As a group we decided that we wanted to have a well prepared table that went beyond a mere class assignment. We wanted the tabling to start a discussion among those passing by about how human trafficking is real and is growing. Therefore, we printed statistics that helped frame the topic so we could get people to react. These statistics were then posted on a board, where information about Free All Bodies could be read too. In addition to the board, we also included on our table pamphlets from established organizations like Free the Slaves. This helps to target the people who are on the go due to other arrangements. Again, since many don't have time to research themselves, we provided a sign-up sheet for people to receive a one-time email with more statistics and contact information for organizations in the community. Lastly, we wanted to engage additional people by offering free pizza. The way we marketed to other students was through a flyer that was posted a week in advance. The flyer mentioned free pizza and for them to "March Forth on March Fourth with F.A.B." This flyer served to engage people to our table and to march along our side.
The day of the event we started setup around 10:30 am and it went smooth. Diana and myself set up everything fairly quickly. There were even additional snacks and drinks that we put on our table for those who came up. Between the times of 11:00 am and 1:00 pm we had the most amount of people pass by. We engaged them by first welcoming them and asking them to estimate how much they think the human trafficking industry was worth. Of course not many guessed the right amount and when they realized the true number they began to read the rest of the information in awe and disgust. I personally feel the tabling was helpful, especially since I had an individual realize that actual human beings get sold. He asked "when you say how much does the industry make in selling humans, do you mean real people?" This reaction is what I feel many around the globe assume, that human trafficking is this inevitable horrible thing that can't be stopped or that it simply does not happen.
Lastly, I felt this could have been better in multiple ways. First, we need to engage more local organizations, whether they be on campus or in the community. I believe that if we didn't have the Raging Grannies and Valley Animal Shelter there would have been a smaller crowd. Of course this is not always perfect and some organizations are just busy. In our case, we attempted to bring out Made for Them, which is a local organization that helps combat human trafficking through fashion, however they could not make it. Another area where we could improve is by having a speaker pump up the crowd during intervals. I believe this would help draw attention to our tables. Lastly, it's great to march on March fourth however if another day should be chosen it could also help draw in a larger crowd, since on Fridays many students do not have class.
My overall participation included: contacting Made for Them, creating the F.A.B. poster board, creating the flyer, creating the email sign-in sheet, and researching pamphlet to display.
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