Every Monday at 10am, our active vendors are asked to show up for a meeting at Speak Up. Often they bring friends to learn more about selling the magazine and to sign up. Sometimes vendor mentors are present to connect with vendors and help them do their jobs. These meetings are a highlight for all. [...]
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Busy artist does not let being without a home define him
I met Luis Alvarez at the Urban Ministry Center's Art Auction this past October. He was dressed in a slick black suit and had spoken softly, but very articulately. He didn't have any of his work displayed that night, but he and I did have an enjoyable conversation about the importance of feng shui [...]
Partner With Us This Thanksgiving
We have a lot to be thankful for at Speak Up. The last couple of months have seen the launch of the magazine, encouraging media coverage, many new volunteers, and financial opportunity for nearly two dozen homeless vendors. Here’s a comment from one of our vendors: “I went to so many different ministries asking if [...]
Purpose
I'm just tired of doing nothing. This gives me a chance to do something meaningful.Everett, vendor
The above comment came from the newest Speak Up vendor. He'd been referred by another vendor and walked into the office this morning excited about the opportunity. "I've been in Charlotte my whole life," he said. "Before this office was even here. I used work roofing, construction, all over the place. But its been awhile [...]
Misinformation
"You can't be here! It's against the law for you to sell here."Security Guard
This was told to one of our vendors by a security guard near an uptown college campus. He was selling Speak Up magazine on a sidewalk. Our vendor apologized to the guard and started to move on. I happened to be nearby and intervened. The security guard called the supervisor, who called the property manager, [...]
At Barcamp 6: A Chat with Matt and Thurman
Tom Bonner put together this video following an interview with Matt and Thurman at Charlotte's BarCamp 6 in October 2011.
Speak Up, The People's Publication
"Thomas Aikens, a thirty-six-year-old New York native and former crack addict, has lived on the streets of Charlotte for roughly four years…"
Homeless Documentary
A short film about homelessness in Charlotte, NC. Made in spring 2011.
Vendor Meeting Inches Speak Up Closer to Official Launch
According to Matt Shaw, the evolution of Speak Up magazine is a process that moves inch by inch. "I mean, really," says Shaw. "We started something from nothing."
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