Mode 2: Signal Actions

Effort: Very Low · Reach: High Visibility Bursts · Sponsor: Optional

Short-duration, high-visibility presence. Your “corner sign” model. Maximum impression per minute of effort.

When to Use This Mode

You want high visibility without sustained commitment
You want to test messages quickly before investing in larger formats
You have access to a busy intersection, overpass, or venue entrance
You have 15–30 minutes and a few people willing to show up

Critical Success Factor

Legibility beats passion.

A sign read at 40 mph by 500 cars beats a perfectly crafted paragraph read by 5 people. Every design decision must serve readability, not self-expression.

Volunteer Requirements

No facilitation skills required
1–4 people per session; more creates visual impact
Commitment: 15–30 minutes per session
Works independently or with a small group

Materials Kit

Self-serve:

Foam board signs (22x28 minimum); black text on white or yellow
Markers (3” chisel tip minimum) for hand-lettered versions
Optional: printed vinyl banner for repeating locations

Sponsor-supported additions:

Professionally printed corrugated plastic signs (24x36)
Vinyl banner with grommets for overpass or fence display
Pre-printed sign inventory for regional deployment

Approved Headlines

These have been validated for 2-second readability:

“AI Risk Is Real”
“Pause Before It’s Too Late”
“Who Controls Superintelligence?”
“Ask About AI Safety”
“AI Needs Oversight Now”

Design Rules

3–5 words maximum per sign face
No paragraph text; no bullet lists
High contrast only: black on white, black on yellow, white on red
Secondary QR code optional (bottom corner, 2” minimum)
Must be readable in 2 seconds at 40 mph; test this before your session

Step-by-Step Setup

Choose your location. Busy intersections with red lights, pedestrian-heavy areas, overpass railings (where legal), venue entrances before large events. Check local ordinances on sign holding in public rights-of-way.
Verify legality. Most jurisdictions allow sign-holding on public sidewalks. Overpass banners and median standing may require permits. Know your local rules.
Brief your group. Everyone holds signs facing traffic. No verbal engagement required; the sign does the work. Volunteers do not debate, argue, or engage with hostile responses.
Run the session. 15–30 minutes is typical. Stay on public property. Be courteous.
Log the session. Record location, date, headcount, approximate vehicle/pedestrian count, and any notable reactions.
Rotate messages. Use different headlines across sessions to test which drives more QR scans.

Talk-Track (For Pedestrian Encounters)

If someone stops and asks:

“We’re raising awareness about AI safety policy — it’s a nonpartisan issue that affects everyone. Here’s a card with more information if you’re interested.” [hand QR card]

Do not engage in extended debate on the sidewalk. Direct to QR. Move on.

Success Metrics

Sessions run per month
Estimated impressions (vehicle count × session minutes / dwell estimate)
QR scan lift on session days vs. baseline
Message variants tested

AAR Notes

When filing your AAR for this mode:

Location and duration
Headcount and sign variants used
Estimated traffic volume
QR scan count (if session-specific QR used)
Any notable interactions or incidents

Static Presence — leave materials at the location after your session
Interactive Booths — upgrade to sustained engagement with a table setup
Digital Amplification — the QR destination your signs point to