Ask an Atheist Day-Tabling Training-

This resource was produced by the Secular Student Alliance

What is Ask an Atheist day?

• Third Thursday every April• An opportunity to:– Defeat stereotypes

about atheism– Encourage dialogue on your campus– Gain more members

Training Objectives

• Group members should be able to assist whoever is leading the table.

• Group members understand and demonstrate proper tabling behavior.

• Group members know how to answer basic questions about atheism and science.

• Group members know what to do in the case of an emergency.

Tabling: What Is It?

• Tabling:– Is used to reach people about a specific

issue– Involves one-on-on interaction and

discussion–Usually includes literature distribution but

can also include games, performances of some sort, etc.

Tabling: Basic Etiquette

• While at the table, do:– Smile– Engage people – Look welcoming

• While at the table, do not:– Eat– Play with electronics– Read– Have a distracting off-topic conversation

Tabling: Basic Set-Up

• At your table you should have:– Literature (like our “What is an Atheist” brochure)– A flyer, pamphlet, etc. about your group that people can take with

them– A sign-up sheet for people who want more info about your group

• Also consider having:– Candy! (Yes, it really does help)– A white-board – An event/game

Common Questions

• You should be familiar with and have answers to these common questions:1. Why are you an atheist? When did you become one?2. Can you be moral without being religious? 3. What purpose is there without religion?4. Is atheism a religion?5. Where did life or the cosmos come from if they weren’t created?6. Is there an afterlife?7. Were you ever religious?

Tabling: Potential issues

• While tabling you may encounter:– Evangelists, naysayers, hecklers, etc.– Loud/Heated arguments

• It’s important to remember:– Always remain calm and non-violent– Ask people politely, but firmly, to leave the table– If people don’t cooperate, contact your campus’

authorities

Tabling: Potential Issues Cont.

• What do you say to someone who is causing a problem?– One example:

“I understand that you are passionate about this topic, but this conversation is distracting our group from concentrating on our table. If you’d like to continue this conversation elsewhere, please do, but we’re going to have to ask you to move along, please.”

• Can you think of any others? • Practice your responses!

Further Training & Resources

• Watch this video on how to table like a pro. • Check out our FAQ for more common questions and

answers.• Visit our website for great articles on Ask an Atheist

day activities and ideas.

Good Luck!

Contact us if you have any questions

or problems!

Organizer@secularstudents.org