outreach booth

Well, this I guess is still witihin the world of permaculture, but I've been thinking a lot lately about what makes a good 'booth' set up at an outreaching event. I've participated in many and one of the only constants I've found is that giving stuff away for free is always enticing. But that sure doesn't work if the permie group or whatever doesn't have much funds.

Even then, the conversation will often be about the free plants or the free worm bins or whatever, not branching too far into bigger sustainability issues.

I've tried 'libraries' at outreach events but that's not so enticing so far. I also wonder about creating space physically, nice chairs or even couch, for people to sit and chat away about sustainability.

What are other ideas out there? What are the info booths that we like to visit and why?

Also in thinking about this I don't want to feel into the overly evangelistic realm. My goal with outreach booths is: 1)share information with people who will find it interesting 2) be clear so that the 'right' folks (new members or whatever) will be able to identify us and come over and join up

Ideas?

I wonder if a good article might help.  Something that appeals to the masses:  "use your brain to reduce your weeding!" Maybe if you are handing out three or four goofy, yet accurate, articles along with the other info, you will attract more folks and get your info into more hands. 

A list of upcoming events can be cool too!

What about something they can see, to start a discussion in the desirable direction?

Once upon a time when I first got on the internet, I saw a lovely tiny model of a backyard, tiny paving stones, potted plants, twig benches, trellises, gazing balls.... you get the 'picture'.

It would be a lot of work, but what about a 3-D model of a permaculture acre or something, laid out like one of those little train boards, but all permie stuff: passive solar house, PVs on roof, rainwater harvesting, shadehouse, sunroom/attached greenhouse, black water-filled barrels for solar gain in the greenhouse, solar hot water heater, trellises, spiral herb garden, veg garden (keyhole), chicken house/rotation yards/gardens/orchard, fish pond, etc.

Nothing grabs people like visuals that they can understand.

Sue

I think sue hit the hot button. you need something that will draw peoples interest as they pass and compell them to explore. That can be accomplished with a visual prestentation much easier than with words. I read everthing my eyes fall across but I know many who don't.

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words.  I think a visual 3D model would be worth more than that.

It could be made in sections that could just be pushed toether. It would be trickier to do, but suppose you made the model as separate permaculture zones?  Harder to pack, though.

Actually, this sounds like fun, doesn't it? Yeah, like I need something more on my 35-foot-long list.....

Sue