Every time the Feminist Magic Market rolls around, I look forward to it. If you’ve never tabled with SHL before, I want to tell you why.
For one thing, I’ve met some of my best friends in this group standing behind an SHL table. There’s something about a few hours of chatting with strangers side by side that turns fellow volunteers into friends.
I’ve also watched several people table with us for the first time who hadn’t actually been to an SHL event before. They were humanists through and through, they just hadn’t found us yet. A few of them told me later they were nervous going in, unsure what they’d say if someone walked up and asked a tough question about atheism or humanism. Here’s the thing: it’s never actually hard. Most people who stop by aren’t looking for a debate — they’re curious, friendly, or just happy to see a booth like ours out there. And if someone does ask something you’re not sure how to answer, you’re never doing it alone. There’s always someone next to you who’s tabled more times than you have and is happy to jump in.
We’re back in the Giveback Garden again this year, alongside some genuinely great company — the Democratic Socialists of America, Lowcountry Period Pixies, a few local dog rescues, and the Palmetto State Abortion Fund. It’s a good crowd to spend an afternoon next to.
Mostly, it’s just fun. We hand out buttons and stickers, tell people SHL exists, and let the public know that you can be good without god. That’s it. That’s the whole pitch, and it lands more often than you’d think.
If you’ve been curious about tabling but weren’t sure it was for you, this is your sign. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to show up.
Sign up to volunteer here: actionnetwork.org/events/join-shl-at-the-feminist-magic-market