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KMC Network Materials to Print
KMCN 003--2-sided Cannabis fact sheet: 8.5"x11"
Print on white or lt color in black and green ink or on colored paper in black ink only
KMCN 004 -- 2-sided Flyer: 8.5"x11"
Print in black only or black and green on white or colored paper
KMCN 005 -- 1/4 pg flyer: 4-up on 8.5"x11"
2-sided, print in black and green or black only
KMCN 006--Signup sheets: 8.5"x11"
1-sided; 1 color
Starting the Conversation
SMILE! Be friendly and invite passers-by to stop at your table. Ask whether they are familiar with the issue or our work. Acknowledge each person but don't be too aggressive to those who would rather just browse.
Have the information necessary to answer general questions about medical cannabis and KMCN’s work. If you don't know the answer to a specific question just say you don't know and try to look up the information needed. NEVER guess at an answer. If you can't find the answer offer to research the subject and get back to the person who asked.
Make sure all brochures and other printed pieces are attractively displayed and easily accessible. Try to keep your table neat.
If there are upcoming events or team meetings, have the relevant information available on flyers or other handouts.
About flyers: smaller is usually better as most people won't want to carry around larger pieces. Quarter-page is a good size. So are the "medcankan" cards. Make sure all our contact information is on every item.
Follow up by inviting everyone who signs up to our next event or meeting.
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Effective Tabling
Tabling is easy to do and can be very effective in getting our message out to the general public. It is an important tool for building support for our mission. Tabling can be done at community events as well as in bookstores, coffee shops, university student centers, and even some malls. Local swap meets or flea markets also work--but be prepared not to collect enough in donations to cover expenses, as sometimes happens. However, new contacts and public exposure gained still can make your effort worthwhile.
Whether you are tabling alone or with other volunteers, be sure that everyone is prepared and somewhat familiar with the medical cannabis issue or that they can readily find answers to any questions. All volunteers should practice their introduction of the Kansas Medical Cannabis Network and ways in which volunteers can help.
First, permission must be obtained and/or vendor space procured. If you have the option of choosing your space, common sense would guide you to select a location exposed to maximum traffic. If your space is pre-assigned and not quite so visible you will need to draw attention to your space with signs, banners, balloons or other attention-getting devices.
Select or find your space and begin setting up your table. (It is important that the appearance of your table and your volunteers be neat and welcoming. It is important also to observe any rules or restrictions so our group will be welcome back--and our organization taken seriously.)
Tabling Checklist
If tables are not available to rent you will need to provide your own. A card table will work, but two of them pushed together will allow more space for your materials.
A tablecloth is not essential, but it will give your table a much nicer look and, if large enough, will neatly hide under the table all your extra supplies. (Check your local Goodwill Store for this item.)
Although not essential, a chair or two are nice to have for any slow periods if space allows.
A nice donations jar. A medium to large glass vase works very well. (I prefer no sign on the vessel, or, at most a small sign reading 'Donations Welcome'. I also like to put a few colorful glass marbles in the bottom of the jar to dress it up a bit, but this is not required.) DO "seed" your donations jar with a few dollar bills and/or a larger bill.
Clipboards---with pens attached---for signup sheets and petitions make it easier for visitors to sign up without having to bend over the table. (Be sure to have plenty of extra pens!)
Display stands for printed materials are nice to have and save table space, although they are not absolutely necessary. Most office supply stores have a good variety of these, and they are relatively inexpensive. Printed materials may also be neatly stacked, but will need to be anchored in some way if the venue is outdoors and the Kansas wind is blowing.
Other materials to have handy are scissors or a knife, binder clips, paper clips, rubber bands, cellophane and duct tape, push pins, Sharpies and larger markers, and even a few lengths of clothesline rope. Clothespins also have been known to come in handy.
That's a lot of stuff to tote around and you'll need something to keep it all corraled. Plastic storage boxes work well for the assorted items, and an old briefcase is great for printed materials. Or, put the printed materials in the storage box and everything else in a tote bag. Make it easy on yourself! After one or two "gigs" you'll know exactly what you need or don't need.
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