Field Notes # 5

The most significant part of Monday night's meeting was towards the end when the president requested all new members meet up front. While I've discussed tabling in my previous entries, Monday night provided me with more insight as we actually received a training session and discussed various tactics that work best. First, the president asked us to describe in a few words the purpose and goal of the organization, basically how would we explain what Face Aids is and does to someone stopping for information at our table? While there was no wrong answer, some proved better than others but overall most answers touched on the fact that Face Aids is a non profit organization that currently exists in over 150 college campuses and works to spread awareness and help fight the AIDS epidemic through various fund raising events. The president then asked older members to explain key points they like to throw in when tabling. Many students relied on statistics and other good examples of logos. For instance, just five dollars keeps a mother from passing HIV to her child. Most interesting though, was the fact that older tablers recommended never forming a comparison to a tangible good owned by a student, as in don't say "the money you used to buy the cigarettes you're smoking would have provided a years worth of treatment to a HIV positive person." Such a statement would likely offend someone. Other rhetorical tactics were discussed like the proper terminology to use when referring to a "HIV infected person" versus "person suffering from HIV.” Smiling was also encouraged and is most important according to the president, for our goal is simply not to raise funds but to spread the word and gain potential supporters. Our upmost priority is to inspire people so appearing approachable and kind is extremely important. Eye contact was even discussed as members suggested making eye contact early enough so that passer-bys feel pressure to stop and not walk past our table. It’s here that we should begin talking and should always start by saying "hi, would you like to learn how you can help fight aids?" Another key is to keep them talking as the longer they are present the more time you have to persuade them and potentially earn their donation as well as their interest in the organization.