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.
Pre-Launch Media Coverage
As we near our launch on Tuesday, October 11th, coverage of Charlotte's first street magazine has increased. This is a good thing. As much as possible, we want to make the vendor's job easier–by spreading the word and driving customers to them.
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."
My Heart is Full: An Evening at the Urban Ministry Center
“I feel like I should go home and cry,” I thought to myself after leaving the Urban Ministry Center. My heart was full and I had a big smile on my face after attending the UMC’s Artworks945 Art Auction and Sale on September 10th.
Learn About Speak Up
