From the Northeast

by Kip Webster, Coordinator

In 2009, the local John Birch Society chapters in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut hosted a record-setting 72 street fairs. These events provided excellent opportunities for our members to influence people in a positive way, gain new members, and promote upcoming John Birch Society programs. The results were very positive everywhere. Here are some useful tips for others to conduct additional successful outreaches:

Getting Started: Find out which communities in your area schedule a street fair or similar festival by checking the event calendar posted on the various community websites. Choose which ones you will decide to participate in, obtain and fill out an application, and always state that your organization is The John Birch Society.

Supplies: We highly recommend a 10 x 8 or 10 x 10 shade canopy tent that can be purchased at your local mega-store for approximately $90. Also, obtain a lightweight foldout table for about $35. Then, get a tablecloth and some plastic stand-up display racks for fliers and magazines. Obtain what you need from www.JBS.org, such as reprints from The New American, the new booklets, and our popular DVDs. It’s a good idea to purchase these through your area Coordinator, who can save your chapter some of the costs by purchasing items in bulk.

Pens, pencils, and a few clip boards for petition signing (if you use this technique) are a must. A sheet for prospects to provide their contact information is very important. Over the years, experience shows that banners that give the booth a theme such as “Secure the Borders!”, “Stop Illegal Immigration!”, “Abolish the Federal Reserve!”, or “Return to Sound Money!” will help to draw people to your display. A local printer can make them for about $30. You can download banner copy at www.ShopJBS.org.

Dos and Don’ts: Never argue with anyone who approaches your display. Instead, educate and enlighten visitors in a friendly manner. The image you present is very important because first impressions are lasting. Therefore, dress appropriately. Always follow the rules of the street fair or festival organizers. If the rules require that you stay within the space you are provided, stay there and wait for passersby to come to you.

The exposure gained at events such as these pays immediate and long-term dividends. Good luck!