🍵 How to Serve Free Tea

This document serves as an overview for serving free tea to strangers in public spaces. Please review prior to your takeover!

Technically...

This is all pretty simple. I'll be handling the set up & break down, so you don't need to worry about any of that. All you need to do is show up with a snack in appropriate attire (more on that later).

Below are outlines of the main tasks you'll be performing. I'll show you how to do them step-by-step on the day of your takeover, so no need to memorize anything!

Hot Water Workflow

Pour water from plastic jug into camping stove
Use camping stove (twist fuel lever, press igniter button) to heat water to 80°C
Pour water from camping stove into thermos
Repeat as necessary (ideally thermos is full at all times)

Pouring & Serving

Tea bag first
Ask if they want agave syrup (sweetener)
Pour water
Always stir, it helps with steeping!
Suggest visitor waits 5 minutes before drinking (to cool & steep)

Physically...

Things may get uncomfortable! Please share any access / ability concerns in advance. Here are some potential causes of discomfort and how to manage them.

Weather

Dress super, super warm. Subtract 20° from the actual temperature and dress for that – sitting still gets quite chilly! Please do not underestimate this!!!
In case of rain: put the zines and punch cards in the black duffel bag (it's waterproof) and put the lid on the donation teapot. If it's raining too hard for you to tolerate, give me a call.
In case of high winds: use the rocks on the table to hold down any materials which are blowing away

Bathroom

If you need to use the bathroom, first try the public bathroom in the center of the park (it's fairly gross). If it's closed / too gross, you can go to this bodega on the corner, just tell them you're with the "tea guy".
Ask a visitor / stranger to watch things over while you're gone. If you're worried, just give me a call and I'll come over from my apartment.
The more tea you drink, the more you'll have to pee :)

Hunger

Bring a lil snack! Ideally something quick and clean, like a granola bar or a sandwich. If you're hungry and have no food, give me a call and I'll bring something over to you.

**Tea Stand visitors are as tough as they come... and so are YOU!**

Spiritually...

We are not just serving tea! We are engaging in authentic, non-judgemental conversations with our neighbors. We are here to listen, to learn, to serve and receive. Below are some grounding principles and how we practice them.

Stillness

Keep distractions to a minimum (no phones, no books, no music, etc.)
Be curious about your environment — what type of people are in the park? What are they doing? How do they seem? Try not to zone out — zone in!
Generally, let visitors engage on their own terms rather than roping people in

Trust

Practicing non-judgement is a demonstration of trust. Accept people as they are and speak with sincerity. Remember our motto: free tea for all!

**More proof of Tea Stand visitors being TOUGH in the rain.**

A few final notes...

Answering Questions / Your Role

You are not expected to answer every question that comes your way about The Tea Stand. However, please review our FAQ in advance of your takeover.
You are encouraged to speak about your own creative work and personal life. You are not just subbing in for me, you are also there to connect with people in an authentic way!

Safety & NYPD

While harassment is rare at The Tea Stand, it's more likely for femme / POC / queer folks and on days when the park is less busy. Please place your safety above all else and let me know if there’s anything I can do to support you in this. Keep these de-escalation techniques in mind should you need them, and please call me if you need me at any point – I will be ready to come at a moment's notice.

Recently, for the first time, several armed NYPD officers approached The Tea Stand and asked intimidating questions about our presence in the park. After a few minutes, they told me my table didn't comply with regulations (it has to be bigger, apparently, which is absolute nonsense) and left. If NYPD or Parks Enforcement Patrol approaches The Tea Stand, please say you're just watching things over for your friend and give me a call. Don't feel the need to answer leading questions – you can simply say you are helping your friend who is serving free tea in the park.

In closing: we cannot control who visits parks or how they behave. However, we can be a positive influence and a responsible neighbor by being a compassionate observer, a peaceful presence, and an active participant in our public spaces.

This document is a work in progress! If you have any suggestions, concerns, or questions, please reach out :)