🌎 Collectivizing

Thank you for your interest in setting up your own version of The Tea Stand!
This document is meant to overview what equipment is needed to do so.

I alternate between this KingCamp table (larger, sturdier) and this Helinox table (lighter)

For a 5-hour Popup in a well-trafficked park, I’d suggest preparing 30-50 servings (5-6 oz)
Know all tea ingredients before serving in case of allergies and/or drug interactions (e.g. St. Johns-wort interacts with SSRIs)
For hot tea:
- I pre-bag tea using compostable, unbleached empty tea bags
- You can also serve bagged tea, but confirm the bags are not bleached nor contain microplastics (helpful reference)
- I bring a reusable jug of water (I use NYC tap water)
- I use a JetBoil camping stove to heat water to 175F
  - Requires propane
  - Requires a digital thermometer
- I use a thermos to keep the water at 175F
For cold tea:
- I pre-brew tea (using these) and bring it in thermoses which will keep it cold for hours

This is probably the biggest challenge! Do not underestimate it!
I use my bike:
- Two grocery pannier bags clipped on the bike rack
- DIY lawn signs and duffel bag bungie corded atop the bike rack
- Estimated 30 pounds of weight (mostly water)!
  - Consider filling up jug at park for a lighter load

For temperatures below 70°F, bring a warm layer, sitting still gets chilly!
For temperatures below 50°F, I dress as if it’s 30°F — thermals, long underwear, hat, gloves, warm socks, etc. Do not underestimate the cold!
I have not attempted to set up The Tea Stand in temperatures below 25°F
Sunglasses are always helpful to have on hand

Please review our Manifesto! If we do not share these values – stillness, openness, liberation for all – this may not be a good fit.

We will send more info on how to practice these values at The Tea Stand later on!

To encourage mindfulness and a distraction-free environment, the host of The Tea Stand should not use their phone! Exceptions include:
- Sharing exact location via IG at beginning of the event
- Taking photos
- Emergencies
Pen and paper can be used to exchange contact info, document interactions and observations, etc.

Without signs, expect few visitors (which is fine, it's up to you!)
I use two upcycled lawn signs (photo below) with "free tea for all" in the 3 most popular languages in the neighborhoods I frequent

I use a small mug — I place the empty cups in it prior to pouring to keep the cup stable and prevent spills

I use a copper teapot for cash donations and have a Venmo QR code tied to the handle
Donations are never expected nor suggested, but always appreciated

I use agave syrup instead of honey because it’s vegan and it doesn’t get viscous in the cold

To lay out the thermoses, tea, etc. by my side – it provides aesthetic, sanitary, and organizational value