Handing Out Leaflets

Now that you have your leaflets, it's time to hit the streets! The following tips will help you make the most of your leafleting time:

• Don't wait for people to approach you; few will. Walk up to them, and with a friendly smile, hand them a leaflet accompanied by a positive comment like, "Here's some info on why we're here today." Then move on.
• Try to make eye contact with passersby. Don't be pushy; simple eye contact will help you get their attention.
• Hold the leaflet so that the title can be clearly seen by passersby.
• Prepare some brief answers ahead of time to questions such as, "Who's doing this?" or "What's this all about?"
• Take people's telephone numbers (ask for both work and cell phone numbers) if they seem interested, but don't get caught up in a conversation that distracts you from your job.
• Don't waste time arguing. Say politely, "I think that if you read this material, you might change your mind." Then smile, hand them a leaflet, and turn away.
• Try to get someone else to leaflet with you. Everything's more fun when you have a friend there to help, and an extra voice is especially helpful when you're leafleting in potentially hostile territory, such as at a circus or rodeo.
• Dress neatly and conservatively so that people will take your message seriously. Purchase a PETA T-shirt online at PETACatalog.com. It's a sad fact that people will judge you by the way you look. We don't want to distract people from our issues, so unless you're tabling at a rock concert, remove or conceal facial and body piercings.
• Don't drop leaflets into mailboxes—it is illegal. You can, however, put them through a letter slot in a door or leave them on door handles or doorsteps or, in some states and cities (be sure to check your local laws and regulations), on the windshields of cars parked on public streets.
• If you are planning to solicit contributions, check your local and state regulations first.
• Pick up discarded leaflets before you leave the area.

Posting Leaflets

Put leaflets on bulletin boards in public areas such as libraries, veterinary offices, companion animal supply stores, student unions, supermarkets, laundromats, and apartment buildings.

Try to ask permission before posting a leaflet in a public spot to make sure that it stays posted. Some places will even allow you to leave a stack of leaflets.