LEAFLETING
If you’ve
discovered an animal exploitive event in your area, one of the
most powerful things you can do is leaflet! Handing out
literature and talking with people one-on-one is an inexpensive
and highly effective way to increase people’s interest, and having
information for them makes your job that much easier. By
spending just a few hours in the streets each week, you can
educate countless people about the current exploitation of
animals.
WHERE TO LEAFLET
Hold your event
in a public place with heavy pedestrian traffic at a time when
people will most likely be able to attend. Your target audience
will also help you to determine where to leaflet. It makes sense
to focus greater effort on those who are indirectly, and often
unknowingly, contributing to the exploitation of animals. For
example, the best place to educate people about the suffering of
circus animals is outside of the circus, as people are entering.
It is a good idea to scout out your location prior to the event.
WHAT TO LEAFLET
There are many
wonderful animal advocacy tools available for you to distribute.
It’s generally a good idea to have one brochure you will pass out
to everyone, and another more extensive publication to give to
those who seem especially interested in learning more about your
issue. If you need help, or would like some free brochures
contact ARFF (954-727-2733).
WHAT TO SAY
Since we want
to make sure people won’t just throw away the literature, it’s
best to let passersby know what the brochure is about before they
take it. Simply saying, “Can I offer you a brochure about
____________?” seems to work well.
When talking
with people make sure not to complicate the issue, if you can
avoid it. Most everyone already opposes animal abuse, so it
follows that we should focus on how your issue abuses animals,
rather than construct an abstract argument about violations of
animals’ rights.
While you
engage people in conversation about the suffering of the animals,
be certain to tell each one how they can take a stand against that
cruelty. You should have several easy things that they can do to
help.
SIMPLE AND EFFECT LEAFLETING TIPS
- Always
look professional and clean-cut. Keep in mind that we’re trying
to legitimize our issue and need to appeal to the “average”
person. Activists have found that the general public is much
more receptive if we look as mainstream as our message of
compassion should be. Do not wear leather (people like to
point out inconsistencies in our behavior and try to use them as
a basis for argument).
-
While
leafleting, try to be outgoing and friendly. Many people may
just walk past unless you approach them in a positive and
pleasant manner. A simple smile can have a dramatic effect on
how people perceive you and serve as an encouraging invitation
to take a brochure. You won’t gain anything by making people
feel bad.
-
If you
have a conversation with someone make sure to stay focused. It’s
fine to have a quick conversation about the weather, the
football season, or some neutral topic to bond with the person
with whom you’re speaking. But avoid a spirited discussion of
abortion, the death penalty, or any topic other than animal
abuse.
-
Don’t
waste your time talking to people who just want to argue with
you. If someone yells at you, speaks with you in a belittling
manner, or tries to provoke you into a heated debate, it is best
to either ignore the person, if possible, or just to say,
“Thanks very much for your comments. I have to get back to my
leafleting now.” There are MANY people who care about animals,
but are just unaware of how they are treated. Concentrate on
THEM. If you waste your time on argumentative people, you will
miss many potential supporters.
-
Ask any
volunteers to arrive at least 30 minutes before the event
actually starts, so everything will start promptly at your set
time. This is especially important if you invite press to cover
the event.
-
Bring
enough leaflets so that your team won't run out before they're
ready to stop. The number depends on how long your planning to
flyer, how busy an area you'll be leafleting in, and how
aggressive your team is about handing out the leaflets. Over
estimate!
-
Educate
yourself. You must possess a good understanding of the issue
you are attempting to educate others about. Otherwise, you may
lose your credibility. Familiarize yourself with the
information on your literature and be prepared to answer
questions. If there are questions you can’t answer, refer them
to ARFF’s website, or take their contact information and send it
to us.
YOUR RIGHTS
You have a
Constitutional right to stand on/in a public place, such as a
public sidewalk, and hand people leaflets to speak out. Don’t let
anyone tell you otherwise. Security guards may try to intimidate
you. The police in general understand your right to be there.
(There are always exceptions). The police may ask you not to
block the sidewalk, and not to block people’s passage on the
sidewalk. If you are a group and block the sidewalk (by your
sheer numbers)—and the police ask you to move—remember that you
have a right to picket, that is, to move around in a picket line
on the sidewalk.
GET ACTIVE
As you consider
the ways you can best help animals, make sure to keep leafleting
high on your list. You should be able to find friends to help
you, and, before you know it, you’ll have a small group of people
out every week, helping to educate your community about the
suffering of animals.
Please don’t
wait to get started … the animals need your help now more than
ever!
