This event is ideal for general conservative groups or libertarian groups that wish to promote fiscal responsibility and limited government.   

Give out free Halloween candy and attach salient information about current tax issues.  This is a non-confrontational way to educate people on the benefits of limited government and lower taxes.  

For instance, hand out “bailout candy” and on each piece post an informational note card about the effect of bailouts on the average taxpayer.  Or do the same but with “stimulus candy,” and attach notes describing the cost to the taxpayer and the jobs lost despite the stimulus.  You decide what information goes on the candy.  Be creative.

This event should occur on or around Halloween.    

HOW TO TAKE ACTION

1. Collect the materials needed for the event.  Select the issues you shall highlight. Obviously, you need candy.  You will also need a table, materials to make posters, and informational tags attached to the candy. Note cards or printed slip of paper work well.

2. Reserve space on campus for the event. Contact the Student Activities Office and attempt to reserve the most high-traffic area available. 

3. Invite allied organizations.  Ask other organizations on campus or in the outside community you think would be interested in fighting government expansion and high taxes to contribute to the purchase of supplies or join you in handing out candy.  This is a great way to strengthen cooperation between different groups in the conservative movement, and to increase attendance and volunteers in the form of members of the other groups.  Also encourage these groups to hand out the candy at their weekly meetings.

4. Advertise!  Success depends on how well you publicize your event, so you should advertise early and often. This doesn’t necessarily mean paid advertising; “earned media” may work even better for you. Click here to learn several important publicity measures to use before, during, and after the event. Be creative. Use common Halloween imagery with a free-market twist to promote the event, such as a Jack-o-Lantern with dollar signs for eyes.

5. Prepare for opposition. Keep a video camera available at all times, and record any aggression -– both verbal and physical. If some behaves belligerently, ask why he or she objects to your exercise of your right to free speech.  For more information on how to deal with opposition on campus, reference "Fight Back."Also prepare for candy thieves who, regardless of political ideology, can sink your event without absorbing any of the pertinent information.

6. Create a schedule.  Organize which people will be at the event at what time. Make sure you have at least one person who can talk to the media there or available to be immediately contacted at all times; you never know when members of the media will appear.

7. Trick or Treat!  Make sure your group members maintain enthusiasm throughout the day and are prepared to explain the reasoning behind the event to all comers.  Keep an eye on the candy at all times.

8. Advertise! (again) The fact that your event is over does not mean that your public relations work is done. Earned media can be extremely useful to you. Click here to learn several important follow-up publicity measures to do after the event is finished.