Andrew L, College of William and Mary, {Someplace East}

        Many College and Universities have a "Activities Fair"
where representatives of student extracurricular groups
are invited to have a table.
The following list summarizes 12 different kinds of things to take.
 
    I would like to thank the following folks
for responding to my post to UUCM-L
and providing input for this summary:
     * Mary Ann Macklin
     * Sara Reece
     * Shar Hudson
     * Amy Jo Smith
     * Christine Gresser
     _________________________________________________________________
 
    1. Big Ole Sign which says something like
        "Unitarian Universalism:
        A Liberal Religious Campus Ministry".
          + It is important to have this sign well made.
          + Make sure to figure out where
            you will be allowed to put the sign:
            For example, on wall behind table, on front of table,
            on the table itself and so on.
            This will determine what size restrictions apply.
          + You might wish to refer to the
            Specifications for General Assembly Banners sheet
            that comes with the Campus Ministry Instant Start Up Kit
            for instructions on how to make a simple banner
            that can be used in a variety of locations.
    2. A Flaming Chalice
          + Sign nearby describing history and meaning
            of our denominational symbol.
          + If your school won't allow you to set candles on fire
            during the activities fair,
            make the "flame" out of paper, red aluminum foil,
            or one of those flickering flame bulbs.
    3. A few books by and about Unitarian Universalism
        for folks to peruse.
          + The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide
            is a good quick source for folks to look at.
          + The UU Hymnbook (SLT) is another good source.
    4. Pocket cards from the UUA bookstore.
          + The What do Unitarian Universalists believe?
            red pocket card from David O Rankin.
          + Depending on your audience, the purple pamphlet
            On a Quest for Meaning:
            Reflections of Unitarian Universalist Young Adults
            can be useful.
    5. Time, date and location of kick-off gathering.
          + If you are organized,
            you may want to provide a schedule of campus ministry events
            for a few months in advance.
          + Put this information on a flyer page
            students can pick up and take home with them.
          + The flyer can also contain
            a brief description of who you are
            and a welcoming to those who want to check you out.
    6. Some type of food to give away.
          + The basic theory is that if people come over to get something
            they are more inclined to hang around and talk.
          + You may want to buy honey sticks
            at the local farmer's market.
          + Other ideas include hard candy or cookies.
          + Fresh home made goodies that taste better
            may be worth your while.
            Remember that students get plenty of pre-packaged
            industrial strength food without our help.
          + Any leftovers can be given to a local volunteer organization
            for use as on duty volunteer "munchies".
    7. A book up for a raffle which folks sign up for.
          + Huston Smith's The World's Religions is one possibility.
          + Check your congregations' book store
            or used book sale box
            for other books that offer a balanced view of religions.
          + Raffle form should include check box for
            "Contact me about Unitarian Universalist campus events."
    8. A sign-up sheet for student names and addresses.
          + Get the names and campus addresses of everyone interested.
          + Especially get e-mail addresses, if possible.
            There is no cheaper way to communicate with students.
    9. Information from local congregations.
          + Location of Sunday services.
          + Church contact information.
          + Local congregation history.
          + Church Adult Religious Education course 'catalog' or booklet.
          + Church bulletin with 'how to subscribe' info
            (both for students and for parents
            who want to get the newsletter from college town congregation)
    10. Giveaways with UU messages.
          + Magnets with contact information and regular meeting time.
          + Bookmarks with messages similar to the neto Princeton flyers
            included in the campus ministry start up pack.
          + Bumper stickers, cartoons, Packards
            and any other things students can decorate
            bland doors and white dorm walls with.
   11. Representatives prepared to answer questions such as:
          + What is Unitarian Universalism?
          + Why do you choose to be a UU?
          + When did you become UU?
   12. Time to network!
          + While you are at the activities fair,
            take time to visit the tables of kindred spirit organizations.
          + Visit the campus Gay / Lesbian / Bisexual / Transgender
            groups - you may wish to have copies of the
            Unitarian Universalism:
            A Home for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender People
            (UUA bookstore #3065) in hand.
          + Introduce yourself to any Society Of Friends (Quaker)
            or Jewish campus ministry groups.
          + If there is a campus ministry consortium at your college,
            get information on what they have to offer
            in terms of inter-denominational cooperation.
            At some colleges it is necessary to be part of this group
            to get representation at Baccalaureate.
            They may also be able to ease your access to
            on campus room scheduling and the like.
   13. Social Justice Awareness Info
          + Mary Anne Macklin said,
            "A few years ago we passed out condoms
            with AIDS Awareness Info.
            This proved too controversial for some folks;
            later we heard that some students found this too intimidating...
            while they wanted info on UUsm,
            they were uncomfortable with this awareness exercise.
            So that's up to you, your group and your campus.
            But some type of social justice awareness info can be helpful."
 
   Updated 19 August 1999 by Andrew L., aclaro@mail.wm.edu
 
 
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