Give Them Something!

(From the One-Minute Liberty Tip section in Volume 18, No. 18 of the Liberator Online. Subscribe here!)

Maybe you’ve just met someone at a party. You’ve had a great discussion about libertarianism. Now it’s time to leave. You may never see this person again.

Or you’ve just delivered a speech on libertarianism to a service club or high school class. You’re thanking the teacher for inviting you and thanking the class for their questions. In a moment you’ll be gone.

Or you mention to your cab driver as you return to the airport that you’ve been to a libertarian conference, and he says “Libertarians — yeah, I’ve been hearing more and more about them.” And now, after a good conversation, you’re stepping out of the cab.

Don’t overlook the crucial last step in your conversation. Don’t let their current interest and enthusiasm and curiosity dwindle away. Act right now — while they are eager to learn more.

Give them something.

Give them some way for them to easily continue their investigations into libertarian ideas and the libertarian movement. Give them information. Give them a web address or email address or other contacts.

Here are some suggestions.

World’s Smallest Political Quiz cards: The Quiz card is designed for this. It’s an outreach kit on a card. The Quiz itself is fun, irresistible, and eye-opening. The back has links to solid, persuasive information about libertarianism.

Quiz cards are attractive and easy to carry in a wallet, purse, pocket, glove compartment, etc. I always have them with me.

Give them more than one. “Here’s one for you — and a few to share.” You can hand-write your contact information, or the name of a libertarian organization or website you’re familiar with, on the card when you give it to them.

Other cards: Don’t have a Quiz card handy? (Shame on you! 🙂 Give them a business card, or any other piece of paper handy, with a good libertarian website or other information. Don’t just write down the web address or email address. Write something like: “More info on libertarianism” so when they see the paper again, they’ll know what it is. If appropriate, give your own contact info as well.

Books: If you want to give a book, there are several great introductory books.Libertarianism In One Lesson is renowned as the best short introduction to libertarianism available. Mary Ruwart’s Healing Our World is especially appealing to concerned, compassionate, spiritually-inclined idealists who want to make the world a better place. David Boaz’s Libertarianism: A Primer is one of the best all-around introductions to libertarianism.

Other: Does your local libertarian organization have a card, a hand-out, an introductory pamphlet? If so, keep some handy. If the person is local to you, and you want to talk further with them, give them your email address or phone number.

As the Boy Scouts famously advise: Be prepared!

Help make that unexpected conversation, that successful presentation, that great talk with your niece, the beginning of a longer journey into libertarianism.

Make it easy for them to take the next step.

Give them something.