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Be an OPH Volunteer!
If you'd like to volunteer to help out at the next OPH booth, let us know! It's not very expensive to set up an OPH table somewhere for a day or two; the main problem is finding people to stand there and talk to the passers-by.
Staffing an Operation
Politically Homeless table is not as difficult as you might expect. In
fact, the worst part is having to stand up all the time! You could sit,
but you will find that most people will just pass by. The best tactic is
to stand in front of the table--but far enough away so as not to obscure
the signs and literature--and solicit takers
for the World's Smallest Political Quiz. Don't mention it by name, though,
since people hear the word "quiz" and think that they're going to be asked
questions like "Who was Secretary of State in 1955?" Call it a "political
opinion survey" or something else that communicates the fact that there
are no "right" and
"wrong"
answers.
You may either administer the WSPQ interactively, or just give the sheet to the prospect and turn your attention to other matters. The former approach works well if there are enough volunteers to handle the traffic, but if the table is being mobbed (it does happen!), take the latter. Be forewarned that some people will take the test, leave the form on the table, and just walk away! Sometimes they take the pen too, so make sure you have lots of extras.
Assuming that you went through the WSPQ interactively or that the respondant stuck around after answering the questions, add up the score and place a new sticker on the large Nolan Chart. It helps to explain what the Nolan Chart is before doing so, but they can usually figure it out even if you don't. If you encounter good prospects, ask if they would like to receive some information about the LP ("it doesn't cost anything") and if they would, ask to address on the back of the WSPQ form. Check to make sure the address is legible!
You'll discover that some people will want to talk politics. They come in two varieties, those that agree with the LP on most things but are unsure about others ("I'm not sure we should end the War on Drugs..."), and those that just want to debate ("I don't think your chart is very accurate, because..."). If you're a good talker, and the OPH table isn't getting overrun, it's not a bad idea to talk to the first bunch. Talking to the others, though, is usually a waste of time, and at worst, can turn into a heated argument that makes the Libertarian Party look antagonistic.
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