Agenda for Houston Speakers’ and Tabling Training
May 24, 2011
This training aims to equip a cadre of local members to accompany our featured
storytellers (murder victim family members, attorneys, exonorees, etc.) to
presentations on the death penalty and to provide a bridge between the featured
speaker’s story and TCADP’s organizational initiatives. The training also will focus on
tabling at events as an effective way to recruit new members.
During this training, participants will learn...
* How to give a five-minute "pitch" on the state of the death penalty in Texas
and ways to get involved with TCADP
= How to support the needs of featured storytellers
* How to respond to frequently asked questions on the death penalty
» How to make the most of speaking and tabling events
Introductions and Purpose of the Training: 15 minutes, led by
Kristin
Speakers’ Training: 35 minutes, led by Chris
and Kristin
Answering the Tough Questions: 25 minutes, led by
Anita
Tabling Training: 35 minutes, led by Vicki
Wrap Up: 10 minutes, led by Kristin
6:30 - 8:30 PM
1. Welcome and introductions. [Kristin - 10 minutes]
Icebreaker: Who is the most compelling/powerful speaker you've ever heard
(on this or any other issue)? [Alternative: Name a person - living or deceased -
that you would most like to hear/to have heard as a speaker.]
2. Discuss goals and purpose of the training and review the agenda.
[Kristin - 5 minutes]
Mention creation of Houston Speaker’s Bureau and goal of increasing number
of educational events, particularly in faith communities.
3. Model storyteller. [Chris Castillo - 5 minutes]
4. Model the TCADP “pitch”. [Kristin - 5 minutes]
5. Debrief - what did you hear? [Kristin - 10 minutes]
Reiterate main messages/talking points we want to convey as part of a
presentation/public education event: We are making progress on this issue in
Texas and we invite you to be a part of it.
6. Tips for supporting storytellers. [Chris Castillo -10 minutes]
Refer to the MVFHR piece, “The Courage It Takes”. (handout)
Ask for any addition ideas from Jan Brown and Joanna Rankin (family members
who plan to attend)
7. Provide other tips for TCADP representatives. [Kristin - 5 minutes]
Make sure the organizer of the event knows that you want to speak for five
minutes at the end, ideally before Q&A
What else?
How to Answer the Tough Questions [25 minutes]
1. Interactive Brainstorm. [Anita - 5 minutes]
Ask the group to identify some of the tough questions on the death penalty, or
questions they personally find difficult to answer.
2. Model Answers to Tough Questions. [Anita and Kristin - 10 minutes]
Pick three of the most common questions and model an exchange between a
TCADP rep and a friendly but critical questioner. Suggestions for questions:
Cost, Deterrence, Victims
Also model how to pivot away from sticky questions, like those related to pro-
life issues, lethal injection, “they can always escape or be pardoned,” etc.
3. Small Group Practice. [Anita - 10 minutes]
Break into groups of 3 people. Ask them to practice asking and responding to
tough questions on the death penalty. Two people engage in an interaction
while the third person observes and provides feedback on the response, how to
strengthen it, other examples to use, etc. There should be time for everyone to
practice responding at least once.
Building the Movement through Tabling Workshop [35 minutes]
1. Interactive Brainstorm. [Vicki -5 minutes]
Ask the group to name some past tabling events in Houston. Where else could
TCADP have a presence? Brainstorm general and specific opportunities. Ask
them to think about what audiences they'd like to reach.
2. Interactive Brainstorm: What is the purpose of tabling? [Vicki -5
minutes]
a. List-building - make sure to capture contact information for everyone
who comes to the table using the Count Me In Form; ask: Why is this so
important?
b. Targeted public education with specific audiences
c. Creating a buzz in a community, raise visibility for TCADP
d. Identify new allies or high-priority constituents (MVFMs, civic leaders,
law enforcement, religious leaders, etc.)
e. Publicize your next upcoming event or meeting. Always make sure you
have a next step/meeting/action to direct people to.
3. How to Organize and Work a Table. [Vicki - 10 minutes]
a. Mention TCADP funds available for registration fees.
b. Use a game, quiz, or interactive display to draw people in. (See new
TCADP quiz)
. Offer prizes (candy, stickers, buttons) to get people to interact or sign-up
. Offer on-site action opportunities (provide lap top or paper/pens and
have a specific action for people to take).
e. “Work” the table: Always stand, say hello, make eye-contact, have
something quick and easy you can hand out, ask if they’ve heard about
the latest news....
f. Encourage all visitors to sign up for the TCADP contact list and describe
it: You will receive 3-5 email messages a month with information about
recent death penalty developments and breaking news, action
opportunities, and upcoming events. From time to time, we also send
targeted messages based on the legislative district in which you live or
specific events in your area. TCADP does not sell or share its contact list
with any outside organizations.
g. Other dos and don’ts
4. What’s Next? [Vicki -5 minutes]
Send Count Me In forms to the office asap! We will follow up with a welcome
email.
a0
Describe what happens with new victim family member, religious leader, or
law enforcement contacts.
Ideas for encouraging participation and membership (time permitting)
. Q&A [Vicki - 10 minutes]
Ask for stories of good tabling experiences. Ask for examples of challenging
tabling experiences.
Wrap Up [Kristin - 10 minutes]
Describe where we go from here and ask participants to fill out interest form.
Brainstorming exercise: Why Count Me In Form is so important. How to describe this
to potential new supporters
Materials
s
s
Flip charts and markers
MVFHR article: “The Courage It Takes”
How to Answer the Tough Questions
Tabling Quiz
Main messages and key talking points for the TCADP pitch (on flip chart and as
a handout)
Interest Form
CC BY-NC-SA 4.0