turned down for a booth...

tessaeliz3 · 01-07-2009, 10:20 AM

I'm trying to decide if I should just let this go, or if there's something else I may be able to do. I've done a booth with Pledge for Life organization for about 4 years. I used to be in a direct sales company and they let me set up even though the idea of the program is family education. I just tried to get in with a doula booth and they told me no. I'm pretty dissapointed since doulaing is really new in my area and really want to work on educating the public. Any ideas on persuading them to let me in? They had not heard of a doula before so I sent them info on CAPPA and DONA along with a little blub.

gentlebeginnings · 01-07-2009, 10:42 AM

I think I would try to find out why they told you no. Sending the CAPPA & DONA info was a great idea though! Maybe you could explain a little more what you might have in your booth. Most people (or companies) are fearful of the unknown. Explain to them that doulas are not common in your area and you would really like for women/couples to be aware of this option, that you would like to educate the community. I'm not sure if any of this helps or not. Good luck though! If they don't allow you to have a booth at this time, I would certainly try again later until they get the message!!

b'earth angel · 01-07-2009, 12:40 PM

i too would inquire as to the reason for the denial. This will likely give you the answer to what you need to do to proceed. What exactly is Pledge for Life anyway? I might try to explain the link between being a doula and what they are trying to accomplish, etc.

tessaeliz3 · 01-08-2009, 01:04 PM

Well, the reason for denial *I THINK* is that when I mentioned doula it scared them and they didn't know what it was. What they told me was that they were full. Now here's the sticky part. I have a friend that works in another area of the organization, and it's not full.

So, I guess I just need to try again next year and by then maybe they will have seen me around enough to know I'm not too scary.

b'earth angel · 01-08-2009, 01:54 PM

I think that I might try again. You just never know. And the worst that they can say is no?

sleepingbaby · 01-31-2009, 01:37 AM

I might try to send a letter saying that you did a booth selling xyz for the last several years and it was a great experience you are now working as a doula, explain what a doula is in detail, fitting in how it relates to them and say if any space opens up please be sure to contact me/put me on a waiting list.