Phellowship Tabling Instructions
Hello and thank you for your interest in chairing The Phellowship's table! The only requirement for chairing the table is that you have over 1 year clean and sober in some form of recovery program. Though the Phellowship is open to all who choose to live a clean and sober lifestyle, we feel it is important that the chair people have a recovery background that will provide the experience necessary in helping newcomers with questions about addiction.
The following guidelines have been created to help you be as prepared as possible during your service working the table. We cannot anticipate everything that may occur and ask that you use your best judgment in dealing with situations that may arise. As a table worker, you are a representative of the Phellowship at all times. Keeping this in mind, we ask that you refrain from any vending and cooperate entirely with all venue personnel and management, and any band crew, personnel or management. Being able to have a table at the show is a great privilege and one that can easily be revoked if it is not respected.
Keep in mind that everyone is entitled to his or her opinion and not all will appreciate what the Phellowship is doing. We ask that when dealing with these people, and anyone for that matter, you avoid arguments or debates and maintain an attitude of kindness, patience and tolerance. Kindly let them know that your purpose is to provide support to those who seek it, not to debate the issues. You may simply tell one The Phellowship as a group, have no opinion on outside issues concerning drug or alcohol use and simply want to be part of, not separate from the Phish scene. Also remember that those who heckle might need us most in the future. Let them know by "attraction" that we'll be there. Thank you again for your interest in serving. We hope you find this to be an interesting and rewarding opportunity.
Entrance Instructions
We cannot emphasize how important it is to be on time! TRY TO BE EARLY!!! Plan on arriving when the lots open and at least 1&1/2 hours BEFORE DOORS! Plan ahead for traffic problems, delays, and parking problems. Bring lots of candy for the table and reimburse yourself from the donation can. Once you get to the venue report to the WILL CALL area (if you don't know where it is keep asking people until you find out!), and tell the person at the window you are with the Phellowship, a non-profit organization that is on tour with the band and sets up a table inside. They probably won't know what you are talking about so tell them you are waiting for a Waterwheel person to escort you in. They will call or get on the radio and find out. Have something like a homemade sign or yellow balloon to identify yourself as well. Ask others standing around if they are waiting for the Waterwheel to escort them in as usually there are Waterwheel volunteers at the same spot you are waiting for the same thing. Keep an eye out for this!!! Wait patiently, they are very busy before the show, and WILL come out to get you when they get a chance. WAIT PATIENTLY AND KEEP AN EYE OUT TO WHAT IS GOING ON! 30 minutes before doors, go to the window again if you haven't found other people waiting to be escorted in and tell the person behind the window again who you are and are still waiting for the Waterwheel to escort you in. Once you get in follow any instructions completely, get the supply bin from the Waterwheel people, set up where they tell you to, stay at the table, refrain from wondering around, or going into the venue proper for sound check. Once set up, relax and wait for doors. People will instantly find you and the fun will begin! Have fun, dance, laugh, and interact with anyone who is curious as to what the Phellowship is!!! Offer them candy, and free little sticker, and smile. We ask a dollar donation for the big stickers, but if people really want one and don't have any money, give them one! Have a sign that says "Meeting at Setbreak" And start the meeting with our preamble found in the newsletter, and pass a yellow balloon around for those who are sharing. End with a sobriety countdown and the Serenity Prayer.
At the end of the show, BEFORE THE ENCORE, pack everything up, and get the bin back to the Waterwheel table where it was given to you ASAP.
Make a note of anything missing, or supplies that are low and contact Jay O about this. Mail the donations in a money order or check to:
Karen Powell, 389 Old Stage Rd, Essex Junction, VT 05452-2517
Please print these instructions and follow them carefully. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Have a great show!