CCLU: Tabling 101

Agenda Logistics: why, where & resources Preparing for an event Tabling best practices Suggested messaging The choir and handling pushback After the event

Why table? Recruit, educate and encourage. It’s a low-risk, non-threatening way for newer CCL volunteers to quickly develop their lobbying skills. Educating our fellow citizens is empowering.

Where to table? High-traffic locations, w/no connection to issues Issue-oriented events, with low- to high-traffic

Important Resources A conversation starter. A team of people. Colorful displays.  Handouts. Hands-on activities: Sign-up sheet, postcards, donations jar, coloring material for kids.  

Important Resources (cont.) A CCL banner.   Pens, pencils and a notebook. Books to see and handle. Water and snacks.  Fire-proof table clothes, if none are provided.

Optional Resources Laptop or tablet Second laptop looping the CCL Conference video. QR code to intro call webpage. Local newspaper photos.

Optional Resources (Visuals) Panels, trifold posters or displays: CCL accomplishments. Informational: national security, the oceans, agriculture, climate science, etc. CCL volunteer opportunities. Everything is Connected.

Table examples

Table examples (cont.)

Table examples (cont.)

Table examples (cont.)

?’s about Logistics? Agenda Logistics: why, where & resources Preparing for an event Tabling best practices Suggested messaging The choir and handling pushback After the event ?’s about Logistics?

Event Preparation If needed, fundraise for resources. Resources caretaker. Booth dimensions and layout. Practice laser talks, one liners and your delivery before the event.

Event Preparation (cont.) Recommended practice laser talks: CF&D or RNCT What we do – CCL stats 100% revenue neutrality Basic science of climate change Carbon-free energy in 20-40 years is possible

Best Practices Lamination and boards. Double check sign up info. Fill in omitted phone # and email. Write letters or postcards to their local member of Congress. Coloring activities for children will keep parents longer at your table.

?’s about Logistics, Preparation or BP Agenda Logistics: why, where & resources Preparing for an event Tabling best practices Suggested messaging The choir and handling pushback After the event ?’s about Logistics, Preparation or BP

Messaging Reminders CCL Purpose: Create political will Empower breakthroughs CCL Method: Politicians respond to political will Non-partisan

Suggested Messaging* Open Listen and acknowledge What we’re doing What we’re for Close *suggestions, do what works for you.

1. Suggested Open* *suggestions, do what works for you. Hi! I’m [YOUR NAME]. I’m a volunteer with the [YOUR CITY] chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby. Thanks for being out here to celebrate Earth Day. May I speak with you for a minute? Or, what brought you out here today? Is climate change one of your issues? Nice hat! *suggestions, do what works for you.

2. Listen and Acknowledge* If you asked an open-ended question in your open, then listen actively so you can transition smoothly. Trial and error. Be genuine. *suggestions, do what works for you.

3. What CCL is Doing* *suggestions, do what works for you. In a second I’m going to talk with you about our policy but first let me tell you what Citizens’ Climate Lobby is doing to create political will OR let me talk to you about what we’re doing OR let me talk to you a little bit about Citizens’ Climate Lobby. CCL Stats/Nutshell laser talk *suggestions, do what works for you.

4. What CCL is For* *suggestions, do what works for you. In a second I’m going to talk with you about our policy but first let me tell you what Citizens’ Climate Lobby is doing to create political will OR let me talk to you about what we’re doing OR let me talk to you a little bit about Citizens’ Climate Lobby. CF&D or RNCT laser talk *suggestions, do what works for you.

5. Close* *suggestions, do what works for you. Would you like to join us for an introductory call Wednesday night? Would you like to send a postcard to your member of Congress today? What questions do you have about this policy? Have you ever lobbied your member of Congress? *suggestions, do what works for you.

Messaging Do’s and Don’ts Avoid looking disinterested, Do engage. Avoid hot button issues, Do talk about what we’re for. Avoid lecturing, Do converse. Avoid overuse of dire messages, Do include CCL’s solution when doing so. Avoid negativity, Do appreciate.

?’s about Messaging? Agenda Logistics: why, where & resources Preparing for an event Tabling best practices Suggested messaging The choir and handling pushback After the event ?’s about Messaging?

Preaching to the Choir The environmental community is like an ecosystem, everyone occupies a niche. CCL’s niche is grassroots mobilization to create political will at the federal level for CF&D. There is very little overlap with the work we do and what others are doing. Be complementary of other organizations and their work.

Handling Pushback The cynical type: The “that’s never going to happen” folks. Acknowledge you felt that way before CCL. What’s changed in you since joining CCL. How the conversation has changed in Congress or Parliament. Take them from frustration to empowerment.

After the Event Thank-you notes. Follow up quickly with intro call reminder, invite to next meeting or cup of coffee.

The End Links to all resources mentioned on this call are in the online version of this lesson that’s available on CCLU called “Tabling 101.” The links include a detailed report replete with tips, tricks and lessons learned from eight tabling events in 2013 by CCL groups in the NE.