I was handing out zines and water at my city’s pride parade today. I had a lot of fun and had some good conversations but I was struggling to describe anarchism in a way that invited further conversation. I’ve never done tabling before and I also have terrible social anxiety so my mind wasn’t on its best behavior. Most of the conversations I had died off pretty quickly as a result.
I figured having a “script” of sorts might help me get through the start of these conversations more easily. The description I was going with alternated between “order without authority” and “opposition to domination and hierarchy”. I’m sure there’s a better way to put it so that people are more curious or at least walk away with a better understanding, if appreciate getting some help to find the words haha
David Graeber wrote one of the best summaries: https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/david-graeber-are-you-an-anarchist-the-answer-may-surprise-you Each point is easy to communicate, and each one might be enough for an elevator pitch.
One of the first pieces I read, thanks for reminding me!
I could also say inside an elevator: “Anarchism is not chaos. This is capitalist and socialist propaganda. It comes down to mutual aid. People are capable of self-organizing themselves without a boss or any authority.”
Anarchy is about living. Its against anything that that stops folks from actually living and thriving. It does so by maximizing peoples autonomy in their lives and by giving them actual self determination. For this we have to look at every part of our lives, our society, our world and scrub it free from domination. TBH just what crimethinc says in To Change Everything - an anarchist appeal lol
You are right that developing and practicing a script is a good idea! If you can practice with a comrade that is even better and may also help with anxiety.
Generally speaking, I would recommend having a clear objective of what you want people to do when they read your zine and have a conversation with you. For example, maybe you are hosting a reading group or mutual aid action and want people to join. In addition to being good organizing, this can also help your conversations because you will have that goal in mind: (1) is this someone you want to attend that event and if so, (2) how will you convince them to join?
I’ll also mention some elements of a good organizing conversation. This isn’t exhaustive but I hope it is helpful. An introduction is facilitated by a friendly question like, “have you heard about [this upcoming event]?” or, “Hi! Could I talk to you for 3 minutes about this upcoming [X]?” A smile and greeting, almost as if you already know them, is very effective at getting past the “oh no another rando talking to me” barrier. Then have your single-sentence pitch for why it is important to go t o this event and how valuable it would be for them to attend. If you can ask an open ended question about the topic before this, even better, but if you think they may not stand around very long go straight to the pitch. Importantly, have a direct ask and make it multiple times if they don’t say yes the first time. Direct asks are very powerful. They are the difference between a canvasser bringing in $0/day vs. $1000/day when doing a donation drive.
I also recommend avoiding terms that have specific meanings within your political groups but may not be understood by the general public. These are things people will learn if they come to your event or read your zone, but they will only think, “what were they talking about!?” if you use them during a first conversation. Order without authority and hierarchy are those kinds of terms. Instead think of how you would explain those concepts to sell someone on their validity and relevance to everyone’s lives, then use those more accessible explanatory terms instead. Why should someone care about unjust hierarchy and domination? Are there any salient issues you are organizing around that are about these things? Tie them together! “How Israel leverages unjust hierarchy to oppress Palestinians”, that kind of thing.
Humans are good. Politicians are shit. Shouldn’t we control our own destinies?
I just tell them they are bootlickers
That’s a good conversation opener for sure
