and envelopes.

Listening: Nothing beats the "soft sell." Give people a chance to look at what you've got without having to worry about you trying to convince them of something. When someone walks up say something nice to break the ice (e.g., "Help yourself to any of these articles.") and leave it at that. More often than not, they'll pick up articles and start a conversation. Lots of people are grateful for the chance to talk about politics and current events, so be prepared to listen. Let them know they can sign up for the Nowar list, a low-volume email listing of progressive events in town.