Johns Hopkins University Fair

The initial call for volunteers to staff the ASUSA table at the JHU Spring Fair has gone out to those on the Challenge To Religion Listserve. If you would like to be on that list, please contact Don Wharton, (donwharton@yahoo.com) and ask him to send you an invitation to join Religion Reality Check listserve. Of course, we need more people to get involved with ASUSA.

 Everyone who worked the table last year said they enjoyed it. Some said they had not thought it could be fun.

We are getting to the point of setting the schedule of appearance, so let me know what your preferred date(s) and time(s) are (see below for DETAILS), including those who have previously responded.

Your response has been gratifying. Almost enough people have volunteered to take care of the basic need. Now what we rally need are 4-5 people to assure we have someone to relieve those who want to take some personal time (for debate, e.g.) and help us make the table appear to be busy (so's to attract others). On the other hand, stuff happens, so we may need people to take over when someone can't be there.

Last year the table was quite busy and everyone staffing the table - at one time 6 people - were busy, other times they weren't,  but better to have and not need than need and not have. You'll agree with this if you concur that the mission is more important than a little personal discomforture. There is a lot of activity at the fair which should entertain those who are not otherwise occupied.

I suggest we adopt some appearance code. My thought is that people are more likely to favorably respond to our opinion polls if we dress semi or quasi or sorta like professional. The only criteria I would put forth is let's avoid regular T-shirts, cutoffs, and Jesus Sandals. 

Ideas that worked last year:  1) We will be semi-representing several different  organizations (having their materials to hand out) - this  should encourage more people to "stop to shop", there should be no boredom.  2) We will not, as a table, encourage debate, but should you so desire there will be someone available to occupy your slot at the table so you may do so. 3) Food and beverage will be available at the table for your refreshment. 4) We will have posted news items for perusal, surveys, and  opinion polls for participation by those interested - this is not a "pick 'em up and move 'em out" operation. This is a table to pique further interest rather than people nodding at us as they pass by. 5) This is a lead generation effort (as in getting people's opinion and possible further contact) for non-believers  and  secularists, not a recruiting table.  6) We will be encouraging people to visit our website, www.ReligionRealityCheck.org.  7) We can't promise a hilarious adventure, but are doing everything we can to make it enjoyable, presuming you are not a curmudgeon or misanthropist.

But wait, there's more! All staffers will be honored at a party not long after the Spring Fair experience. 

Please reply to this email or telephone me, Richard, at 703.465.8701 or 214.395.9516 with your contact info so we can arrange shared rides and scheduling. - Richard

 FURTHER DETAILS: JHU Spring Fair.... Go to this website for campus orientation: http://www.jhu.edu/tour/map.html  Note there will be a shuttle to  take us from the Eastern parking to the Garland parking, about two blocks from the table location; perhaps closer. We don't yet have our assigned space so I will get it to you as soon as I have it. Should you not get or retain the info, you can ask anyone wearing a "Volunteer" or "Staff" vest for the ASUSA site.

Please plan on arriving and setting up at the Johns Hopkins Campus by 10:30 am Friday April 21; from 8 am until 10:30 am you will be able to unload your materials from the Garland visitors' lot and relocate your vehicle to the Eastern lot - after that time parking and unloading will be restricted to the Eastern lot only.

On Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23, you may arrive 7 am until 9 am to set up. If you require assistance in unloading your materials please call our office to schedule  a specific time to arrive. Upon your arrival to the Homewood Campus you will receive your exact table location within the Fair Layout.

Due to the large volume of vendors and visitors arriving at the Fair, parking may be difficult to secure at later times during the day; we suggest that you arrive early and stay for the duration of the day, each day of Fair. 

There will be shuttles running continuously from the parking lot to the Johns Hopkins University starting at 7:30am. These shuttles will run approximately every 15 minutes from 7:30 to 11am and 4pm to 7pm, and approximately every 30 minutes between those times. We recommend that you drop off your merchandise at the designated unloading zone and then proceed to the parking lot. There will be staff members at the unloading zones and security on campus, however, if you are uncomfortable leaving your goods unattended while you park your car, we recommend you bring another person to watch your spot. You are also welcome to park at metered parking spots around campus, however, we cannot guarantee that these spots will be available for you to use. 

Rules and Regulations: Hours of Operation: Friday, April 21,12pm - 7pm. Saturday, April 22 10am - 6pm. Sunday, April 23, 10am - 6pm.

Load and Unload: Plan to arrive by 10:30 am on Friday; although parking will be limited to the Eastern lot and public streets for the entire day, you will be able to unload from the Garland visitors' lot until 10:30 am. Saturday and Sunday you will be able to park in the Wyman road as well as the Eastern and public streets.