Field Notes # 2

My main point of discussion for this week is how Face Aids uses "tabling" to effectively grow and communicate their organization's mission. As the president of Face Aids put it "they've somewhat become expert tablers now and know the ends and outs of getting people to listen." He went on to say that the best thing to do is to keep students talking as the longer they stay the more likely you are to gain their interest in the club. For those unfamiliar with tabling, it refers to the various organizations which set up booths in the west mall area on campus. Generally these consist of student organizations promoting their cause via fliers, candy and other tactics. Often, however, students sit idly behind a table awaiting passer-bys to show interest before discussing their reason for being there. In this way, Face Aids is extremely unique. To quote the president, they "aren't passive tablers." No, as I discovered, they most certainly are not. Every weekday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. you will find Face Aids tabling in the west mall. In fact, this is a major part of the organization as it not only helps gain additional supporters but it provides a good deal of their revenue. I was surprised by how well organized they were, as it was a stark contrast from prior tabling experiences I have had with other clubs. In fact, in the past very few people end up showing up, students choose to socialize or read, and almost always someone forgets a key ingredient such as flyers or wristbands. Not the case with Face Aids. Instead, students are held accountable and are so passionate about the program that everything is taken seriously, almost as though it were their job. Everything from how they approach students to the planning around schedules has been fine-tuned to perfection. For instance, every Monday night during meetings students sign up for the time they wish to work. This seems the best approach as schedules vary from week to week so it’s best to start anew each Monday. The trick, however, is making sure to include the following Monday on the sign up sheet and scheduling students to work two hour shifts. Also, two to three students are preferred so if need be one can take over should an emergency arise. Finally, members are asked to wear their pins while tabling. These pins have become a trademark of Face Aids and are made up of red and white beads displaying the aids awareness ribbon. Made by hand in Africa, these beads are my favorite part of the Face Aids program as they are so representative of the organization's spirit.