Speak Up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
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Since 2011, Speak Up has been publishing work from writers who had no other voice. Through 90 issues of an award-winning print magazine (“Speak Up”), hundreds of writers facing homelessness gave voice to their pain, hope, and diverse perspectives.
Gather with strangers in public places. Write to shared prompts. Magic happens!
In Speak Up writing communities, people come together across so-called impassable chasms—homeless versus non-homeless, this race versus that race, left versus right—and do the deeply human work of creating, writing, sharing together.
About
History, press, and leadership
Speak Up began as a magazine written and sold by people facing homelessness. Fifteen years later it is an ecosystem: giving voice, caring for the poor, empowering leaders, life-changing prayer, creativity, and more.
Milestones
2011October 2011 — first issue of Speak Up published and sold on the streets of Charlotte.
2013Seed20 Award winner!
2014Expansion! Speak Up Traverse City launches in northern Michigan.
2018Published 35 issues in a single year.
2019Issue 90 printed! We called it “the final issue.” Spoiler: it wasn’t the last one!
2021Going digital: embraced Substack. Homeless vendors explored selling subscriptions.
2024Writing groups launch.
Leadership
Executive Director
Matt Shaw
Board of Directors
- Andy Tonkin
- Ann Nelson
- Robert Forquer
Previous Board Members
Andrea Beane, Bill Shaw, Bruce Simpson, Cesar Silva, Elizabeth Marx, Eric Gorman, John Clarke, Lindsay DaCosta, Lisa Koons, Lynnea Imhoff, Phil Felten, Troy Felten.
In the news
Press since 2011
2024Speak Up writing groups featured on SC Public Radio
2023 · Charleston City PaperA writer’s life on — and off — the streets
2020 · Spectrum News 1Magazine Gives Voice to Charlotte’s Homeless Community
2019 · Queen City NerveSpeak Up Magazine Provides Platform for Charlotte’s Homeless
2018 · INSP AwardsBest Vendor Contribution, winner
More coverage
2017 · INSP AwardsBest News Feature nominee: Charlotte protests, a vendor’s view
2016 · International Network of Street PapersCharlotte protests: a street paper vendor’s view from the epicentre of unrest
2016 · International Network of Street PapersVendor wishes: “We want to get our daughter back”
2015 · Axios CharlotteHas Charlotte made progress in ending homelessness?
2014 · WFAE 90.7Speak Up Magazine: Giving a Voice to Charlotte’s Homeless
2013 · Creative Loafing CharlotteSpeak Up magazine gets a second chance
2011 · Charlotte MagazineSpeak Up, the People’s Publication
2011 · CLT BlogWord on the Street: Charlotte’s First Street Mag
2011 · Crossroads CharlotteNew street paper wants to ‘Speak Up’ for Charlotte’s homeless
Events
Next meetings
Contact
Newsletter and email
Newsletter
Contact
Donate
Speak Up is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Your gift supports this entire ecosystem: homeless outreach, writing groups, prayer room, and more.
Checks
To Speak Up
P.O. Box 36813
Rock Hill, SC 29732
Speak Up is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity. Donations are tax-deductible.