Guide for Getting to the Pumps

Guidelines for volunteers discussing rising gas prices and the economic impact of the war with Iran at gas stations.

Gas stations are busy, privately operated spaces where safety comes first. The goal is to have respectful, voluntary conversations, share verifiable information, and give people an opportunity to learn more through aafpolicy.org.

Do

1Plan your outreach action.

  • Identify a gas station(s) where you will be able to engage with a sizable amount of people.
  • Make a poster with a question to invite them to engage and feel more comfortable doing so. (Example: “How Do You Feel About the Price of Gas?”)
  • Print a minimum of 30 copies of the flyer for 1 hour of outreach on the day of the action from aafpolicy.org to ensure you have the most updated gas price estimates.
  • Wear plain clothes without slogans and activist phrasing.
  • Plan to go in broad daylight (or after work before sunset) and relatively good weather conditions
  • Make it a friend hangout activity! Always have at least 1 other person join you, though 3-4 people are recommended.

2Put safety and respect first.

  • Approach someone after they have gotten out of their car - either once they have started fueling or are walking back from their car.
  • Stand at a safe distance from the person and make your presence known as you are approaching.
  • Walk up with a partner when possible
  • Respect the station’s rules and any restrictions on outreach–if permission is denied or withdrawn, leave politely.

3Be respectful of people’s time and space.

  • Ask permission before starting a conversation.
  • Keep your introduction brief and allow people to decide whether to engage.
  • Listen to questions and concerns without interrupting.
  • Thank people for their time, even when they disagree.

4Use accurate, up-to-date information.

  • Review the latest figures and sources on aafpolicy.org before going out, the numbers update daily.
  • Clearly distinguish documented prices from estimates of war-related costs.
  • If you don’t know an answer, acknowledge it rather than guessing.

5Let people explore the information themselves.

  • Offer the flyer or direct people to the website.
  • Explain that the website includes a personalized fuel-cost calculator, sources, and additional resources.
  • Let individuals scan the QR code using their own phones.
  • Encourage people to evaluate the information and reach their own conclusions.

6Be transparent about who you are.

  • Identify your involvement with AAFP accurately.
  • Explain that AAFP describes itself as a volunteer-run, grassroots initiative not affiliated with a political party or candidate.
  • Direct questions about organizational leadership, funding, or official positions to the appropriate AAFP contact.

Don’t

1Don’t create hazards or interfere with business operations.

  • Don’t block pumps, vehicles, driveways, sidewalks, entrances, or exits.
  • Don’t touch pumps, fuel equipment, or customers’ vehicles.
  • Don’t approach people when inserting or removing fuel nozzles.
  • Don’t distract drivers maneuvering through the station.

2Don’t pressure or pursue anyone.

  • Don’t interrupt someone who is clearly busy, distressed, or uninterested.
  • Don’t follow people to their vehicles or continue after they decline.
  • Don’t surround anyone or stand in a way that restricts their movement.
  • Don’t repeatedly approach the same person.

3Don’t argue, provoke, or escalate.

  • Don’t raise your voice, insult people, or respond aggressively to disagreement.
  • Don’t assume someone’s political beliefs based on their appearance or comments.
  • Don’t engage in confrontations with customers, employees, or other groups.
  • If a situation becomes tense or unsafe, disengage and move away.

4Don’t exaggerate or misrepresent the facts.

  • Don’t present estimates as exact figures or claim every gas-price increase is solely attributable to the war.
  • Don’t mix statistics covering different time periods without explaining the difference.
  • Don’t use outdated figures without identifying their dates.
  • Don’t invent answers or make claims you cannot substantiate.
  • Don’t rely on emotional appeals (ie. “You should care about the war because people are being killed!”

5Don’t violate people’s privacy.

  • Don’t photograph, film, or record individuals without their permission.
  • Don’t collect personal information or pressure people to complete the contact form.
  • Don’t publish identifiable images or conversations without consent.

6Don’t misrepresent AAFP or its activities.

  • Don’t claim to speak officially for AAFP unless authorized.
  • Don’t promise organizational support, resources, or actions you cannot deliver.
  • Don’t present personal opinions as official AAFP positions.
  • Don’t endorse a candidate or political party on AAFP’s behalf.

7Don’t remain where you’re not welcome.

  • Don’t argue with staff or managers about permission.
  • Don’t continue outreach after being asked by staff or managers to stop or leave.
  • Don’t treat a refusal as an invitation to negotiate.

Before You Go: Quick Checklist

  • Review the latest information and sources on aafpolicy.org
  • Confirm your flyers and QR codes work
  • Make a big poster with a question to help people feel comfortable engaging with you.
  • Arrange to go with at least 1 other person
  • Agree on how to handle refusals, complaints, or unsafe situations
  • Know when to end the activity and leave